Category: Udupi

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Udupi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind to Conduct Seerat Campaign from September 3 to 14

    Udupi, September 1, 2025 – Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Karnataka, has announced its annual Seerat Campaign, titled “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Herald of Justice,” to be held from September 3 to 14, 2025, across the state. The campaign aims to share Prophet Muhammad’s timeless teachings, dispel misconceptions, and strengthen interfaith relations, according to Nisar Ahmed, president of JIH’s Udupi city branch, speaking at a press conference at Udupi Press Club.

    As part of the campaign, two new books published by Mangaluru’s Shanti Prakashan, highlighting the Prophet’s life and messages, will be released across Udupi district. The initiative includes social service activities like distributing fruits at hospitals, old-age homes, and orphanages on September 3, public meetings, seminars, essay competitions, and medical camps. A women’s discussion forum is scheduled for September 7 at Hotel Durga International in Udupi. These efforts align with JIH’s history of promoting peace and social welfare.

    The press conference was attended by campaign coordinator Farooq Manipal, welcome committee members Dalit leader Sundar Master, Raees Ahmed of Humanitarian Relief Society, Charles Angler of the District Minority Forum, and JIH Udupi women’s wing coordinator Wajida Tabassum.

  • Udupi: Maulana Zameer Ahmed Rashadi Elected Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind District President, Mohammed Khalid Manipura as General Secretary

    Udupi, September 1, 2025 – Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, a historic organization established in 1919 that played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle, held its Udupi district unit election meeting at Jamia Masjid under the leadership of Hafiz Sayyed Asim Abdullah, state secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Karnataka. The organization, known for over a century of social reform, welfare, and fostering unity and peace, continues to uphold communal harmony across India.

    Moulana Zameer Ahmed Rashadi | Facebook

    The meeting began with a Quran recitation by Qari Zafarulla Khan, followed by a welcome address by Maulana Masihulla Khan Qasmi. Hafiz Sayyed Asim Abdullah spoke on current national issues and responsibilities, while Maulana Rizwan Qasmi, Mandya district president, elaborated on the organization’s structure. The election process saw Maulana Zameer Ahmed Rashadi elected as Udupi district president and Mohammed Khalid Manipura as general secretary. Other appointments included Maulana Masihulla Khan Qasmi (Indrali) and Maulana Abdul Hafiz Qasmi (Karkala) as vice presidents, Maulana Javed Qasmi and Maulana Parvez Alam Nadvi (Kapu) as joint secretaries, Asif Ajekar as treasurer, and Maulana Ubaidurrahman as co-treasurer. Directors for various organizational wings were also appointed.

    The event was attended by Mohammed Saleem, co-secretary of Kodagu district, imams, khateebs, and other dignitaries from various mosques in Udupi. The meeting concluded with a dua (prayer).

  • Udupi: BJP, JDS Play Politics on Religion and Emotions, Says DCM DKS

    Udupi, August 30, 2025: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) for engaging in politics centered on religion and emotions, stating, “BJP and JDS do not focus on people’s livelihoods. They play politics on religion and emotions.” He made these remarks in response to media queries in Udupi, specifically addressing a BJP-JDS meeting in Dharmasthala.

    Udupi DC Swaroopa T.K. receiving Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar at Udupi Border

    When asked if he was in Udupi to seek Lord Krishna’s blessings, Shivakumar quipped, “I’ve come for the blessings of Krishna, Ganapati, and you (the media). I need everyone’s blessings.” Addressing speculations about a “September Revolution” and whether this was an apt time for prayers, he clarified, “There’s nothing like that. Prayer is my natural practice. Udupi Krishna Math had invited me earlier, even after our government came to power, but I couldn’t come then. Now, I’m here.”

  • Udupi’s Vidhushi Deeksha V Sets New World Record with 216-Hour Bharatnatyam Performance

    Udupi, August 30, 2025: Vidhushi Deeksha V of Udupi has created a new world record by performing Bharatnatyam continuously for 216 hours, surpassing the previous record of 170 hours.

    The marathon performance began on August 21 at 3:30 pm and continued non-stop for nine days, completing 216 hours.

    A native of Mundinjiddu in Brahmavar taluk, Deeksha had always aspired to achieve great heights in the field of Bharatnatyam. With this dream in mind, she set out to perform continuously for 216 hours.

    On Thursday, August 28, at 5:30 pm, she completed 170 hours, breaking the earlier record set by Remona Evette Pereira of Mangaluru, who had performed for 170 hours and entered the Golden Book of World Records.

    The record-breaking attempt was supported by Ratna Sanjeeva Kalamandala, Manipal, under the leadership of Mahesh Thakur, with guidance from former Udupi MLA K Raghupati Bhat.

    Further details are awaited.

  • Udupi: Dalit Rights Committee Demands Action Against Tahsildar for Negligence

    Udupi, August 29, 2025 – The Dalit Rights Committee, led by district president Sanjeeva Balkoor, lodged a complaint with Udupi District Collector Swarupa T.K., accusing the Udupi Tahsildar of serious dereliction of duty. The issue pertains to confirmed encroachments on a government road in Pithrodi, Udyavara village, which restricts access to a Dalit family’s home. Despite a survey report with maps verifying the encroachment, the Tahsildar failed to clear the obstruction, allegedly enabling Dalit atrocities. The committee demanded strict action against the official for violating constitutional responsibilities.

    Additionally, Sanjeeva Balkoor urged the administration to address the plight of Dalit families in Nada village, Byndoor taluk, who have been denied government land grants for decades, causing significant hardship. He further demanded that 50% of available government land across Udupi district’s villages be reserved for Dalit communities to ensure equitable access.

    The complaint was supported by CITU Udupi District Secretary Kaviraj, Byndoor Zone Construction Workers’ Union President Rajeev Padukone, Dalit Rights Committee leaders Nagarathna Nada, Ranganatha Korangarapadi, Nagarathna R., and landless Dalit women from Nada village, who were present during the submission.

  • Manipal and Malpe: Two Separate Cyber Fraud Cases Reported

    Udupi, August 29, 2025 – Two distinct cyber fraud cases have surfaced in Udupi district, highlighting the growing prevalence of online scams.

    Manipal Case (Crime No. 154/2025)

    On August 20, 2025, a 75-year-old resident sent a check request slip to Mumbai via speed post, which did not reach its destination by August 26. Upon contacting the speed post office online at 2:00 PM on August 26, the complainant was instructed to pay an additional ₹5 online for delivery. After complying, ₹1,50,000 was fraudulently withdrawn from their bank account without their knowledge. The case was registered at Manipal Police Station under Sections 66(c) and 66(d) of the IT Act, 2000 (identity theft and cheating by impersonation), and Section 316(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 (cheating), carrying penalties up to seven years imprisonment and fines.

    Malpe Case (Crime No. 94/2025)

    On August 24, 2025, a 25-year-old received a Telegram message from an account named “Poonam,” promising high earnings for online tasks. After sharing personal and bank details, the complainant completed tasks, receiving small payments (₹900, ₹9,100, and ₹800) to gain trust. Between August 24 and 27, 2025, the fraudsters, using names like Rujani and Krishna, manipulated the complainant into transferring ₹5,70,000 through multiple transactions via provided links, promising higher returns. The case was registered at Malpe Police Station under Sections 316(2) (cheating), 318(4) (cheating with knowledge of wrongful loss), and 112 (organized crime) of BNS 2023, and Sections 66(c) and 66(d) of the IT Act, 2000, with penalties up to seven years imprisonment and fines.

  • Udupi: Holiday Declared for All Schools and PU Colleges on August 28, 2025

    Udupi, August 27, 2025: In response to incessant rainfall over the past two days and the forecast of increasing intensity, the Udupi District Collector has announced a holiday for all educational institutions, including anganwadis, government, aided, and private primary and high schools, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), and pre-university colleges, on August 28, 2025, as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety.

    The order does not extend to degree, postgraduate, diploma, or engineering colleges, which will continue to function.