Timeline India

Category: Dakshina Kannada

  • Mahesh Shetty Timrodi Externed from Dakshina Kannada for One Year

    Belthangady, September 23, 2025 – Prominent Soujanya activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi from Belthangady has been externed from Dakshina Kannada district under Section 55 of the Karnataka State Police Act, barring him from entering the district for one year.

    Based on a report from Beltangadi police, Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese issued the order. Timarodi has been relocated to Manvi taluk in Raichur district.

    Timarodi faces multiple criminal cases, including attempt to murder, assault, threats, and damage to public property. Beltangadi police described his activities as dangerous to society, leading to the externment.

    The order prohibits Timarodi from entering any part of Dakshina Kannada for one year, with legal action for violations.

    The order, issued on September 18, was forwarded to Bantwal Subdivision DySP for enforcement.

    Activism Background
    Timarodi has been at the forefront of the Soujanya rape and murder case, demanding identification and arrest of the real culprits and justice for Soujanya. He has organized protests in the coastal region. In the Dharmasthala serial murder and mysterious death case, he brought key witness-complainant Chinniyya and assisted in filing the FIR.

    Despite this, some groups and BJP members have spread misinformation and accusations against him. Now, he has been externed from the district.

  • Mangaluru: 55-Year-Old Fugitive Arrested in Puttur Rural Fraud Case After Decades on the Run

    Mangaluru, September 20, 2025 – Puttur Rural Police Station has achieved a rare breakthrough by arresting a 78-year-old man who had evaded capture for 55 years in a 1970 fraud case, marking one of the oldest pending cases in Dakshina Kannada district.

    The accused, Chandran from Malappuram district, Kerala, was wanted under Crime No. 32/1970 for fraud, with an LPC warrant (No. 2/1972) issued against him for failing to appear in court. He had gone into hiding since then.

    Following persistent search operations, police traced Chandran to Pullikal in Calicut, Kerala, and took him into custody. He was produced before the Puttur court.

    Police hailed the arrest as an “uncommon feat,” crediting technical assistance and detailed case records for the success. Senior officials commended the team for cracking such an aged case.

  • Vitla: Police Register Case Against Facebook Page for Communal Comment Threatening Harmony

    Vitla, September 18, 2025 – Vitla Police Station has registered a case against the Facebook page ‘Sanatani Sinha’ for posting a comment that allegedly threatens communal harmony, following a complaint by Bantwal taluk resident Abdul Rahman.

    The case, filed under Crime No. 131/2025 and Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, stems from a comment made on a post related to news shared by the ‘Vartha Bharati’ Facebook page. Rahman reported that on September 18, while browsing Facebook on his mobile, he noticed the inflammatory remark on the page, which could incite discord between communities.

    In his complaint, Rahman highlighted how the comment was designed to disrupt social peace. Vitla police have taken up the matter for investigation.

  • Vitla: Four Ganja Peddlers Arrested with Bike and Contraband Worth ₹17,000

    Bantwal, September 16, 2025: In a targeted operation, Vitla Police apprehended four individuals attempting to sell ganja near Alike village, seizing a motorcycle and contraband valued at ₹17,000. The arrests were made during routine patrols in the Erumbu Road area of Alike village, Bantwal Taluk.

    The accused have been identified as Sanath Kumar (23), a resident of Mangalpadavu; Mohammed Razik (23), son of Abdul Razak; Chetan (23), a resident of Kodapadavu; and Dhyan Kerkera (23), from Ennemajalu. Police Sub-Inspector Ramakrishna and his team, while on rounds, spotted the suspects acting suspiciously near a two-wheeler and detained them for questioning.

    The interrogation revealed that the group was transporting ganja in their motorcycle for illegal sale to local consumers. A search yielded 6.27 grams of ganja, three mobile phones, and the vehicle bearing registration KA19EA7018.

    Vitla Police have registered a case under Crime No. 126/2025, invoking Sections 8(b) and 20(b)(ii)(A) of the NDPS Act, along with Section 3(5) of the BNS 2023.

  • Beltangadi: Women India Movement Organizes Seminar on International Democracy Day

    Beltangadi, September 15, 2025: The Women India Movement Beltangadi unit hosted a seminar at the party office in Beltangadi as part of International Democracy Day celebrations. The event focused on empowering women through democratic values and constitutional awareness.

    Shama Ujire, President of the Women India Movement Beltangadi Committee, presided over the program and delivered the introductory remarks, setting the tone for discussions on democracy and women’s roles.

    Chief guest Advocate Asma Rizwan emphasized the need for women in politics to recognize their daily necessities and engage in community-oriented activities. She urged women to acquire legal awareness and prioritize empowerment, highlighting how informed participation can strengthen democratic processes.

    Another guest speaker, Dr. Ashika, stressed the importance of incorporating democratic principles into everyday behavior. She advocated adopting simple virtues like respect, love, and priority for people, the nation, and the Constitution. “Self-restraint, cooperation, love, and coexistence should be integral to our daily lives,” Dr. Ashika said, calling for a harmonious society rooted in democratic ethos.

    Keynote speaker and journalist Fatima Usman delivered a stirring address, warning that anti-Constitution forces are attempting to dismantle India’s democratic system—the world’s largest—and impose authoritarianism. “As true Indians, we must resolve to safeguard democracy and commit to a rigorous struggle to restore constitutional values,” she declared, rallying participants to protect the nation’s foundational principles.

    The seminar saw enthusiastic participation from Women India Movement leaders, activists, and democracy enthusiasts. Rubiya, President of the WIM City Committee, welcomed the guests, Rafa conducted the proceedings, and Ramlat proposed the vote of thanks.

  • Engine Failure Leads to Fishing Boat Capsizing Near Ullal; 13 Fishermen Swim to Safety, Total Loss Over ₹1.5 Crore

    Ullal, September 15, 2025 – A fishing boat capsized after hitting rocks near Ullal Sea Ground this morning due to sudden engine failure, but all 13 fishermen on board, including the skipper, escaped unharmed by swimming to shore. The incident, occurring around 2:30 AM, resulted in the complete destruction of the vessel, with estimated losses exceeding ₹1.5 crore, including nets and other valuable equipment.

    The boat, named Burak and owned by Ashfaq, departed from Mangaluru’s Dhakke fishing harbor at 2:30 AM with 13 crew members for a fishing expedition. While navigating near Ullal Sea Ground, the engine abruptly shut off, causing the boat to lose control and collide with temporary rock barriers placed in the coastal area to prevent erosion. The impact led to the boat overturning, as detailed by the boat’s manager, Khalil, in an interview with Headline Karnataka.

    “All 13 fishermen managed to swim to safety, but the boat is a total write-off,” Khalil stated, highlighting the suddenness of the engine malfunction and the hazardous coastal conditions.

    The mishap has caused significant financial damage, with the boat, fishing nets, and other gear valued at approximately ₹1.5 crore now lost. Ullal Police have visited the site for inspection and are conducting preliminary inquiries to ascertain the exact cause of the engine failure.

  • Lorry Carrying Wooden Logs Overturns on NH-66 Near Ekkur, Mangaluru; Traffic Disrupted

    Mangaluru, September 12, 2025: A lorry laden with wooden logs overturned on National Highway 66 near Ekkur, en route to Talapady, causing significant traffic disruption on this busy stretch. The accident occurred around 2:30 PM on Thursday, September 11, 2025, when the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the lorry toppling onto the road.

    Fortunately, the driver escaped with minor injuries and was promptly attended to by passersby. No other casualties were reported. The mishap was attributed to overspeeding and reckless driving, as per initial police investigations. The scattered logs blocked both lanes, resulting in a traffic jam that lasted for over an hour until a crane cleared the obstruction.

  • Mangaluru: Scooter Rider Killed in Pothole-Related Accident Near Kuloor

    Mangaluru, September 9, 2025: A tragic accident occurred near Kuloor Royal Oak in Mangaluru when a scooter rider, identified as Madhavi, an employee at A.J. Hospital, lost her life after her vehicle hit a pothole on the highway, causing her to be thrown onto the road. A fish lorry following closely behind ran over her, resulting in her death at the scene.

    Madhavi was riding her scooter from Kuloor towards A.J. Hospital for work when the vehicle hit a pothole, causing it to skid and topple. The impact threw her onto the road, where the lorry ran over her abdomen, leading to fatal injuries. Her body was subsequently sent to A.J. Hospital for post-mortem examination.

    Officers from the Mangaluru North Traffic Police visited the accident site for inspection and have seized both the fish lorry and the scooter involved in the incident. A case has been registered at the Mangaluru North Traffic Police Station, and further investigations are underway to ascertain additional details.

    The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by potholes on Mangaluru’s highways, raising concerns about road safety in the region.

  • Mangaluru Airport Bomb Threat: Tamil Nadu Man Sasikumar Arrested in Vellore

    Mangaluru, September 7, 2025: The Bajpe Police have arrested Sasikumar (38), a resident of Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, for making a threatening call to Mangaluru International Airport on August 29, 2025. The arrest was confirmed by Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy in a press statement.

    On the night of August 29, an anonymous caller contacted the airport’s terminal manager, threatening to “destroy the terminal building” if it was not evacuated immediately. Following the complaint lodged by the terminal manager, a case was registered at Bajpe Police Station under Sections 351(2) and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 3(1)(d) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982.

    During the investigation, the police traced the suspect to Vellore and took Sasikumar into custody. Upon interrogation, he confessed to collecting contact numbers of airports across India via social media and making hoax threat calls, including the one to Mangaluru International Airport. Sasikumar was presented before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.

  • Karnataka High Court Grants Bail to Shrikrishna J. Rao in Puttur Sexual Exploitation Case

    Puttur, September 5, 2025: The Karnataka High Court has granted conditional bail to Shrikrishna J. Rao (21), son of BJP leader P.G. Jagannivasa Rao, in a high-profile sexual exploitation case registered at the Puttur Women’s Police Station. Rao, a resident of Bappalige, Puttur Kasaba village, was released from Mangaluru Prison on September 4, 2025, after completing legal formalities following the court’s order on September 3, 2025.

    Case Background

    Rao was arrested on July 5, 2025, following a complaint by a 21-year-old woman, a recent graduate from a Mangaluru-based college, who alleged that Rao sexually exploited her under a false promise of marriage, resulting in her pregnancy. The case, registered under Crime No. 49/2025, invoked Sections 64(1) (rape) and 69 (sexual intercourse by deceitful means) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The complainant and Rao, former high school classmates, were reportedly in a relationship since their school days.

    High Court Judgment

    In the Criminal Petition No. 11663 of 2025, heard before Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum, Rao’s counsel, Senior Advocate P.P. Hegde, argued that the relationship was consensual, supported by the complainant’s acknowledgment of an affair and frequent visits to Rao’s residence. The counsel emphasized that the investigation was complete, with Rao’s blood sample sent for forensic analysis, and highlighted his status as an engineering student in judicial custody for two months.

    The Additional State Public Prosecutor, Rashmi Jadhav, countered that the relationship was not consensual, citing the complainant’s pregnancy and allegations of forcible physical relations. However, Justice Magadum noted that the complainant’s statements in the FIR suggested a consensual relationship, which required further examination during a full trial. The court found that continued judicial custody would violate Rao’s fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution, given the completion of the investigation and filing of the final report.

    Bail Conditions

    The court granted bail on the following terms:

    • Rao must furnish a bond of ₹1,00,000 with one surety for the same amount.
    • He is prohibited from tampering with prosecution witnesses.
    • He must appear before the Principal Civil Judge (Junior Division) and JMFC Court, Puttur, on all hearing dates unless exempted for genuine reasons.
    • He cannot leave the jurisdiction of the trial court without prior permission until the case is resolved.

    Context and Implications

    The case had garnered significant attention due to Rao’s father, P.G. Jagannivasa Rao, a BJP leader and member of the Puttur City Municipal Council, who was also briefly arrested for allegedly aiding his son’s evasion after the complaint was filed on June 24, 2025. The complainant gave birth to a baby boy on June 28, 2025, and DNA tests were conducted on the victim, her child, and Rao on August 20, 2025, to establish paternity, with results pending from the Forensic Science Laboratory in Bengaluru.