In Kerala, a truck owner was hailed for how he dealt with a driver’s death – until the victim’s family filed an FIR against him

Arjun’s sister, Anju, complained to police that Manaf had started a YouTube channel titled ‘Lorry Udama Manaf (Lorry Owner Manaf)’ using Arjun’s photograph, and exploited the family’s emotions for his personal gains. According to the FIR, the family said Manaf also created a situation that led to the family facing online bullying, and “communal and political hatred”.

Manaf on Friday apologised to the family and said he did not intend to cause harm. “The YouTube channel was launched to share details about the search and keep the issue alive. I have removed his photograph. I apologise to the family if I had hurt them.”

He also mentioned an incident where he took a “Muslim cleric to Arjun’s family, and that cleric gave a donation”, saying that it should not have been made a “big issue”. The incident had led to some criticism and strong reactions from social media, some of which were directed at the family.

Arjun died in the landslide at Shiroor near Ankola in Karnataka on July 16, and his body was retrieved from the Gangavali river on September 25 after a long search involving several agencies. Last Saturday, Arjun was laid to rest in Kozhikode.

After the landslide, Manaf, the owner of Kozhikode-based Sagar Koya Timber, whose truck Arjun was driving, rushed to Ankola and camped there until the body was retrieved from the mangled remains of the truck.

Back in Kerala, Manaf’s stature grew, with social media hailing him for his seeming commitment to finding the body of his employee, with his reported promise to Arjun’s mother Sheela that “I will come back only with Arjun” being particularly highlighted.

Several organisations in Kerala also arranged receptions for Manaf, who announced that he would bring up Arjun’s son as his own fourth child – a promise that Arjun’s family said was particularly painful.

On Wednesday, a week after Arjun’s body was recovered from the river, his family raised serious allegations against Manaf. Arjun’s brother Jithin and sister Anju told reporters that Manaf was mobilising money on behalf of the family.

“We are not in such a poor condition. Manaf’s words that he would rear Arjun’s son as his fourth child has pained us. On many occasions, Manaf had tried to disrupt the search,” they said.