Bhatkal, September 18, 2025: Bhatkal City Police Station has arrested two individuals accused of illegally slaughtering animals and dumping their remains, skins, and bones in a forest area within the station limits. The arrests were made following a complaint lodged on September 11, 2025, at 16:00 hours.
The complainant, Maruti ( Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, Bhatkal, residing at Sagar Road, Forest Quarters, Bhatkal), reported that unidentified persons trespassed into the forest survey No. 74 area in Mukhdoom Colony hill on September 11 at 14:00 hours, slaughtered animals brought from elsewhere, and discarded the remains, skins, bones, and other parts. The case was registered under Crime No. 105/2025, invoking Sections 4 and 12 of the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act-2020, and Section 329(3) of the BNS-2023.
Acting on the complaint, police teams were formed, and on September 17, 2025, the accused were apprehended:
Mohammed Saman (son of B.K. Abu Mohammed, aged 19, Mukhdoom Colony, Bhatkal);
Mohammed Rahin (son of Mohammed Rizwan, aged 20, resident of Chauthani Main Road, Bhatkal).
The vehicle used in the crime was seized, and both were produced before the court, which remanded them to judicial custody.
The operation was directed by SP Deepan M.N. (IPS), Karwar; Additional SP-1 Krishnamurthy G., Karwar; and Additional SP-2 Jagadish Naik, Karwar. It was guided by DySP Mahesh M.K. and led by PI Divakar P.M. of Bhatkal City Police Station, with assistance from PSI Naveen Naik (Crime & Support), PSI Thimmappa S., and constables CHC-1475 Dinesh Naik, CHC-713 Devu Naik, CHC-860 Deepak Naik, CHC-1347 Vinayak Patil, CPC 583 Kashinath Kotagonasi, CPC 1663 Suresh Marati, CPC-1772 Kiran Patil, and CPC 1008 Revanasiddappa Magi. Technical support was provided by Uday Gunaga and Baban Kadam from the District Police Office’s technical wing.
All officers and personnel involved in the swift detection and arrest have been commended for their exemplary performance.
Bhatkal, September 17, 2025 – Bhatkal Rural Police Station has arrested two individuals accused of breaking into the hundi (donation box) at Shri Arikal Jatakeshwar Temple in Hebbale village and stealing cash. The arrests were made following a case registered on September 14, 2025, under Crime No. 125/2025, Sections 500 and 331(4), 305(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The accused have been identified as Amir (father: Hasan Byari), a resident of Shirali, and Mohammed Imran (father: Abdul Gafar), a resident of Bhatkal. Both have been produced in court and remanded to judicial custody.
During the investigation, police seized property worth ₹2,21,295 from the accused, including two motorcycles used in the crime. The operation was led by the Police Inspector of Bhatkal Rural Police Station.
Bhatkal, September 15, 2025 – Venkatesh Navada, the in-charge Chief Officer of Bhatkal Town Municipal Council, has filed a complaint with the Bhatkal Town Police Station against unidentified individuals for spreading false news on social media, alleging a pile of animal bones was dumped in an open hilly area of Makhdoom Colony. The misinformation, accompanied by photos and videos, was shared around 9:00 PM on September 9, 2025, with the intent to incite fear and disrupt public peace, according to the complaint.
The Bhatkal Town Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to trace the culprits and take legal action. Initial findings, corroborated by CPI Diwakar, confirm that the viral photos and videos are old, dating back to 2013-14, and do not reflect the current situation in Makhdoom Colony. A physical inspection by police and municipal officials found no large heap of animal bones as depicted. On Wednesday, municipal workers cleared garbage and waste from the area, though a few old bones were found in a small bundle in a ravine on Thursday, prompting a separate complaint from the Forest Department.
CPI Diwakar stated, “The viral photos of heaps of bones are old. We conducted an immediate inspection after receiving the information, and no such pile was found. The municipality cleared the waste, but a few old bones were detected in a small bundle. Based on the Forest Department’s complaint, a case has been registered, and we are investigating further.”
Additional SP Krishnamurthy clarified, “The scale of bones shown in the viral photos does not exist in Bhatkal’s hilly area. Only two to three small bundles of waste were found.” The police noted that similar incidents occurred in 2013-14 when animal bones and waste were dumped in the same area, causing a public outcry and foul odor, leading to complaints and police action at the time. The current misinformation appears to repurpose those old visuals to create unrest.
The Forest Department has also filed a complaint regarding the recent discovery of a few bones, and a case has been registered for further investigation. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information to prevent panic and maintain communal harmony.
Bhatkal, September 11, 2025: In a unanimous decision, Janab Yunus Kazia, a prominent NRI businessman based in Saudi Arabia, has been elected as the new trustee of Jamat Ul Muslimeen, Bhatkal. The position became vacant following the demise of the late SM Syed Khaleel ur Rahman. The election was approved by all members of the election committee, recognizing Kazia’s extensive social services and leadership experience.
Yunus Kazia, who is also the President of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Bhatkal—is expected to play an active role in advancing the organization’s social, educational, and religious activities. As a successful entrepreneur in Saudi Arabia, Kazia has consistently contributed to community welfare in Bhatkal, including initiatives in education and healthcare.
Bhatkal, September 7, 2025: Mohammed Muneeb, son of Mohsin Sada, has been named the new Principal of Anjuman Pre-University (PU) College, Bhatkal, as announced by the Anjuman PU Board. The appointment recognizes Muneeb’s academic excellence and extensive teaching experience, positioning him to lead the institution toward greater heights.
A distinguished alumnus of Anjuman institutions, Muneeb completed his schooling at Islamia Anglo Urdu High School (IAUHS) and his PU education at Anjuman PU College, Bhatkal. He earned a B.Com from Anjuman Degree College and an M.Com from Mangalore University, later pursuing a Ph.D. in Malaysia. His academic journey reflects a deep connection to Bhatkal’s educational legacy and a commitment to scholarly advancement.
Muneeb’s teaching career began in 2010 at Anjuman Degree College, where he served for four years. He then taught for six years at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Oman, gaining valuable international exposure. With a total of 14 years of teaching experience—split evenly between India and abroad—Muneeb brings a global perspective to his leadership role.
Expressing his vision, Muneeb aims to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Yousuf Kola, by enhancing academic standards, discipline, and career guidance for students. His goal is to prepare students not only for academic success but also for meaningful career paths post-PU education.
Bhatkal, September 7, 2025: The final rites of an unidentified beggar, who passed away due to ill health near the Old Bus Stand in Bhatkal, were conducted at Rudra Bhoomi on September 6, 2025, in the presence of police personnel and social workers. The somber ceremony marked the conclusion of efforts to identify the deceased’s kin, which proved unsuccessful.
On August 30, 2025, the beggar was found dead in a seated position outside a shop near the bus stand’s fish market, where he had been living for several months. The body was moved to Bhatkal Government Hospital and kept in the mortuary for eight days while authorities attempted to locate his relatives. Despite public appeals by the police, no one came forward to claim the body by September 6. Following a post-mortem examination, the last rites were performed as per protocol.
The ceremony was attended by social workers Manju Muttalli and Ismail Saud Gavai, along with ASI Anthony Fernandes and Constable Mahesh Patagar from Bhatkal Town Police Station. Ambulance driver Everts and municipal workers also participated, ensuring the deceased received a dignified farewell.
Bhatkal, September 3, 2025: The newly inaugurated hi-tech fish market on Hospital Road, Bhatkal, is now bustling with activity, drawing large crowds of buyers and vendors just days after a lackluster opening on September 1. The modern facility, constructed by Bhatkal Municipality at a cost of ₹1.38 crore, is being hailed as a significant upgrade over the old, congested fish market, offering world-class amenities including dedicated parking, proper vendor stands, and advanced cleaning equipment.
The market’s opening day was marked by disappointment, with no vendors showing up until noon due to a reported boycott by some sellers. However, the tide has turned, and the facility is now seeing a surge in participation. A diverse range of fresh fish, including kingfish and prawns, is available at competitive prices, attracting buyers from across the region.
Local residents and leaders have expressed enthusiasm for the market, urging the community to embrace the change. “The government has provided us with a beautiful, hygienic facility, but people need more awareness to fully utilize it,” said a community member. “The old market had severe parking issues and was unhygienic. We complained about the lack of government action, and now that we have this new market, we must support it.”
Another resident praised the market’s cleanliness and infrastructure, stating, “The facilities here are world-class—clean, spacious, with ample parking. Fresh fish is readily available, and I encourage all Bhatkal residents to visit and take advantage of this opportunity.”
Photo Credit :Fikrokhabar Bhatkal | Youtube
A community leader thanked Bhatkal Tanzeem and Bhatkal Municipality for their efforts, emphasizing the health risks posed by the old market. “The old fish market was surrounded by garbage, leading to diseases like typhoid and malaria. This new market offers a clean environment and a wide variety of fresh fish at affordable prices. Our goal is to make this one of the most prominent fish-selling hubs in coastal Karnataka.”
Photo Credit :Fikrokhabar Bhatkal | Youtube
A Long-Awaited Demand Fulfilled
The new fish market addresses a demand that dates back to 2018, driven by the poor conditions of the old market, which was cramped and posed health risks. Advocate Santosh Nayak, former president of Bhatkal Taluk Block Congress, highlighted the significance of the initiative. “The old market was in a deplorable state, with no proper arrangements for sellers or buyers. The new facility is a game-changer for both. Initially, there was resistance, as seen in similar transitions like Shirale’s fish market, but vendors will gradually move here and reserve their spaces.”
Photo Credit :Fikrokhabar Bhatkal | Youtube
A municipality leader added, “After years of pressure and government procedures, we successfully opened this ₹1.38 crore facility on September 1. It’s a clean, hygienic space designed to benefit the entire community.”
Overcoming Initial Challenges
On the opening day, the absence of vendors left early customers disappointed, with only one seller arriving by midday to offer kingfish and prawns, which sold out quickly. Municipal in-charge president Altaf Kharuri acknowledged the setback but remained optimistic, stating, “Despite some vendors backing out due to external discouragement, we are committed to making this market a success. We appeal to residents to support this initiative as more sellers join.”
A Bright Future for Bhatkal’s Fish Trade
With its modern infrastructure and growing popularity, the new fish market is poised to transform Bhatkal’s fish trade. The facility not only addresses long-standing issues of hygiene and space but also positions Bhatkal as a potential hub for fresh, affordable seafood in coastal Karnataka. Community leaders and residents alike are calling for continued support to ensure the market’s success.
With inputs from Fikrokhabar Bhatkal and Bhatkalnews
Bhatkal, September 3, 2025: The District Legal Services Authority, under the directives of the State Legal Services Authority, will organize a Lok Adalat in Bhatkal on September 13, 2025, announced Kaanth Kurani, Senior Civil Judge and Chairman of the Taluk Legal Services Committee. Speaking at a press conference held at the Bhatkal Court Complex, Kurani provided details about the upcoming event aimed at resolving pending legal disputes amicably.
Kurani revealed that a total of 1,508 cases have been identified as suitable for settlement through the Lok Adalat across three courts: the Senior Civil Court, the Principal Civil Court, and the Additional Civil Court. These cases include a variety of disputes that can be resolved through mutual agreement.
Benefits of Lok Adalat
Kurani highlighted the advantages of participating in the Lok Adalat, emphasizing that it offers a platform for parties to settle disputes without the need for prolonged litigation. “The Bhatkal Bar Association has extended significant cooperation, and we have sought their support to ensure the success of this initiative,” he said. The Lok Adalat will address cases such as compoundable criminal cases under the IPC, cheque bounce cases, bank loan recovery disputes, motor vehicle act violations, divorce cases, accident-related claims, and other civil matters.
He further noted that settlements reached in the Lok Adalat are final and cannot be appealed, saving time and money for the parties involved. “Lok Adalat promotes peace within families and society by resolving disputes amicably, without the concept of winners or losers,” Kurani added.
National Mediation Campaign
Kurani also informed that the National Mediation Campaign, running from July 1, 2025, to October 7, 2025, provides an additional opportunity for parties to resolve pending cases through mediation. If both parties in a dispute express willingness to negotiate, the case is referred to mediators who facilitate a resolution. Successful mediations are recorded as settled under the National Mediation Campaign.
He urged litigants to take advantage of both the Lok Adalat and the mediation campaign to resolve their disputes efficiently and peacefully.
The press conference was attended by Deepa Aralugundi, Secretary of the Taluk Legal Services Committee and Principal Civil Judge, and Dhanavati, Additional Civil Judge.
Bhatkal, September 1, 2025: The newly constructed hi-tech fish market on Hospital Road, inaugurated by Bhatkal Municipality, opened on Monday morning but saw no vendors for several hours, leaving customers disappointed.
The market, designed to provide a clean and modern space for fish trading, officially opened at 7 am. However, not a single vendor arrived until noon, despite early buyers turning up in anticipation of fresh catch. Witnesses reported that customers had to return empty-handed, as fish sellers appeared to stage a collective boycott.
It was only around midday that a lone vendor arrived with kingfish and prawns, which were quickly sold out. His decision to support the new facility drew appreciation from buyers, who urged others to follow his example.
Municipal in-charge president Altaf Kharuri acknowledged that the opening day was disappointing. He revealed that while several vendors had earlier assured their participation, they backed out after being discouraged by others. Expressing optimism, Kharuri said the municipality remained committed to making the new market a success and appealed to residents to support the facility as more sellers gradually come on board.
Bhatkal, September 1, 2025: Anjuman Boys’ High School, in collaboration with CIGI (Career Guidance Institute), organized a Career Guidance Workshop in the school’s Seminar Hall for Classes IX and X.
CIGI CEO Mohammed Anas and retired government official Ahmed Nisar inspired students to dream beyond limits, step out of their comfort zones, and aim for prestigious careers such as IAS, IPS, and IFS. They reminded the students that “Success is not a gift, it is earned with hard work, dedication, and consistency.”
Dr. Mohammed Zubair Kola Saheb emphasized patience and perseverance, stating that “Hard work never goes waste; it always shines at the right time.”
Mohammed Yunus Kazia, President of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, urged the students to rise with vision and prepare to be the leaders of tomorrow. The event was also graced by dignitaries and the school’s Headmaster, Mr. Abdulla Numer Ruknuddin.
The workshop concluded with a reminder that “Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it.” With the right guidance, persistent effort, and faith in Allah, students were encouraged to stay motivated and work towards excelling in competitive examinations like UPSC.
