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Arjun’s family held a press conference at their residence here and told reporters that Manaf, who was initially with them, was now using their emotions for his personal gain, including collecting funds from various sources.
They also claimed that he was characterising them as destitute which was hurtful as many of the family members have jobs.
Arjun’s widow, brother-in-law, sisters and parents told TV channels that several efforts were made to get in touch with Manaf to request him to stop saying wrong things about the family on his Youtube channel, but he was ignoring them and not taking their calls.
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They also said that no one should give him money in the name of Arjun as the family does not need any financial assistance.
Manaf, reacting to the accusations, said if they can prove he collected funds in Arjun’s name, he was willing to be stoned to death.
The lorry owner said he started the Youtube channel when he was alone in Shirur and was making all possible efforts to ensure the search for Arjun’s remains was not stopped.
“I made the Youtube channel to ensure no one forgets about him. Now I am speaking on it regarding various issues faced by me during that time. What is wrong with that,” he said.
He further said that despite Arjun’s family’s various accusations, he still considers them as his family and will continue to treat them as such.
On September 25, after Arjun’s remains were recovered along with the lorry from Gangawali river near Shirur village, Manaf had said that his efforts to get Arjun back to his family had been vindicated He had also said that he fulfilled the promise to Arjun’s family, especially his father and infant son, that he would be brought back to them.
The July 16 landslide on National Highway 66 claimed the lives of nine people, including that of Arjun.
Manaf had stayed in Karnataka for more than two months till Arjun’s remains were recovered from the river.