Timeline India

Category: Udupi District

  • Kapu: Renowned DJ Mervin Mendonca Dies in Tragic Car Accident, Three Others Seriously Injured

    Kapu, August 23, 2025 – A tragic car accident in the early hours of Saturday, August 23, 2025, near Kapu resulted in the death of Mervin Mendonca, a 35-year-old celebrated DJ, cinematographer, and newlywed from Belman. Three other passengers, identified as Prajwal from Ambalpady, Prasad from Karkala, and Vignesh, were seriously injured in the incident.

    The group was traveling from Ambalpady to Belman in a car when a dog reportedly crossed their path on National Highway 66 near Muloor, close to Halli Mane Hotel. The driver, Prajwal, swerved to avoid hitting the animal, causing the vehicle to lose control and overturn. The car was completely wrecked, and Mervin succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The injured were rushed to a private hospital in Udupi by Uchila and Muloor SDPI ambulances, with two of them reported to be in critical condition. Ambulance drivers K.M. Siraj, Hameed, and social worker Jamaluddin Uchila assisted in the rescue efforts.

    Kapu police visited the site and initiated an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the accident. A case is likely to be registered to probe potential factors such as road conditions or speeding. Mervin, a well-known figure in Udupi and Mangaluru, had released a new Konkani music video on YouTube for APD Music just a day earlier, which he had personally directed and filmed. He was also recognized for his cinematography work in several Konkani and Tulu film projects, showcasing his creative talent.

  • Shankaranarayana: Four Arrested for Cattle Theft, Case Registered

    Shankaranarayana, August 22, 2025 – Shankaranarayana police arrested four individuals on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 6:00 AM for allegedly stealing five male buffaloes and three female buffaloes from Haveri and transporting them without permits for slaughter and sale in Mangaluru. The accused, identified as Shantesh Chandrappa Javalli, Hinayat Nasipudi, Sunil Lakmappa Javalli, and Arun Chandrappa Javalli, were intercepted near Shankaranarayana Junction on the Shankaranarayana-Haladi road in Kundapur taluk.

    Acting on a tip-off, Sub-Inspector Gaddekar, along with police personnel and witnesses, stopped a white Mahindra Bolero Max (KA68-6605) carrying the stolen livestock. The animals, estimated to be three and four years old, had a combined value of approximately ₹80,000 (₹50,000 for the buffaloes and ₹30,000 for the cows). The vehicle, valued at around ₹8,00,000, and three mobile phones (two Oppo and one Redmi, each worth approximately ₹10,000) were seized. The accused admitted to planning to slaughter the animals and sell the meat, as instructed by Arun Chandrappa Javalli.

    A case has been registered at Shankaranarayana Police Station under Crime No. 77/2025, invoking Sections 4, 5, 7, and 12 of the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act, 1964, Section 11(1)(d) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Section 66 read with Section 192(A) of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, and Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

  • Udupi: Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar Urges Development Under ‘Brand Karavali’ for Coastal Districts

    Udupi, August 22, 2025 – Karnataka’s Minister for Women and Child Development and Udupi District In-Charge, Laxmi Hebbalkar, called for a concerted effort to develop the coastal districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada under the banner of ‘Brand Karavali.’ Speaking at a meeting in Udupi, she highlighted the favorable environment for progress in these regions, citing their cultural and tourism potential as key drivers for economic growth.

    Hebbalkar noted that the abundance of temples in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada makes them ideal for boosting tourism. She urged entrepreneurs from the coastal region, particularly those based in other states, to invest in their hometowns, stating, “If coastal-origin industrialists invest here, we can witness holistic development in the next two to three years.” The minister’s vision includes leveraging the region’s unique identity to attract investment and enhance infrastructure, positioning ‘Brand Karavali’ as a symbol of progress.

    The meeting was attended by Ministers H.K. Patil, Dinesh Gundu Rao, and Mankal Vaidya, along with MLAs, MLCs, and senior officials from the coastal districts. The discussions focused on strategies to harness the region’s potential for tourism, industry, and sustainable development.

  • Udupi: Dr. Shivarama Karanth Birth Anniversary Celebrations with Competitions

    Udupi, August 22, 2025: To commemorate the birth anniversary of renowned Kannada litterateur Dr. Shivarama Karanth, the Dr. Shivarama Karanth Trust, in collaboration with the Karnataka Department of Kannada and Culture, has announced a series of district-level competitions for students and the public. The events aim to celebrate Karanth’s contributions to literature, culture, and social reform.

    Competition Details:

    • Primary School Students: Drawing competition based on illustrations from Karanth’s Balaprapancha (Children’s World), to be drawn on-site.
    • High School Students: Rangoli competition using Balaprapancha illustrations, to be created on-site.
    • Pre-University Students: Speech competition on the topic “Karanth’s Life and Writings Through My Perspective.”
    • College Students, Postgraduate Students, and General Public: State-level essay competition on any one of Karanth’s works, with a word limit of 2,000 words on full-scape paper.

    Prizes: First, second, and third-place winners in each category will receive books and certificates of appreciation.

    Submission Details: Essays must be sent by September 15, 2025, to the Member Secretary, Dr. Shivarama Karanth Trust, Assistant Director’s Office Premises, Department of Kannada and Culture, Shivarama Karanth Kalagrama, Pragathinagar, Alevoor, Udupi – 576104.

    Contact Information: For more details, contact the Udupi Department of Kannada and Culture or call 9964583433, as stated in the Trust’s press release.

  • Sasthan: Fisherman Dies as Boat Capsizes in Rough Seas

    Udupi, August 22, 2025 – A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Sasthan Koditale, near the Sita River estuary in Udupi, when a fishing boat capsized due to strong waves on Friday morning, August 22, 2025. The accident claimed the life of Sharath Kharvi, a 27-year-old fisherman, while his companions, Akshay Kharvi and Manjunath Kharvi, narrowly escaped and swam to shore.

    The three fishermen had ventured into the sea for fishing when their boat overturned in the turbulent waters near the estuary. While Akshay and Manjunath managed to reach the shore, Sharath drowned in the mishap. The survivors are currently receiving medical treatment at Udupi District Hospital. The boat was lost to the sea, resulting in financial damages estimated to be in the lakhs of rupees.

    A case has been registered at Kota Police Station (UDR No. 45/2025, Section 194 BNSS) to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

  • Udupi: Vidushi Deeksha V Begins 216-Hour Bharatanatyam Marathon for Golden Book of World Records

    Udupi, August 22, 2025 – Vidushi Deeksha V, a young Bharatanatyam artist from Munkinjaddu, Brahmavar, has begun an ambitious 216-hour continuous dance marathon to etch her name in the Golden Book of World Records. The nine-day event, titled Navarasa Deeksha Vaibhavam, commenced on August 21, 2025, at 3:30 PM at the Postgraduate Auditorium of Dr. G. Shankar Women’s College, Ajjarkad, Udupi, and is set to conclude on August 30, 2025. The performance, supported by Ratna Sanjeeva Kalamandala, Manipal, follows the Marga Paddhati style, with Deeksha taking a 15-minute break every three hours as per the record attempt rules.

    The event was inaugurated by former MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat and dignitaries through a ceremonial lamp-lighting. Deeksha’s guru, Vidwan Sridhar Rao Bannaje, praised her dedication, stating, “My student Deeksha is striving to create a Golden Book of World Records, and she deserves everyone’s blessings. When she approached me, I advised her to complete her Vidwath exam and prepare thoroughly. Having such a dedicated student validates our teaching efforts.” Yashwanth M.G., who previously set a record by singing for 24 hours, inspired Deeksha and was present at the event, noting the challenges and the importance of audience encouragement in alleviating mental stress during the marathon.

    Deeksha, a B.Ed. student at Dr. TMA Pai College of Education, began learning Bharatanatyam at age two and has trained rigorously since age four. She is also skilled in Yakshagana, Veena, Chende, Maddale, and painting. Her attempt follows a recent record by Remona Evette Pereira, who performed Bharatanatyam for 170 hours in Mangaluru. The Asian Head of the Golden Book of World Records will oversee the event to ensure compliance with guidelines, with video documentation capturing every moment of the performance.

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  • Udupi: KPCC Minority Cell President K. Abdul Jabbar to Visit on August 23

    Udupi, August 22, 2025 – K. Abdul Jabbar, President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Minority Cell and Member of the Legislative Council, will visit Udupi on Saturday, August 23, 2025. He is scheduled to attend a meeting of Congress party workers and minority community leaders at 11:00 AM at the Basel Missionaries Memorial Auditorium (Mini Hall), Mission Compound, Udupi.

    Accompanying Jabbar will be KPCC spokesperson Abdul Muneer Jalsale and leader Siraj Ahammad. The event will also feature prominent figures such as former minister and KPCC Campaign Committee President Vinay Kumar Sorake, former MP K. Jayaprakash Hegde, former MLA Gopal Poojary, Udupi District Congress President Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, M.A. Gafur, Kishan Hegde, Muniyalu Uday Kumar Shetty, Prasad Kanchan, and Dinesh Hegde Molahalli, along with minority cell block presidents, district office-bearers, and senior Congress leaders. Sharfuddin Sheikh, President of the Udupi District Congress Minority Cell, has urged party workers and supporters to attend in large numbers to strengthen the organization’s outreach.

    Additionally, Jabbar will participate as the chief guest in the Marhaba Ya Shahr Rabi and Swalath program organized by the Mallaru-Majooru Badriya Juma Masjid, reinforcing his engagement with the local community.

  • Hiriadka: Case Registered Against Bajrang Dal Leaders for Inviting Sharan Pumpwell Without Police Notification

    Hiriadka, August 22, 2025 – A case has been registered at Hiriadka Police Station under Crime No. 58/2025, Section 105 of the Karnataka Police Act, against Bajrang Dal leaders Dinesh Mendon and Subrahmanya Bhat for organizing an event on August 20, 2025, that violated police permit conditions. The event, held by the Hiriadka unit of Bajrang Dal, involved a torchlight procession from Kotnakatte to Devadiga Sabha Bhavan, followed by a public meeting from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

    Despite obtaining police permission, which explicitly prohibited provocative speeches that could disrupt communal harmony, the organizers invited Sharan Pumpwell from Mangaluru, an individual previously implicated in a case involving inflammatory remarks, and provided him a platform to speak. Additionally, the torchlight procession, scheduled to start at 6:00 PM, began late at 7:30 PM, breaching the permit’s terms. The organizers failed to inform the police about Pumpwell’s participation, which was seen as a deliberate attempt to undermine communal harmony.

    The complaint highlights that Dinesh Mendon, a known rowdy-sheeter, and his associates facilitated Pumpwell’s involvement, disregarding police instructions. The case, registered under Section 105 of the Karnataka Police Act, addresses violations of lawful police directions and actions likely to cause a breach of peace. The investigation is ongoing to ensure accountability and maintain public order.

  • Udupi: High Court Upholds Goonda Act Against Two in NDPS Cases for First Time in District

    Udupi, August 22, 2025 – In a landmark move, the Karnataka High Court has confirmed preventive detention orders under the Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (Goonda Act) against two individuals, Kabir alias Kabir Hussain and Krishna Achari alias Krishna Jalagar, for their persistent involvement in drug trafficking and related crimes under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This marks the first instance of the Goonda Act being invoked in Udupi district for NDPS-related offenses.

    Kabir Hussain, a key member of the notorious Garuda Gang, has been linked to criminal activities across Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts. Since 2005, he has been implicated in 17 cases, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, extortion, theft, cattle theft, and assault on government officials. Of these, he was convicted in two cases, acquitted in eight due to hostile witnesses, settled three through compromise, with two under trial and two under investigation. Following a petition by Udupi police, the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate issued a detention order, and Kabir is currently held at Mysuru Central Prison.

    Krishna Achari, from the Brahmavar police station limits, faces four cases, with convictions in two and the remaining two under trial. The High Court’s affirmation of the Goonda Act orders underscores Udupi’s crackdown on organized crime and drug-related offenses, aiming to curb the influence of groups like the Garuda Gang, known for drug peddling, extortion, and other illegal activities in the region.

  • Kundapur: Youth Dies by Suicide at Home

    Kundapur, August 22, 2025 – Nikhil Kumar, a 26-year-old resident of Moodlakatte Janata Colony, Kandavar village, Kundapur taluk, died by suicide on August 20, 2025. The son of complainant Venkatesh, aged 49, Nikhil worked as a fish truck driver. While his parents and sister were away in Ranebennur for personal work, Nikhil, reportedly battling personal issues and mental distress, took his life between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM by hanging himself with a shawl tied to an iron ring on the RCC structure of his home near Ambedkar Bhavan.

    The incident was reported to the Kundapur Police Station, where a case has been registered under UDR No. 27/2025, Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, which mandates police inquiry into unnatural deaths, including suicides. The police are investigating the circumstances leading to Nikhil’s death, with a focus on ensuring a thorough probe as per legal protocols. No foul play is suspected at this stage, but the investigation continues to ascertain the reasons behind his distress.

    Suicide is not a solution to any problem. Kindly seek the help of mental health experts if you are under any kind of distress. Toll free helpline number 9152987821.