Category: Udupi District

  • Burglars Break into Udupi Jewelry Workshop, Steal Valuable Assets

    Udupi, September 9, 2025: In a daring heist, unidentified burglars broke into a jewelry workshop near Chittaranjan Circle in Udupi on the night of Monday, September 8, 2025, making off with assets of significant value. The targeted establishment, Vaibhav Refiner, a facility specializing in melting gold and silver, was breached after the thieves broke the shutter lock to gain entry.

    Preliminary reports indicate that the burglars stole liquid gold along with other valuable items, though the exact extent of the theft is yet to be fully determined as further details are awaited. The incident has raised concerns about security in the area, given the high value of the stolen goods.

    Udupi DYSP Prabhu D.T. and Udupi Town Police Station Inspector Manjunath Badiger visited the site to conduct an initial investigation. Authorities are actively probing the case to identify the culprits and assess the total value of the stolen assets.

  • Gulvadi Residents Protest for KSRTC Bus Service, Submit Memorandum to Transport Commissioner

    Kundapur, September 8, 2025: Residents of Gulvadi, along with members of the Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane, Prantha Krishi Koolikarara Sangha, Hanchu Workers, and Building and Construction Workers, staged a protest in front of the Gulvadi Panchayat office, demanding the introduction of KSRTC bus services on the route from Kundapur to Gulvadi via Tallur and Mavinakatte, extending to Saukoor and Kandlur. The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Transport Commissioner through the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO), highlighting the urgent need for reliable public transport.

    The demonstrators pointed out that private buses on this route operate irregularly, causing significant inconvenience to students, women, and patients who rely on timely transportation. They emphasized that KSRTC services would provide access to benefits like the Shakti Scheme for free travel for women and bus passes for students, addressing the community’s mobility challenges.

    The protest was led by prominent local leaders, including J.D. Panju, Nagaraj, Chandra, Bhaskar, and H. Narasimha from the Hanchu Workers; Nagarathna and Shobha from the Krishi Koolikara Sangha; Sheelavathi from Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane; and Chandrashekar V., Rehman, Annappa, and Rajeev Padukone from the Building and Construction Workers. Their unified call underscored the community’s frustration with the lack of dependable transport options and the need for government intervention.

  • Udupi: Massive Cleanliness Drive Held Under Seerat Campaign at Hoode Beach

    Udupi, September 7, 2025: On September 7, 2025, the Seerat Swagat Samiti successfully organized a large-scale Swachhata Jagruti Abhiyana (Cleanliness Drive) from Hoode Beach to Kemmannu Church as part of the Prophet Muhammad, the pioneer of justice Seerat Campaign. The event, emphasizing cleanliness as an integral part of Islamic teachings, drew hundreds of participants and aimed to raise awareness about environmental conservation.

    The program was inaugurated by Dr. Rafeeq, who praised the initiative for aligning with the Prophet’s ideals of cleanliness and environmental stewardship, calling it a commendable effort. Several dignitaries, including social workers and panchayat members Idris Hoode and Haider Ali, addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of community-driven cleanliness initiatives.

    Members of the Seerat Swagat Samiti led the campaign with enthusiasm, engaging in cleaning activities and spreading awareness about maintaining a clean environment. The event saw active participation from notable figures such as Mushtaq Kudoor, Hassan Kodibengre, Nazeer Nejar, Dr. Abdul Azeez, Abdul Kadeer Moydin, Ameer Gujjar Bettu, Razaq Nakwa, Altaf Nakwa, Abdul Kalam, and Haneef, among others.

  • Byndoor: Harish Tolar Appointed General Secretary of Udupi District Congress Backward Classes Committee

    Byndoor, September 7, 2025: Harish Tolar Kollur, a prominent youth leader in Byndoor Assembly Constituency, has been appointed as the General Secretary of the Udupi District Congress Backward Classes Committee. The appointment was formalized through an order issued by Timma Pujari Manoor, President of the District Committee.

    Harish Tolar, a dynamic leader from Mogaveera community, was recommended for the role by K. Gopal Poojary, former Byndoor MLA, Pradeep Kumar Shetty Gudi Bettu, President of the Block Congress Committee, and Aravind Poojary Padukone. Their endorsement highlights Tolar’s growing influence and commitment to the party’s objectives.

    With this appointment, Harish Tolar is expected to strengthen the Backward Classes Committee’s efforts, taking on increased responsibilities to advance the Congress party’s initiatives for marginalized communities in Udupi district. His leadership is anticipated to bolster the party’s outreach and organizational activities in the region.

  • Kundapura: Four Arrested for Illegal and Cruel Cattle Transport at Amasebail Check Post

    Kundapura, September 7, 2025: In a crackdown on illegal cattle trafficking, Amasebail Police seized a vehicle transporting two buffaloes under cruel conditions at the Hosangadi Check Post near Muttinakatte, Kundapur taluk, on September 6, 2025. Four individuals identified as Basavaraj (27), Megharaj, Lohith (27), and Imran (24) were arrested for their involvement in the illegal activity.

    The incident occurred at 6:00 AM when Police Constable Vinod B. Bagannavar of Amasebailu Police Station, on duty at the check post, stopped a TATA Intra vehicle (KA-15-7461) approaching from Hulikal Ghat. Upon inspection, two buffaloes were found tightly packed and tied in the vehicle’s rear body, without any fodder or water. When questioned, the driver admitted that the cattle were being transported for slaughter with the intent to sell the meat. The seized cattle are valued at approximately ₹30,000, and the vehicle is estimated to be worth ₹4 lakh.

    The accused were apprehended and presented at the Amasebailu Police Station along with the vehicle and cattle. A case has been registered under Sections 4, 5, 7, and 12 of the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, Section 11(1)(d) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Section 66(1) read with 192(A) of the IMV Act. The police are continuing their investigation.

  • Malpe Police Arrest Three for Illegal Drug Sale

    Malpe, September 6, 2025: In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Malpe Police arrested three individuals on the evening of September 5, 2025, near Shri Bobbarya Daivasthana on the KMP Road in Gujjarabettu, Padutonse village, for illegally selling narcotic substances. The operation was conducted following a tip-off about the illicit activity.

    The arrested individuals are Achutha N. alias Kiran Mendon (45), a resident of Bolur, Urwa, Mangaluru; Puneeth alias Puneeth Raj (24), from Gujjarabettu; and Chandrakant Katwa, originally from Odisha and currently residing in Padutonse. A fourth suspect, Kishore from Kolalagiri, managed to flee the scene during the police raid.

    Acting on credible intelligence about the suspects selling ganja (cannabis) on a motorcycle, the police conducted a targeted operation. Upon spotting the authorities, one suspect escaped, but the three others were apprehended. The police seized 3.480 grams of ganja valued at ₹3,000, MDMA worth ₹10,000, and a motorcycle valued at ₹1,50,000 used in the crime. A case has been registered at the Malpe Police Station under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

  • Former Janajagruti Vedike President Accused of Sexual Harassment; Case Filed

    Udupi, September 6, 2025: A disturbing incident has rocked Rattadi village, Kundapur taluk, Udupi district, where Navin Chandra Shetty Rattadi, a former president of the Udupi District Janajagruti Vedike, a BJP leader, and chief of the Shri Ratteshwara Devasthana Management Committee, has been accused of sexually harassing a female member of the Dharmasthala Sangha. The incident occurred amidst efforts to organize a Dharma Samrakshana Yatra to defend the reputation of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, which has been under scrutiny following the Soujanya rape and murder case.

    The incident took place in Manimakki, Rattadi village, where Shetty, also a former Amasebail Taluk Panchayat member, was coordinating the yatra by distributing pamphlets. He allegedly called the victim, a married woman and Sangha member, to his residence on Friday, September 5, 2025, under the pretext of providing additional pamphlets. During the afternoon visit, Shetty reportedly touched her hand while handing over the materials, causing discomfort. As she attempted to leave, he allegedly pulled her close, kissed her on the right cheek, and attempted further sexual harassment. The victim escaped in fear and reported the incident to her family, who filed a complaint at the Amavase Bailu Police Station.

    According to the complaint, Shetty pursued her after the incident, insisting she return after work. The victim’s family rejected attempts by Kundapur MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi to mediate and settle the matter amicably. Shetty is currently absconding, and police are actively searching for him.

    CPM Condemns Incident and Demands Action

    The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] Udupi District Committee has strongly condemned the incident, criticizing Shetty’s actions and the alleged attempt by MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi to suppress the case through mediation. Suresh Kallagar, CPM District Secretary, issued a statement demanding the immediate arrest of Navin Chandra Shetty to ensure justice for the victim. “The fact that the victim herself has lodged a complaint warrants swift action. The accused must be traced and arrested to deliver justice,” Kallagar stated.

    The case has sparked widespread outrage, with locals questioning the safety of Dharmasthala Sangha members. “If a Sangha member faces such harassment, what about the rest of us?” residents remarked.

  • Milad-un-Nabi Celebrated with Devotion in Kundapur

    Kundapur, September 5, 2025: The Jamia Masjid in Kundapur organized a Milad Maulood (special prayer) on Friday to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, observed as Milad-un-Nabi. The event was marked by spiritual fervor and community participation.

    In the evening, a procession was held through the main streets of Kundapur, drawing a large number of devotees. The event was graced by prominent figures, including Waseem Basha, President of Jamia Masjid; Tabrez, Secretary; Abu Muhammad Mujawar, Municipal Council Member; Suheil, President of the Muslim Welfare Association; and community leaders Adil Basha and Sahan Sharif, among others.

    The celebration highlighted the teachings and legacy of Prophet Muhammad, fostering unity and devotion among the participants.

  • Udupi Police Bust Two Online Trading Scams, Arrest Six, Recover ₹6 Lakh

    Udupi, September 5, 2025: In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Udupi District Police have dismantled two sophisticated online trading scams, arresting six suspects and recovering ₹6 lakh in cash along with multiple mobile phones used to deceive investors. The operations, led by a specialized team under Inspector Ramachandra Nayak, highlight the increasing prevalence of frauds exploiting fake trading platforms and social media networks.

    Case 1: Telegram-Based Stock Market Scam

    Teertharaj Shenoy (51) from Perampalli Ambagilu, Udupi, lost ₹44 lakh between December 19, 2024, and January 7, 2025, after being lured into fake Telegram groups named Capital Gains Crew and Fidility Institutional Partners F-101. Scammers promised high stock market returns, prompting Shenoy to transfer funds from his and his mother’s accounts. When no returns materialized, he reported the fraud to the Udupi Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Police.

    Acting on directives from Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, IPS, Additional SP Sudhakar Nayak, and DySP Dr. Harsha Priyamvada, IPS, the police apprehended Shoeb Ahmed (28) and Muddasir Ahmed (40), both from Rahmat Mohalla, Hunsur, Mysuru district. Authorities seized ₹2 lakh in cash and incriminating mobile devices, while other suspects remain at large.

    Case 2: Facebook-Linked Gold Trading Fraud

    In a separate case, Jossy Ravindra D’Cruz (54) from Shankarpura, Kapu, was defrauded of ₹75 lakh after connecting with a woman named Arohi Agarwal on Facebook in February 2025. She persuaded him via WhatsApp to invest in FXCM Gold Trading, promising substantial returns. D’Cruz transferred the amount in multiple installments before realizing he was scammed.

    A special police team arrested four individuals: Mohammed Kais (20) from Prem Nagar, Kodikere village, Surathkal; Ahmed Anveez (20) from Manjatota, Hejamadi; Safwan (30); and Taseer (31), both from Bantwal taluk. The police recovered ₹4 lakh in cash and mobile phones used in the fraud. The masterminds behind this scam are still absconding.

    Police Advisory

    These arrests underscore the growing threat of online trading scams exploiting social media and messaging platforms. The Udupi District Police urge the public to:

    • Verify platforms before investing, ensuring they are registered with RBI/SEBI.
    • Avoid sharing sensitive information like bank details or OTPs.
    • Report suspicious activities immediately to the Cybercrime Helpline: 1930 or https://cybercrime.gov.in.
  • Udupi: Mandatory Registration for Coaching Centers in 30 Days

    Udupi, September 4, 2025: In compliance with a directive from the Supreme Court in a writ petition case, all government and private educational institutions, coaching centers, and training institutes operating in Udupi district are required to implement a Uniform Mental Health Policy. This policy aims to ensure the mental and physical well-being of students, providing mental health support, a safe environment, and non-discriminatory education.

    As per the Karnataka Tutorial Institutions (Registration and Regulation) Rules, 2001, all coaching centers in the district must mandatorily register with the Deputy Director of the Pre-University Education Department, Manipal, Udupi, within 30 days. Failure to comply will result in legal action and the suspension of unregistered coaching centers, as stated by the Deputy Director in an official release.