Category: Udupi

  • Udupi: Multi-Angle Probe into Dalit Youth Shootout; SP Hariram Shankar Vows Thorough Investigation

    Udupi, September 20, 2025 – Udupi District Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar has assured a comprehensive probe into the shootout case involving the murder of Dalit daily wage laborer Krishna in Balehitlu Moodutota, Hanehalli village under Brahmavar Police Station limits. Speaking at a district-level meeting on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes issues at the District Police Office auditorium on Saturday, Shankar stated that while initial investigations have been conducted without leads, further inquiries from multiple angles, including land disputes, will be pursued to identify the culprits.

    The meeting was chaired by Shankar, who responded to concerns raised by Samatha Sainika Dal leader Vishwanath Petry. Petry questioned the police’s failure to crack the case and demanded a CID probe, noting multiple memorandums submitted. Shankar explained that the first-phase investigation involved questioning 700 individuals, technical analysis, and visits to Mumbai and Kerala. “Upon my arrival, I visited the Brahmavar station four times and the crime scene recently. We are now treating this seriously and expanding the probe across various dimensions,” he affirmed.

    Other Grievances Raised
    Dalit leader Ramesh Kotyan highlighted the lack of action on a fake certificate scam in Hiriyadka Police Station limits, where 6.5 acres of Dalit land was fraudulently registered. Shankar promised to review and act. Kotyan and Dasams Ambedkar Vada district convenor Manjunath Giliyuru also complained about Dalit quota jobs in temples not being allocated, urging enforcement.

    Shivanand Moodabettu raised concerns over finance fraudsters from Mangalore lending Rs 26,000 loans and recovering lakhs using forged Aadhaar and signatures, demanding legal action.

    Janapara activist Jayan Malpe urged handing over the dilapidated Gandhi Bhavan in Bannanje to Dalits for welfare, without alternative use. Shankar noted plans to vacate the police canteen there and hand it to the Social Welfare Department for new facilities.

    Dasams Mysuru Division organizer Shyam Raj Birti demanded police deployment near Brahmavar Mahesha Hospital on NH for student safety during mornings.

    Other leaders like Uday Kumar Tallur, Vijayalakshmi Vasudeva Mudur, Yuvaraj, and Ganesh Nergi shared grievances. Around 98 participants attended, with Additional SP Sudhakar S. Naik and Karkala Subdivision Assistant SP Harsh Priyavada present on the dais.

  • Udupi: Bus and Car Collide Near Santhekatte, Passengers Escape Major Harm

    Udupi, September 20, 2025 – A collision occurred between a private bus and a car on National Highway 66 near Santhekatte, Udupi city, with passengers narrowly escaping serious injury.

    The private bus, traveling from Udupi to Davanagere via Kundapur, collided with a Crysta Fortuner car attempting a U-turn near the divider at Robosoft in Santekatte. The impact damaged both the bus and the car, with passengers in the car sustaining minor injuries, as per initial reports.

    SI Prakash S visited the site and conducted an inspection. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident to determine further action.

  • Udupi: Five Interstate Thieves Arrested in Jewelry Workshop Theft Case; Assets Worth Rs 87 Lakh Seized

    Udupi, September 20, 2025 – Udupi City Police have cracked a daring theft at a gold melting shop in Chittaranjan Circle, arresting five accused and recovering assets valued at over Rs 87 lakh. The burglars had used a duplicate key to break the shutter lock and stolen gold, silver, and cash worth Rs 95 lakh.

    The arrested individuals are Shubham Tanaji Sathe (25), Pravin Appa Sathe, Nilesh Baapu Kasturi from Solapur, Sagar Dattatreya Kandagale (32) from Solapur, and Bagav Rohit Shrimant (25).

    The operation, conducted on September 12 in Malshirose taluk, Nimgaon, Solapur district, Maharashtra, led to the recovery of 748.8 grams of gold (Rs 74.88 lakh), 4 kg 445 grams of silver (Rs 3.60 lakh), Rs 5 lakh in cash, and a Maruti Swift car used in the crime (Rs 4 lakh), totaling Rs 87.48 lakh.

    The breakthrough was achieved under the leadership of Inspector Manjunath V. Badiger of Udupi City Police Station.

  • Lingayat is an Independent Religion, Not Part of Hindu-Sanatan Dharma: Dr. Basavalinga Pattaddevaru

    Udupi, September 18, 2025 – Lingayat religion is not a derivative of Sanatan Dharma but an independent faith born to oppose caste and varna systems, declared Dr. Basavalinga Pattaddevaru of Bhalki Hiremath Sansthana. Speaking at a Vachana Samvada event for college students and the public, organized by the Lingayat Mathadipathigala Okkuta at Udupi Town Hall on Thursday, he emphasized that Lingayat is a distinct religion, not a caste. “Lingayat is a complete religion, not a caste. Caste is like darkness, and religion is like light. The light of religion is essential to dispel the darkness of caste,” he said.

    Shivananda Swamiji of Handigunda Math reiterated this, demanding constitutional recognition for Lingayat religion akin to Sikhism and Jainism. “This is not a fight but our right. Lingayat is not part of Hindu or Sanatan Dharma. Basavanna is our religious guru, Vachana literature is our holy text, and Basava Dharma/Lingayat Dharma stands alone,” he clarified.

    The event saw participation from prominent Lingayat leaders, including Shri Shivananda Swamiji (Hulasooru Shri Math), Shri Shantaveera Mahaswami (Hosadurga Kunchitiga Mahasansthana Math), Gurubasava Pattaddevaru (Bhalki Hiremath), Shri Basavalinga Swamiji (Dharwad Navalagunda Gavimath), Shri Veerasiddha Devaru (Kalaburagi Shanmukha Shivayogigala Math), Shri Veerabhadra Shastrigalu (Raichur), Shri Shivabasava Devaru (Belagavi), Shri Basavaraja Devaru (Basavakalyan), and Basavananda Swamiji (Mammigatti).

    Dr. Mahantha Prabhu Swamiji from Belagavi Segunise coordinated the dialogue. Notable attendees included Dr. G.S. Chandrashekar, Honorary President of Akhil Bharatiya Veerashaiva Mahasabha (Udupi District), and Niranjan Cholayya, President of Sharana Sahitya Parishat (Udupi District). Discussions were also joined by Ramesh Kanchan (President, Udupi Taluk Panch Guarantee Implementation Committee), Dasansa leader Sundar Master, Billava leader Geetanjali Suvarna, and others.

  • Social and Educational Survey in Udupi District from September 22 to October 7

    Udupi: The Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission will conduct a Social and Educational Survey to collect information about the social and educational status of people across the state.

    The survey will be held from September 22 to October 7, 2025, during which enumerators will visit households and collect required information, according to a press release from the Udupi Deputy Commissioner’s office.

    Citizens are requested to cooperate with the survey process and keep the following documents ready:

    1. Ration Card
    2. Aadhaar Card of all family members and a mobile number linked to Aadhaar (if not linked, visit the nearest Aadhaar centre or post office to get it linked)
    3. Voter ID Card
    4. UID Card or Disability Certificate (if any family member is differently-abled)

    The Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate have appealed to the public to extend full cooperation for the successful completion of the survey.

  • Udupi: Mushthak Hennabail Appointed to Kannada Development Authority District Committee

    Udupi, September 18, 2025 – The Karnataka government has appointed Mushthak Hennabail as a member of the Kannada Development Authority’s Udupi district committee, as per an official order. This appointment aims to bolster efforts in promoting and preserving the Kannada language and culture within the district.

    Mushthak Hennabail, recognized for his contributions to Kannada advocacy in coastal Karnataka, will play a pivotal role in the committee. His responsibilities include organizing local events, workshops, and campaigns to enhance the use of Kannada and strengthen cultural initiatives in Udupi.

    Mushthak Hennabail Appointed to Kannada Development Authority | Photo: Facebook
  • Udupi Student Tanushree to Break Her Own Yoga Record in Bahrain on September 24

    Udupi, September 18, 2025 – Tanushree Pitrodi, a second-year PU student at St. Cecelia’s School, is set to create history by performing 300 yoga asanas in one hour at the Bahrain Kannada Sammelana on September 24, earning a place in the Golden Book of Records. Her father, Udaykumar, announced this during a press conference, highlighting her determination to surpass her previous achievement.

    In 2023, Tanushree had already made headlines by completing 245 yoga asanas in 45 minutes, securing a spot in the Golden Book of Records. This upcoming feat will not only break her own record but also mark her first international accomplishment abroad.

    The event will feature participation from India’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Vinod Chakko, adding official recognition to the performance. Bahrain Kannada Sangha President Ajit Bangeri noted that the sammelana brings together numerous talents from the Karavali region, honoring their contributions.

    Kurkalu Gram Panchayat member Pravin Kumar Kurkal and Tanushree Pitrodi were present at the press meet.

  • Udupi: Police Arrest Man for Public Sale of MDMA and Ganja; Seize Drugs Worth ₹43,800

    Udupi, September 16, 2025 – Udupi City Police arrested a 33-year-old man, Iqbal, for illegally selling MDMA (Ecstasy) and ganja in a public area near John Haven Construction on 1st Cross, Garadi Road, Moodanidamboor village, Udupi taluk. Acting on a tip-off, a police team seized drugs and related items worth ₹43,800 from his scooter (KA-20-HC-0462).

    The operation, conducted on September 16, 2025, was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Prabhu T. and Inspector Manjunath V. Badiger of Udupi City Police Station. The team, including Sub-Inspectors Bharatesh Kankanwadi and Gopal Krishna Jogi, and constables Surendra D. and Harish Naik, raided the location after receiving information about drug trafficking. During interrogation, Iqbal confessed to selling ganja and MDMA in the Udupi-Manipal area.

    A search of his TVS Jupiter scooter revealed:

    1. 205g of ganja (₹12,600)
    2. 0.49g MDMA in a zip-lock plastic cover (₹1,000)
    3. Another 0.49g MDMA in a zip-lock plastic cover (₹1,000)
    4. 0.33g MDMA in a zip-lock plastic cover (₹500)
    5. ATOM silver-colored weighing machine (₹200)
    6. Black box (₹200)
    7. 52 zip-lock plastic covers (₹10)
    8. Electronic vape and 3 plastic filters (₹10)
    9. Black OPPO mobile phone (₹8,000)
    10. Cash of ₹4,760 in a brown purse
    11. Brown purse
    12. Weighing machine (₹600)
    13. Handbag
    14. Yellow handbag
    15. TVS Jupiter scooter (KA-20-HC-0462)

    The total value of seized items amounts to ₹43,800. A case has been registered at Udupi City Police Station under Crime No. 172/2025, invoking Sections 8(C) and 20(b)(II)(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The accused was produced before the court.

  • Vitla Pindi Festival in Udupi: Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and Mr. Nags Lookalikes Steal the Show

    Udupi, September 15, 2025: The Vitla Pindi celebrations during Udupi Sri Krishna Janmashtami festivities are renowned for their elaborate and colorful costumes, and this year was no exception. The procession on the Krishna Math car street featured striking lookalikes of cricket stars, including Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli, explosive batsman Chris Gayle, and the “Mr. Nags” fame Danish Seth, adding an extra sparkle to the event.

    These weren’t the actual cricket celebrities visiting Udupi, but meticulously crafted impersonators designed to enhance the grandeur of the Vitla Pindi procession. Dressed in RCB jerseys, the trio of lookalikes drew massive crowds, leaving devotees momentarily stunned as if the real stars had descended upon the festival.

    The sight of the “Virat Kohli” leading with his signature intensity, alongside the flamboyant “Chris Gayle” and the charismatic “Mr. Nags,” created a buzz among the gathered bhaktas, blending sports fandom with traditional devotion in a unique spectacle.

    The Vitla Pindi day is a highlight of the Janmashtami rituals at Udupi Krishna Math, where participants don vibrant attires and perform in a lively parade, captivating locals and visitors alike.

  • Udupi District Civilian Firearm Training Camp Inaugurated

    Udupi, September 15, 2025: The Udupi District Civilian Firearm Training Camp was inaugurated today at the District Armed Reserve Force headquarters by Udupi District Superintendent of Police, Hariram Shankar (IPS). During the event, SP Shankar provided detailed information about the firearm training program and its significance.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by key officials, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (Armed Reserve) Thimmappa Gowda and Armed Reserve Police Inspector Ravi Kumar. The five-day training camp has attracted a total of 195 participants, with 59 candidates from the Udupi sub-division, 55 from the Karkala sub-division, and 81 from the Kundapura sub-division.

    The training sessions will be conducted at different locations across the district: the Udupi sub-division training will take place in Udupi, the Karkala sub-division training in Hebri, and the Kundapura sub-division training in Kundapura.

    The program aims to equip civilians with essential firearm handling skills under the supervision of trained police personnel, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.