Timeline India

Category: More News

  • Udupi: Applications Invited for Part-Time Math and Science Tutors at Government Children’s Homes

    Udupi, August 14, 2025: The District Child Protection Unit, Udupi, has announced a recruitment drive for part-time Math and Science tutors to teach students in grades 8, 9, and 10 at the Government Girls’ Children’s Home in Nittur and the Government Boys’ Children’s Home in Kunjibettu. The positions are on an honorarium basis, and preference will be given to local candidates.

    Interested applicants must submit their applications by August 22, 2025. Application forms and further details can be obtained from the District Child Protection Officer’s office at B Block, First Floor, Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex, Rajatadri, Manipal, Udupi, or by contacting 0820-2574964 during office hours.

  • Bhatkal: Police Seize ₹50,000 Worth of Ganja, Two Accused fled

    Bhatkal, August 13, 2025 – Bhatkal City Police, led by PSI Naveen Naik, conducted a raid on August 12, 2025, at around 6:00 PM near Tenginagundi Cross on National Highway-66, seizing approximately 1.75 kg of ganja valued at ₹50,000. The police also confiscated a white Renault Kwid car, estimated to be worth ₹5 lakh, a digital weighing machine, and other items used in the illegal transport of the narcotic.

    The accused, identified as Sayyad Gulzar (22) and Sayyad Muktiyar, both from Kasarakod, Tonka, in Honnavar taluk, fled during the operation. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the absconding suspects. A case has been registered at Bhatkal City Police Station, and further investigations are underway to trace the source and network behind the ganja trafficking.

  • Udupi: Man Brutally Killed by Friends Over Viral WhatsApp Audio; Three Arrested

    Udupi, August 13, 2025: A shocking murder took place in Puttur village, Subramanya Nagar, 9th Cross Road, Udupi taluk, on the night of August 12, 2025, at approximately 11:30 PM, when three individuals allegedly broke into a man’s home and killed him over a viral WhatsApp audio.

    The victim, identified as Vinay Devadiga, a 40-year-old painter and local resident, was attacked in his residence. According to police reports, Vinay had returned home around 6 PM after attending to personal work in Udupi and was resting in his room. The accused, identified as Ajit (28) and Akshendra (34) from Gandhinagar, Brahmavar, and Pradeep Acharya from Benagal, Brahmavar, forcibly entered the house and searched for Vinay. The trio attempted to seize Vinay’s mobile phone, and when he resisted, Ajit restrained him while Akshendra and Pradeep attacked him with a machete and knife, resulting in his death. The perpetrators then fled the scene on a scooter.

    Preliminary investigations suggest the motive was linked to a WhatsApp audio clip, in which Akshendra was insulted by an individual named Jeevan. Vinay had reportedly shared this audio, causing it to go viral, which allegedly provoked the accused to commit the crime.

    The Udupi Town Police have arrested the three suspects and are conducting further investigations. A case has been registered at the Udupi Town Police Station.

  • Byndoor: Nagoor man Loses ₹10.15 Lakh in Online Share Trading Scam

    yndoor, August 12, 2025 – A resident of Nagoor in Kirimanjeshwara, Altaf Husen (42), fell victim to an online share trading scam, losing ₹10.15 lakh, according to a complaint filed at Byndoor police station. The case was registered under sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and sections 318(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as Crime No. 148/2025.

    On July 5, 2025, at around 10 AM, Altaf clicked a link on his Facebook account that added him to a WhatsApp group named ‘Next ***** Technology.’ In the group, a woman named Parinithi Jain (mobile: 94152*****) claimed to represent Next ******** Technology Pvt Ltd and provided share market information. Another member, Anup Tiwari (mobile: 82805*****), shared daily stock updates. On July 10, Parinithi sent Altaf a link to ‘sto***.ux***.com,’ along with login credentials to register an account.

    Trusting the company, Altaf transferred a total of ₹10.15 lakh via PhonePe and UPI to various bank accounts provided by the accused for purchasing shares and IPOs. On August 5, the website displayed his investment and profits totaling ₹75.42 lakh. However, when he attempted to withdraw the amount, his account was blocked. Parinithi informed him that a 20% commission was required, but even after requesting the remaining amount post-commission, the accused refused to comply.

    Suspecting foul play, Altaf visited the supposed company address in Bengaluru, only to discover no such company existed. Realizing he had been scammed, he filed a complaint with the Byndoor police.

    This incident highlights the growing threat of online share trading frauds, with scammers using social media and fake websites to exploit victims. Police are investigating, and the public is urged to verify the legitimacy of investment platforms before transferring funds.

  • Udupi District Police Launch Cybercrime Awareness Campaign

    Udupi, August 12, 2025: The Udupi District Police have initiated a robust campaign to raise awareness about cybercrimes and urge the public to exercise caution against rising digital frauds. The police have highlighted various methods used by cybercriminals, including digital arrest scams, fake share market trading apps, online job scams, bogus customer care services, fraudulent loan apps, gift and lottery scams, and APK file frauds.

    Common Cybercrime Tactics

    1. Digital Arrest Scams: Fraudsters impersonate officials from agencies like the CBI, Customs, or Police, contacting victims via phone or video calls. They claim illegal items like drugs, fake passports, or SIM cards linked to the victim’s name were found in a courier at an airport, using uniforms in video calls to extort money. Legitimate police do not conduct investigations via such calls.
    2. Fake Share Market and Trading Apps: Scammers lure victims with unregistered apps lacking RBI/SEBI approval through WhatsApp or Telegram groups, encouraging downloads and transfers to multiple bank accounts, leading to financial losses.
    3. Online Job Scams: Fraudsters offer small tasks with minimal payments to gain trust, then pressure victims to invest large sums, ultimately stealing their money.
    4. Fake Customer Care Numbers: Victims searching for customer care numbers for apps like Google Pay or PhonePe are tricked into calling fake numbers found online, where scammers request links, UPI PINs, or messages to steal funds. Genuine customer care services do not ask for such details.
    5. Fraudulent Loan Apps: Scammers promise low-interest loans but demand upfront payments. If refused, they threaten to manipulate victims’ photos and share them on social media. These apps lack government authorization.
    6. OLX and Similar Platform Scams: Fraudsters pose as Indian Army personnel, offering vehicles at low prices on platforms like OLX or Quikr, demanding advance payments and claiming vehicles are at undisclosed locations.
    7. Gift and Lottery Scams: Victims are misled with promises of winning gifts or lotteries via social media, asked to pay advance fees, leading to financial fraud.
    8. APK File Fraud: Scammers send APK files under schemes like PM Kisan, Arogya Bhagy, or banking services via WhatsApp, misusing apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Flipkart to steal personal data.
    9. Fake Online Gaming Apps: Promoted through celebrity ads or platforms like YouTube and TikTok, these apps entice victims with quick earnings, pressuring investments and freezing bank accounts.
    10. Other Methods:
      • Unknown Links: Clicking suspicious links leads to theft of personal information.
      • Fake Ads: Attractive offers on social media result in financial scams.
      • Courier/Lottery Scams: Fraudsters claim victims won prizes via courier, demanding advance payments.
      • Fake Helplines: Fake customer service numbers or emails found on Google steal sensitive data.
      • Mobile/Laptop Misuse: Sharing devices with strangers or charging at public places like railway or bus stations risks data leaks.
      • KYC Update Scams: Fraudsters posing as bank officials request ATM/credit card details for KYC updates, leading to unauthorized transactions.
      • Electricity Bill Scams: Fake apps for bill payments steal bank details.
      • Enticing Messages: Alluring messages from unknown sources lead to financial losses.
      • Social Media Friendships: Fake friendships on platforms like Facebook or Instagram are used to extract personal information.
      • ATM/Credit Card Scams: Fraudsters posing as bank managers request card details for activation or renewal, leading to theft.

    Police Advisory

    The Udupi District Police have issued the following precautions:

    • Do not click on unknown links or engage with suspicious messages.
    • Avoid falling for fake advertisements promising unrealistic returns.
    • Protect personal information in public places to prevent data leaks.
    • Report cybercrime immediately by calling the Cybercrime Helpline: 1930, filing a complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in, or visiting the nearest police station.
    • Emergency Police Helpline: 112.

    The police urge residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly to curb the rising tide of cybercrimes in the region.

  • Udupi Police Launch Cybercrime Awareness Campaign to Combat Digital Scams

    Udupi, August 12, 2025 – In response to a surge in cybercrimes, Udupi district police have initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate the public about various digital scams and frauds. The initiative aims to curb fraudulent activities such as digital arrests, fake share market apps, online job scams, fraudulent customer care numbers, loan app frauds, gift and lottery scams, and APK file-based frauds.

    Common Cybercrime Tactics

    1. Digital Arrests: Scammers impersonate officials from agencies like CBI, Customs, or police, contacting victims via phone or video calls. They intimidate victims by claiming illegal items like drugs or fake passports were found in a courier under their name, demanding money to resolve the issue. Police clarify that legitimate authorities do not conduct investigations via such calls.
    2. Fake Share Market and Trading Apps: Fraudsters lure victims into investing through unregistered apps not recognized by RBI or SEBI. Using WhatsApp or Telegram groups, they trick users into downloading fake apps and transferring money to multiple bank accounts.
    3. Online Job Scams: Scammers offer small payments for minor tasks to build trust, then pressure victims to invest larger sums, leading to financial losses.
    4. Fake Customer Care Numbers: Fraudulent customer care numbers found on Google for apps like Google Pay or PhonePe trick users into sharing UPI pins or clicking malicious links, resulting in theft. Genuine customer care services do not request such information.
    5. Fake Loan Apps: Scammers promise low-interest loans but demand advance payments. If refused, they threaten to misuse victims’ photos on social media. These institutes lack government authorization.
    6. OLX Fraud: Scammers pose as Indian Army personnel, offering vehicles at low prices on platforms like OLX or Quikr. They demand advance payments and claim vehicles are at undisclosed locations, only to disappear after receiving funds.
    7. Gift and Lottery Scams: Fraudsters entice victims with fake gift or lottery winnings, demanding advance payments to claim prizes.
    8. APK File Fraud: Scammers send malicious APK files via WhatsApp, disguised as legitimate apps like PM Kisan, Arogya Bhagya, or banking services, to steal personal information.
    9. Fake Online Gaming Apps: Promoted through celebrity ads or platforms like YouTube and TikTok, these apps promise quick earnings but lead to financial losses and frozen bank accounts.

    Other Methods Used by Cybercriminals

    • Suspicious Links: Clicking unknown links can lead to data theft and financial fraud.
    • Fake Advertisements: Social media ads with enticing offers are used to steal money.
    • Courier/Lottery Scams: Fraudsters claim victims have won cash or gifts via courier, demanding advance payments.
    • Fake Helplines: Scammers exploit Google-listed helpline numbers or emails to steal information.
    • Device Misuse: Sharing phones or laptops with strangers or charging at public stations risks data leaks.
    • KYC Update Scams: Fake calls or messages requesting ATM or credit card details for KYC updates lead to theft.
    • Electricity Bill Fraud: Fake apps for bill payments steal banking details.
    • Attractive Messages: Tempting messages from unknown sources lead to financial losses.
    • Social Media Friendship Scams: Fraudsters build relationships on platforms like Facebook or Instagram to steal data.
    • ATM/Credit Card Fraud: Scammers posing as bank officials request card details for supposed renewals or activations.

    Police Recommendations

    • Avoid clicking on unknown links.
    • Be cautious of fake advertisements and offers.
    • Protect personal information in public spaces.
    • Report suspected cybercrimes immediately to the cybercrime helpline (1930), file complaints at https://cybercrime.gov.in, or visit the nearest police station.
    • Emergency helplines: Cybercrime – 1930, Police – 112.

    Udupi police urge residents to stay vigilant and verify information to safeguard against the growing threat of cybercrimes.

  • Udupi District Police Forms Anti-Drug Awareness Committees in 166 Colleges: SP

    Udupi, August 11, 2025 – In a bid to combat drug abuse and promote awareness, the Udupi District Police have established anti-drug and awareness committees in 166 colleges across the district, under the slogan “From Drugs to Awareness, Towards a Drug-Free India,” announced Superintendent of Police (SP) Hariram Shankar.

    Speaking at a press conference in Udupi on Monday, SP Shankar explained that the initiative aims to prevent students from falling into the trap of substance abuse by fostering close coordination between college authorities and the police department. The committees have been formed in 120 pre-university colleges and 46 professional colleges, and will operate under the leadership of the Udupi District Collector.

    Each committee will include the college principal, two staff members, and one student representative from each class, with a mandatory inclusion of at least two female students. The jurisdictional police station officer will serve as the nodal officer. Instructions have been issued to hold monthly committee meetings and organize awareness programs, the SP added.

    Random Blood Tests for Students: As part of the drive, 10% of students in each college will undergo random blood tests on a quarterly basis. If any student tests positive for drug use, the information will be shared with the nodal officer.

    SP Shankar emphasized that if drug consumption is detected, the student’s details will be kept confidential, and they will be provided with close counseling to facilitate rehabilitation. Colleges have been directed to obtain consent letters from all students before conducting medical examinations.

    The District Health and Family Welfare Officer will deploy trained staff teams to designated locations for conducting these tests. In cases where students test positive, they will undergo counseling, and information about drug peddlers will be gathered and passed to the nodal officer for appropriate legal action.

    At the district level, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) from Udupi Town Police Station (mobile: 8277989100) has been appointed as the nodal officer, with the Karkala Assistant SP currently handling the role on an interim basis, the SP informed.

  • Viral Video Claiming Jessica Radcliffe Killed by Orca Debunked as Fake

    August 11, 2025: A widely shared video claiming that 23-year-old marine trainer Jessica Radcliffe was fatally attacked by an orca during a live show has been debunked as a fabrication. Circulating on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, the clip, which some versions claim was triggered by Radcliffe’s menstrual blood in the water, has been viewed millions of times but lacks any credible evidence.

    No Record of Jessica Radcliffe or the Incident

    Investigations reveal no trace of Jessica Radcliffe in media reports, marine park records, or occupational safety databases. Fact-checking outlets, including Vocal Media and Kenyan news site The Star, have confirmed the absence of obituaries, official statements from marine parks, or any documentation of a similar incident. The Star also noted that the video’s audio, including crowd reactions, appears to be AI-generated, adding to its deceptive nature.

    Fabricated Video Using AI and Old Footage

    The viral clip is a product of manipulated older footage combined with artificial intelligence and computer-generated imagery (CGI). It uses staged captions, AI-generated crowd noises, and carefully edited visuals to create a convincing but false narrative. The name “Jessica Radcliffe” is likely fictional, designed to give the story a veneer of authenticity.

    Historical Context of Orca Incidents

    While the Radcliffe video is a hoax, real tragedies involving orcas and trainers have occurred. In 2010, SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by the orca Tilikum in Orlando, an incident highlighted in the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which sparked debate over captive marine mammals. Other cases include the 2009 death of Spanish trainer Alexis Martinez, killed by an orca named Keto during a rehearsal, and a 1991 incident in Canada where a trainer was dragged underwater by three orcas. These rare but tragic events underscore the risks of working with highly intelligent and powerful orcas, also known as killer whales.

    Public Urged to Verify Information

    The fabricated video serves as a reminder of the dangers of viral misinformation, particularly when amplified by realistic AI-generated content. Authorities and fact-checkers urge the public to verify claims through credible sources before sharing. No evidence supports the existence of Jessica Radcliffe or the alleged orca attack, confirming the story as a hoax designed to exploit social media engagement.

  • Udupi Police Launch Rs 2.5 Crore CCTV Surveillance Project and Drishti Night Patrol Scheme

    Udupi, August 11, 2025: The Udupi district police, in collaboration with the Udupi District Chamber of Commerce, have launched a Rs 2.5 crore surveillance project to install 601 CCTV cameras across 207 junctions to enhance safety and curb criminal activities. Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar announced the initiative during a press conference on Monday.

    In the initial phase, 10 Automatic Number Plate Reader (ANPR) cameras will be installed at sensitive locations, including Mala, Hosmar, and Sacharipete (Karkala Rural PS); Sanur (Karkala Town PS); Someshwara (Hebri PS); Hosangadi (Amasbail PS); Dali (Kollur PS); Mel Gangolli (Gangolli PS); Malpe Beach (Malpe PS); and City Bus Stand (Udupi Town PS). Additionally, 10 high-quality cameras will be placed at key junctions, including Kalsanka, Karavali, Indrali Bridge, Santhekatte, Service Bus Stand, and Old KSRTC Bus Stand (Udupi CMC limits); M Kodi Junction and Kandlur Market (Kundapura Sub-Division); and Baradi and Naravi (Karkala Sub-Division). Footage will be monitored round-the-clock at local police stations and the District Police Control Room.

    The police have also introduced the “Drishti scheme,” a night patrolling program to prevent theft, crimes against women, and drug-related offenses, while ensuring the safety of commercial establishments, lone-house residents, and senior citizens. Security guards, funded by local residents, will patrol from 10 PM to 6 AM, reporting suspicious activities to beat police or the control room. The scheme is operational in 12 locations—two each in Udupi City, Shirva, and Gangolli police stations, and one each in Kundapura, Hebri, Karkala Town, Hiriyadka, Shankaranarayana, and Brahmavar police stations—with plans to expand to 21 more locations.

    The initiatives, supported by community collaboration, aim to strengthen law enforcement and public safety across Udupi district.

  • 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.