Category: Udupi District

  • Brahmavara Police Raid Gambling Den in Lodge, Arrest 11

    Brahmavar, September 5, 2025: In a targeted operation, Brahmavar Police raided Room No. 203 on the second floor of Rashmi Bar & Lodge in Heradi village, apprehending 11 individuals involved in an illegal Andar Bahar card gambling operation. The raid was conducted following credible information about the gambling activities, where the accused were found betting cash.

    The arrested individuals are: Vishwanath Poojari Bhatkal (43), Ganesh Poojari (30), Keshav (57), Prabhakar Shetty (49), Jayaraj (40), Raju Poojari (59), Rajeev Shetty (49), Ratnakar (53), Prashant (38), Harish Mogaveer (40), and Lohith Kuppuswamy Bhavi (38).

    During the raid, police seized ₹21,080 in cash and several vehicles linked to the accused. The operation confirmed that the group was actively engaged in gambling with cash stakes. A case has been registered at the Brahmavar Police Station under relevant sections, and further investigations are underway to address the illegal activities.

  • Udupi Man Loses ₹1.32 Crore in Online Investment Scam

    Udupi, September 4, 2025: Henry D. Almeida (69), a resident of Udupi, has fallen victim to an online investment scam, losing a staggering ₹1,32,90,000 between July 22, 2025, and September 1, 2025. The scam began when Almeida came across an investment trading advertisement on Facebook on July 19, 2025. Clicking the ad led him to a website, in.*******-***.*om, and he subsequently received messages on WhatsApp urging him to invest in trading.

    A person identifying themselves as Ankita Ghosh contacted Almeida, providing information about investment opportunities and adding him to a 725 B*B C**S WhatsApp group. The group contained messages from various numbers promising high returns on investments. Trusting these claims, Almeida contacted the 725 B*B C**S customer care service via WhatsApp, where he was provided with multiple bank account details for transferring funds.

    Over the period from July 22, 2025, to September 1, 2025, Almeida transferred a total of ₹1,32,90,000 in phases to the provided accounts, believing he would receive profits. However, neither the invested amount nor any returns were provided, and Almeida realized he had been deceived, resulting in significant financial loss.

    The Udupi CEN (Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics) Crime Police Station has registered a case under Crime No. 46/2025, invoking Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and identity theft through digital means. The police are investigating the incident.

  • Udupi DAR’s ASI Shankar Honored with President’s Medal for Distinguished Service & Achievements

    Udupi, September 4, 2025: Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Shankar, serving with the District Armed Reserve (DAR) in Udupi, has been conferred the prestigious President’s Medal for his exemplary service and remarkable achievements in sports. The award was presented by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot during the President’s Medal Ceremony 2025 held at Raj Bhavan, Bengaluru, on August 30, 2025.

    ASI Shankar has distinguished himself not only through his dedicated service in the police force but also through his outstanding performance in sports at national and international levels. Over the course of his career, he has won an impressive 57 medals in various athletic competitions, significantly enhancing the reputation of the Karnataka Police Department.

    In 2014, Shankar represented India at the International Masters Athletics Championship in Malaysia, where he secured gold medals in the 4x100m and 4x400m relay races, along with silver medals in the 100m and 200m races. Additionally, he has consistently excelled in district and state-level police annual sports meets, earning numerous accolades.

    President’s Meritorious Service Medal 2023

    With 26 years of service in the police department, ASI Shankar has demonstrated exceptional efficiency, professionalism, and integrity. In recognition of his distinguished service and sporting achievements, he was awarded the President’s Meritorious Service Medal during the Independence Day celebrations of 2023.

  • Hemmadi Janata PU College Student Maria Viyol Barretto Selected for State-Level Table Tennis

    Hemmadi, September 3, 2025: Maria Viyol Barretto, a second-year PUC Science student at Janata Pre-University College in Hemmadi, has emerged victorious in the district-level table tennis tournament organized by the Department of Pre-University Education, Udupi District. Her outstanding performance has earned her selection to represent the district at the state-level competition.

    Maria’s achievement has been warmly congratulated by the college’s administration board, principal, and the entire team of teaching and non-teaching staff.

  • Kundapura Police Arrest Six in Extortion and Assault Case Involving ₹51,200

    Kundapura, September 3, 2025: The Kundapura Police have arrested six individuals in connection with an extortion and assault case reported by Sandeep Kumar, following an incident on September 2, 2025. The accused, identified as Abdul Savad, Saifulla, Mohammad Naseer Sharif, Abdul Sattar, Abdul Aziz, and Asma, allegedly lured the complainant to Kundapur, assaulted him, and extorted ₹51,200 through cash and digital transactions.

    According to the complaint, Sandeep Kumar met Abdul Savad three months ago during a visit to Kundapur and maintained contact. Savad introduced him to Asma and other associates, promising illicit services. On September 2, 2025, at around 6:30 PM, Asma instructed Sandeep to meet her near RR Plaza by Malnad Petrol Bunk in Kundapur. She then took him to her residence, where the other accused were called in.

    The accused demanded ₹3 lakh from Sandeep, with Mohammad Naseer Sharif allegedly threatening him with a knife. When Sandeep attempted to flee, the group tied his hands with a nylon rope and assaulted him. Saifulla reportedly struck Sandeep on his left shoulder and back with a rod, while Asma and Saifulla forcibly took ₹6,200 in cash from his pocket. Under duress, Sandeep transferred ₹5,000 via Google Pay to Saifulla’s mobile number. The accused continued to demand more money, threatening to kill and bury him. Frightened, Sandeep made additional transfers of ₹10,000 and ₹20,000 to Saifulla’s number. The group also forcibly took his SBI ATM card, extracted the PIN, and withdrew ₹40,000 from his account while confining him in Asma’s residence. The accused released him around 11:30 PM after further threats.

    Based on Sandeep Kumar’s complaint, the Kundapur Police registered a case under Crime No. 109/2025, invoking Sections 140(2), 310(2), 115(2), 118(1), 127(2), 352, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Under the directives of Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, IPS, and guidance from Additional Superintendent of Police Sudhakar Naik, the investigation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police H.D. Kulkarni. The team, comprising PSI Nanjanayak N. (Law & Order), PSI Pushpa (Investigation), and staff members Prince, Ghanashyam, Raju, Nagesha, Mahabala, Raghavendra, Gautam, Bhagirathi Nagashree, and Revathi, conducted an operation in Koteshwara village. The accused confessed to the crime during interrogation.

    The arrested individuals are:

    1. Savad alias Achchu, 28, Kattebagi, Badakere, Padumunde, Navunda village, Byndoor taluk
    2. Saipulla, 38, Gandhi Katte (Bolakatte), Gulwadi village, Kundapur taluk
    3. Mohammad Naseer Sharif, 36, Hangaloor village, Kundapur taluk
    4. Abdul Sattar, 23, Janata Colony, Moodugopadi, Kumbhashi village, Kundapur taluk
    5. Abdul Aziz, 26, Kolluru Main Road, near Holagaru Government School, Nagodi post, Hosanagar taluk, Shivamogga district.
    6. Asma, 43, Kodi, Kundapura taluk, Udupi district; currently at Gopadi village, Kundapur taluk

    The accused were produced before the court, and the police seized two vehicles used in the crime: a car with registration KA 20 MD 7072 (estimated value ₹10,00,000) and another car with registration KA 20 ME 0272 (estimated value ₹8,00,000).

  • Masked Thieves Attempt Burglary in Kukkikatte, Udupi; CCTV Captures Incident

    Udupi, September 3, 2025: A gang of masked thieves attempted to burglarize homes in Kukkikatte, under the Udupi Town Police Station jurisdiction, in the early hours of Wednesday, September 3, 2025, around 1:00 AM. The incident, captured on CCTV cameras, has sparked concern among local residents.

    According to reports, a group of three masked individuals broke into the residence of Vithal Poojari in Subrahmanya Nagar, near Muchchalagodu, Kukkikatte. The thieves rummaged through the house, scattering belongings in search of valuables. However, failing to find anything of value, they left the premises empty-handed.

    The gang then attempted to enter another nearby house. Alerted by the noise, the residents switched on the lights, causing the thieves to flee the scene. CCTV footage from the area shows the masked individuals scouting homes along the road, seemingly identifying potential targets.

    Upon receiving information about the incident, the Udupi Town Police promptly arrived at the scene and conducted an inspection. The police are investigating the matter, using the CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the culprits. The incident has raised concerns about nighttime security in the locality, with residents urging authorities to enhance patrolling.

  • Kundapura Police Commend Team for Recovering Missing Bengaluru Woman’s Body Near Souparnika River

    Kundapura: The Kundapur Police Department honored a dedicated team with commendation certificates for their efforts in locating and retrieving the body of Vasudha Chakravarti, a 46-year-old woman from Bengaluru, who was found deceased near the Souparnika River in Kollur. The body was discovered approximately three kilometers from the riverbank after a 72-hour intensive search operation conducted in challenging conditions.

    The operation, carried out amidst heavy rain and through dense forest terrain, culminated in the recovery of Vasudha’s body on September 1, 2025. The team successfully transported the body back to Kollur, a task that earned widespread public appreciation for their perseverance and commitment. The commendation ceremony, held under the guidance of Udupi SP Hariram Shankar, was led by DYSP H.D. Kulkarni, who presented the certificates to recognize the team’s exemplary service.

    Photo Credit: Karavali Mathukathe | MHI

    The commended individuals included fire brigade personnel Sachin J., Ravi Manjunath Gowda, expert divers Ishwar Malpe and Harish Poojari, Mohammed Ibrahim Gangolli from 24×7 Aapadbhandhava Helpline, and local residents Pradeep Bhat Sampre, Nagaraj Naik Bawadi, and Umesh Bhat Goligudde. Kollur Police Station Officer Vinay M. Korlahalli and other police personnel were also recognized for their leadership in the operation.

    Mohammed Ibrahim MH has thanked his team members Babba Ibrahim and Vikas for their joint efforts during this operation.

    Photo Credit: Karavali Mathukathe | MHI

    The ceremony was attended by Byndoor Circle Inspector Nilesh Chauhan, Kundapura Rural Circle Inspector Jayaram D. Gowda, and other officials, who joined in applauding the collaborative effort of police, emergency services, and civilians.

    Photo Credit: Karavali Mathukathe | MHI
  • Unidentified Decomposed Body Found Near Ambedkar Bhavan in Kandavara, Kundapur

    Kundapura, September 2, 2025: The Kundapur Rural Police registered a case following the discovery of an unidentified decomposed body near Ambedkar Bhavan in Kandavara village, Kundapura, on September 1, 2025. The complainant, Abhijit, a 36-year-old resident of Kandavara and a member of the 2nd Ward Panchayat, reported the incident after receiving information about the body.

    Unidentified Decomposed Body Found Near Ambedkar Bhavan | Photo Credit: MHI

    On September 1, 2025, at approximately 5:00 PM, Abhijit visited the site in the middle of a family-owned agricultural field belonging to Vithalaraj near Ambedkar Bhavan, where the body was found. The body, estimated to be that of a male aged between 30 and 40 years, was in a highly decomposed state, with skin and flesh partially absent and only skeletal remains visible. A leg bone was found detached a short distance away. Police recovered an empty packet of Rat****nk pesticide and a 500 ml water bottle near the body, raising suspicions about the cause of death.

    The advanced state of decomposition has made identification challenging, and further investigation is underway to determine the identity and circumstances of the death. The Kundapur Rural Police, assisted by Mohammed Ibrahim MH Gangolli and his team from 24×7 Helpline Ambulance, including Babba Ibrahim, Abrar, and Vikas, transported the body to the morgue in Manipal for forensic examination.

    The case has been registered under UDR No. 30/2025 at the Kundapur Rural Police Station under Section 194(3)(iv) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Authorities are investigating whether the death resulted from suicide, foul play, or other causes, with forensic analysis of the recovered items and the body expected to provide further clarity.

    Unidentified Decomposed Body Found Near Ambedkar Bhavan | Photo Credit: MHI
  • NHAI Booked for Negligence in Motorcyclist’s Death on Poorly Maintained Service Road in Udupi

    Udupi, September 2, 2025: The Udupi Traffic Police on September 1, 2025, registered a case against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), its contractor, and a truck driver for their alleged negligence leading to the death of a 33-year-old motorcyclist on the service road alongside the Kochi-Panvel National Highway 66 (NH 66). The incident highlights ongoing concerns over the poor maintenance of service roads amid construction activities.

    Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Udupi, was riding his motorcycle from Karavali Junction towards Kinnimulky when he encountered a pothole at Ambalpady Junction, where NHAI is constructing a vehicular overpass. He lost control, fell on the road, and was fatally crushed under the wheels of a 16-wheel truck. The tragic moment was captured on CCTV footage, which has been released by the Udupi district police to aid investigations.

    The stretch of NH 66 between Kinnimulky and Karavali Junction has been closed to facilitate the overpass construction, forcing motorists to use the adjacent service roads. However, these service roads on either side of Ambalpady Junction are in a deplorable condition, riddled with potholes and craters, due to the alleged apathy of NHAI and its contractor.

    The complaint was filed by Sudhir Naik from Shivapura in Karkala taluk, who held NHAI, contractor Karla Constructions, and truck driver Lav Kumar Patil responsible for the accident. Naik alleged that NHAI and the contractor failed to maintain the service roads in a motorable state during the construction period, while the driver operated the vehicle rashly and negligently.

    Police have invoked sections for rash and negligent driving as well as causing death by negligence against the accused parties. The case underscores the risks faced by commuters on under-maintained infrastructure, especially in areas undergoing major highway projects.

    The vehicular overpass at Ambalpady is part of NHAI’s broader efforts to improve connectivity on NH 66, but locals have repeatedly raised complaints about the hazardous conditions of diversion routes. Authorities are yet to respond to the FIR, and investigations are ongoing.

  • Madgaon-Ernakulam Superfast Express Now Stops at Mookambika Road Station in Byndoor

    Byndoor, September 1, 2025: To facilitate easier access for devotees visiting the Kollur Mookambika Temple, the Madgaon-Ernakulam Superfast Express, operating between Madgaon in Goa and Ernakulam in Kerala, has been authorized to stop at Mookambika Road Railway Station in Byndoor. This new stop is expected to provide significant convenience for pilgrims traveling to the temple.

    The train made its first stop at Mookambika Road Railway Station on August 31, 2025. The event was attended by members of the Byndoor Rickshaw and Taxi Union, along with railway officials, including Commercial Supervisor S. K. Bhat from Udupi and Surendra Kumar, who welcomed the train. Railway authorities stated that this stop will enhance travel convenience for both devotees and local residents.