Category: Dakshina Kannada

  • Belthangady: Case Filed Against Girish Mattannanavar for Obstructing Police Duty and Threatening Defamation

    Mangaluru, August 22, 2025 – Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Arun K. has confirmed that a case has been filed against Girish Mattannanavar at Belthangady Police Station for obstructing police duties and issuing threats during an attempted arrest of Mahesh Shetty Timarodi. The action stems from a complaint related to derogatory remarks allegedly made by Timarodi against BJP National General Secretary B.L. Santosh.

    On August 21, 2025, officers from Brahmavar Police Station, including a Sub-Inspector and senior officials, visited Timarodi House in Ujire, Belthangady Taluk, to arrest Mahesh Shetty Timarodi in connection with a case registered at their station. During the operation, Girish Mattannanavar, Jayanth, and approximately 10 others formed an unlawful assembly, physically resisted the arrest, and threatened to spread defamatory content on social media against the officers, according to SP Arun.

    After Timarodi’s arrest, he refused to travel in the police vehicle, opting for his own car. During the transit, 10 to 15 vehicles followed the police convoy, causing further disruption. The case has been registered under Sections 132 (obstructing public servant), 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 263(a) (causing danger or obstruction), 190 (common intention), and 262 (resistance to lawful apprehension) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. The investigation is ongoing to address the violations and ensure accountability.

  • Belthangady: Udupi Police Detain Mahesh Shetty Timarodi for Questioning in Hate Speech Case

    Belthangady, August 21, 2025 – Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, a prominent activist advocating for justice in the Soujanya case, was taken into custody by Brahmavar police from Udupi for questioning in a hate speech case on Thursday morning. The case stems from allegations that Timarodi made derogatory remarks against BJP National Organizing Secretary B.L. Santosh, leading to a complaint filed at Brahmavar Police Station under Sections 352 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for statements conducive to public mischief.

    On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, police issued a notice for Timarodi to appear for questioning, which he did not comply with. Consequently, Brahmavar police arrived at his residence in Ujire, Timarodi, on Thursday morning to detain him. The situation escalated as a group of Timarodi’s supporters gathered outside his home, creating a tense atmosphere. Following discussions with Timarodi’s lawyers, who assured that he would voluntarily appear at the station, he was allowed to travel in a private car accompanied by police. Fellow Soujanya case activists Girish Mattannavar and Jayanth T. also accompanied him to the Brahmavar Police Station.

    This development follows multiple legal actions against Timarodi, including a Karnataka High Court order on January 20, 2025, restraining him from making defamatory statements against Dharmasthala, its Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, and related institutions. The court had warned of strict legal action for non-compliance, citing Timarodi’s alleged defamatory campaign and contempt of court despite a prior unconditional apology. Additionally, Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara confirmed that multiple cases have been filed against Timarodi, with instructions issued for swift legal action.

    The incident has sparked significant attention, with supporters rallying around Timarodi, while authorities emphasize the need to address hate speech and maintain public order.

  • Kadaba: BCom Student Handwrites Entire Quran in Five Years, Sets Remarkable Record

    Kadaba, August 18, 2025: Fathima Sajla Ismail, a BCom student from Markazul Huda Women’s College in Kumbra, Kadaba taluk, has garnered widespread admiration for her extraordinary accomplishment of handwriting the entire Quran using a traditional ink pen. Hailing from Baitadka in Kaniyur village, Sajla, daughter of Ismail and Zahra Jasmine, dedicated nearly five years to this meticulous task, starting in January 2021 and completing it in August 2025.

    The 604-page manuscript, written on white, light blue, and light green paper with black ink, is bound in an elegant red and gold cover and weighs approximately 14 kg. Sajla shared that each page took around four hours to complete, with some days allowing her to write two pages in eight hours. In total, she spent 2,416 hours over 302 days to finish the work, demonstrating remarkable patience and discipline.

    The handwritten Quran was unveiled at a special ceremony at Markazul Huda Women’s College, Kumbra, on August 18, 2025. The manuscript was officially released by Yaseen Sakhafi Al Azhari, a Mudarris from Markaz Knowledge City, Kerala, in the presence of scholars and college officials. The family is considering applying for recognition in the Limca Book of Records and is in discussions with elders and scholars regarding the manuscript’s future preservation.

    Sajla’s achievement is a testament to her dedication and serves as an inspiration, highlighting the value of perseverance and devotion in pursuing meaningful endeavors.

  • Mangaluru: Kerala Gold Trader Kidnapped, 350 Grams of Gold Worth ₹35 Lakh Looted

    Mangaluru, August 16, 2025: In a daring incident, a Kerala-based gold trader, Srihari, was kidnapped in Mangaluru on August 13, 2025, and robbed of 350 grams of gold valued at approximately ₹35 lakh. The owner of a jewellery shop in Kerala, Srihari lodged a complaint with the Pandeshwar police station after being released by the culprits.

    The incident occurred around 7 a.m. when Srihari arrived at Mangaluru Central Railway Station from Kerala, carrying a 350-gram gold bar. While waiting near Kairali Hotel for an auto-rickshaw, a group arrived in an Innova car, claiming to be customs officials. When Srihari resisted their demand to enter the vehicle for an inspection, he was forcibly pushed inside. The gang drove him through Udupi towards Kumta-Sirsi, where they stole the gold bar before abandoning him in Antravalli village, Sirsi. Shocked but unharmed, Srihari returned to Mangaluru and reported the crime.

    Pandeshwar police have launched an investigation, securing strong evidence about the gang and expressing confidence in apprehending the culprits soon. Authorities suspect that individuals familiar with Srihari’s business dealings and travel plans may have orchestrated the robbery, and investigations are focusing on this angle.

    The robbers used a vehicle with a BH (Bharat Series) registration, which has raised suspicions. BH registration, introduced by the Government of India, allows seamless vehicle movement across states without re-registration, typically used by government employees or businesses with multi-state operations. Police are probing whether the number plate was genuine or fake and are working to identify the vehicle’s owner to trace the perpetrators.

  • Mangaluru: Six Arrested for Moral Policing Incident Involving College Student

    Mangaluru, August 14, 2025 – In a moral policing incident that took place on August 11, 2025, near the State Bank service bus stand in Mangaluru, Pandeshwar police arrested six individuals identified as Ganesh, Shreyas, Chintu, Chandan, Nagaraj, and Ramachandra. The accused allegedly harassed a pre-university college student and her male acquaintance, who is related to her friend, by blocking their path, questioning their relationship, verbally abusing them, and issuing life threats.

    The incident occurred as the student was returning from college and conversing with the male acquaintance after her friend had left by bus. A group of seven to eight men confronted the pair, targeting them due to the male acquaintance being from a different community. A police patrol vehicle arrived promptly, and the student reported the incident to the officers. With her family’s support, she filed a complaint, leading to the arrest of six suspects. Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining individuals involved.

    The case has been registered at Pandeshwar Police Station, and investigations are ongoing to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice. This incident adds to concerns about recurring moral policing in the region, prompting calls for stricter measures to curb such acts.

  • Mangaluru: BJP Leader Ravindra Naik’s Role Exposed in Ashraf Mob Lynching Case Charge Sheet

    Mangaluru, August 13, 2025 – The charge sheet filed in the mob lynching case of 38-year-old Ashraf, a mentally unstable individual from Kerala, killed in Kudupu, Mangaluru, on April 27, 2025, has brought to light the role of BJP leader Ravindra Naik, husband of former BJP corporator Sangeetha Naik. The document also exposes initial attempts by Mangaluru police to suppress his involvement, despite all 21 accused naming Naik in their statements.

    The incident occurred during a cricket tournament in Kudupu, where Ashraf was brutally attacked and killed by a mob. Some claimed he shouted “Pakistan Zindabad,” triggering the assault, but locals and human rights organizations argued that Ashraf, being mentally unstable, was targeted after a minor altercation. The charge sheet details how Naik allegedly incited the mob, urging them to “beat and kill” Ashraf for the alleged slogan and prevented players, including Deepak from the Kongooru cricket team, from stopping the assault. Statements from multiple accused confirm Naik’s presence and provocative remarks, such as, “If we let him go, others will do the same tomorrow. We’ll handle the police.”

    Initially, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal, on April 29, 2025, claimed no complaints were filed against Naik, despite the accused implicating him during early interrogations. The charge sheet contradicts this, revealing consistent statements about Naik’s role. Allegations suggest Naik and another accused, Devadas, attempted to cover up the incident, instructing others to deny knowledge and promising to manage police inquiries to ensure a “C report” (closure without charges).

    The case, initially registered as an unnatural death, was reclassified as murder due to public outrage, media coverage, and pressure from human rights groups. The post-mortem report, released on July 25, 2025, confirmed Ashraf’s death resulted from severe injuries, including 35 external wounds, brain hemorrhage, and kidney damage caused by blunt force trauma. Despite Naik’s name appearing in the charge sheet, he has not been formally charged, with police citing insufficient evidence and his unavailability for questioning. Naik remains at large, raising concerns about political influence in the investigation.

    The case has sparked questions about police conduct, especially after Agrawal’s transfer and the appointment of new Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, who also denied evidence against Naik. Social media posts questioning Naik’s non-arrest led to police warnings against such claims without evidence. Further investigation into Naik’s role is promised, but his exclusion from the accused list continues to fuel suspicions of a cover-up.

  • Beltangady: Sister of 1986 Rape-Murder Victim Seeks SIT Probe into Decades-Old Case

    Beltangady, August 11, 2025: Indravati, the sister of Padmalatha, who was brutally raped and murdered in 1986, visited the Special Investigation Team (SIT) office in Beltangady on Monday to demand a fresh investigation into the unresolved case.

    Accompanied by CPM leader B M Bhat and supporters, Indravati arrived at the SIT office to submit a formal request for reinvestigating her sister’s case. She stated that the complaint would be officially filed once senior SIT officials were present.

    Padmalatha, a resident of Boliyaru, was a victim of a horrific rape and murder nearly four decades ago. The case has remained unsolved, prompting renewed calls for justice.

    The SIT was established following claims by an anonymous witness alleging that multiple bodies were buried in Dharmasthala village, linked to past crimes. The team has been actively investigating these claims, and a dedicated SIT office, functioning as a police station, was recently set up in Beltangady to handle such cases.

  • WIM Katipalla Hosts Successful BLS Workshop

    Katipalla, August 11, 2025: The Women India Movement (WIM) Katipalla organized a highly successful Basic Life Support (BLS) workshop for its members, focusing on First Aid and CPR training. The event, held in collaboration with Known Academy and Heart Hub, drew significant participation from WIM members eager to enhance their emergency response skills.

    The workshop was led by Dr. Usama Kazi, whose engaging presentation and clear instructions made complex techniques accessible to all attendees. Dr. Kazi’s expertise shone through as he guided participants through hands-on simulations, empowering them to respond confidently in emergency situations. Members described the practical training as invaluable, highlighting how it fostered a strong sense of preparedness.

    The event underscored WIM Katipalla’s commitment to equipping its members with life-saving skills, further strengthening community resilience.

  • Mangaluru Lifeguard and Record-Holder Drowns in Municipal Pool

    Mangaluru, August 10, 2025: A tragic incident occurred at the municipal swimming pool in Ladyhill, Mangaluru, where K. Chandrashekar Rai Surikumaru, a 52-year-old swimming coach and lifeguard, drowned on Sunday, August 10.

    According to sources, the pool was closed to the public for scheduled maintenance work. Rai reportedly entered the water for a swim during this period and drowned under circumstances that remain unclear. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

    Rai gained recognition in 2023 when he earned a place in the Worldwide Book of Records by performing 28 underwater somersaults in one minute at the same Ladyhill pool. His sudden death has shocked the local community, where he was known for his expertise and contributions to swimming.

    Police are continuing their inquiries to ascertain the details surrounding the tragedy.

  • Mangaluru: Six Arrested, Over 5 Kilos of Ganja Seized in City-Wide Drug Crackdown

    Mangaluru, August 9, 2025: In a major operation under the ‘Drug-Free Mangaluru’ campaign, the Mangaluru city police arrested six individuals on August 8, seizing over 5 kilograms of ganja in a targeted crackdown on drug peddling networks focusing on college students, youth, and local residents.

    Kudroli: Ganja Peddler Nabbed

    Abdul Samad, alias Chammu, was arrested in the Kudroli–Khandatpalli area for covertly supplying ganja to college students and young adults. Police recovered 1.04 kilograms of ganja from his possession. A case has been registered at Mangaluru North police station, and Samad is in judicial custody.

    Mulki: College-Focused Peddling Busted

    In Kolnadu–Angappayyanakadu, under Mulki police station limits, Dharmalinga, a resident of Angappayya Kadu, was apprehended for selling ganja to students, laborers, and youth. Authorities seized 1.09 kilograms of ganja. A case has been filed, and investigations are ongoing.

    Bajpe: Bihar Duo Caught in Inter-State Drug Trade

    Daulat Kumar Sharma and Mohammad Khushalam, both from Bihar, were arrested in Maravoor under Bajpe police station for supplying ganja and bhang to local youth. Police seized 1.189 kilograms of ganja and 219 grams of bhang. Both are in custody, with a case registered.

    Padil: Two Youths Arrested

    In Kankanady police station limits near Padil, Karthik and Mohit were intercepted while attempting to sell 800 grams of ganja. The duo has been arrested and remanded to custody, with a case filed.

    Mangaluru East: Kerala Engineering Student Held

    Pranav K V, an engineering Peak student from Malappuram, Kerala, was arrested by Mangaluru East police for supplying ganja to students and locals. Police seized 1.1 kilograms of ganja from him. He has been remanded, and a case has been registered.

    Ongoing Investigation

    Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy stated, “Interrogations have revealed leads on broader supply networks, including buyers linked to the arrested individuals. Dedicated teams are working across all police stations to apprehend others involved.” The operation underscores the police’s commitment to curbing the drug menace in Mangaluru.