Banakal’s Arif: The Unsung Hero Saving Lives on Charmadi Ghat requesting for help - Namaste Karnataka Report

Puttur, July 8, 2025: Charmadi Ghat in Karnataka is a beautiful but risky place. It’s known for accidents, missing trekkers, and sudden mishaps. In the middle of all this, Arif from Banakal stands out. He is an ambulance driver, but he is more than just that—he’s always ready to help, even when it’s dangerous. Arif has rescued stranded people, handled snake rescues, and brought back bodies with care. His story started in 2010, after he lost his father because help arrived too late. That loss pushed him to get an ambulance, so he could make a difference. Since then, he’s been there during tough times like the note ban and Covid-19. Because of his actions, the community respects him a lot. But now, Arif’s ambulance is old, and he needs help getting a new one to keep helping others.

A Life Dedicated to Service Amidst Adversity 
According to Namaste Karnataka report, Arif lost his father, K.B. Hasanappa, because there was no ambulance available during a heart attack. That loss pushed Arif to buy a vehicle in Shivamogga and start helping others in need. He’s rushed a seriously injured child from Ettinabhuja to the hospital in less than 90 minutes and stepped up during Covid, helping 1,500 patients and handling 500 burials. Even when resources were low and the situations tough, Arif kept treating people with respect. Families thank him, but he’s just asking for help to get a new ambulance so he can keep going.
Challenges and a Plea for Support 

Arif’s got his hands full, honestly. Every day, he’s out there dealing with tough mountain roads, picking up bodies no one claims, and sometimes helping people with mental health issues—like that guy from Gulbarga. When demonetization hit, he made sure a laborer’s money got to his family, and when Covid showed up, he was working with barely any protective gear.

At home, he is living in a rented place. His daughter wants to be a doctor. His ambulance? It’s ancient—fifteen years old and barely hanging on. Now he’s asking for help from the community to get a new one. The man’s been recognized in places like Chikkamagaluru, but what keeps him going is just the hope and strength to help people. If you want to support him, his contact is 94482 29532

Check Namaste Karnataka report here -

Keywords: Arif Banakal, Charmadi Ghat, ambulance driver, life saver, community service, snake rescue, Covid-19, medical emergency, Karnataka, trekkers, sudden death, accidents, heroic efforts