Category: Bhatkal

  • Murudeshwar: Persian Boat Sinks Near Netrani Island, 25 Fishermen Rescued

    Bhatkal, September 1, 2025: A Persian fishing boat named ‘Maha Murudeshwar,’ owned by an individual from Kaykini, Bhatkal, sank near Netrani Island off Murudeshwar, resulting in an estimated financial loss exceeding ₹80 lakh. Fortunately, all 25 fishermen on board escaped unharmed due to swift rescue efforts. As the boat began sinking, a distress call was made to the Coast Guard control room. Two nearby fishing boats, ‘Vellankini’ and ‘Macchedurga,’ rushed to the scene and successfully rescued all the fishermen.

    No lives were lost, averting a major tragedy, thanks to timely intervention. However, the sinking has caused significant economic hardship for the boat owner and the fishermen’s families, who are now in distress.

  • Bhatkal: Two Arrested for Stealing from Temple Donation Box

    Bhatkal, August 31, 2025 – Bhatkal police have arrested two individuals, Darshan (son of Manjunath Naik, Karagadde, Bhatkal) and Narayan (son of Nagappa Gudihittala, Shirali, Bhatkal), for stealing from donation boxes at Shri Kanchina Durga Parameshwari Temple. The theft occurred on the night of August 28, 2025, when the accused broke the temple door’s lock, entered, and stole cash from the donation boxes. A case was registered at Bhatkal police station.

    Following an investigation, the police successfully apprehended the accused and recovered items worth ₹1,20,030, including the two-wheeler used in the crime. The suspects were presented before the court and remanded to judicial custody. Senior officials commended the police team for their effective handling of the case.

  • Bhatkal: Body of Missing Fisherman Manjunath Gowda Found on Kirimanjeshwara Beach

    Bhatkal, August 30, 2025: The body of Manjunath Gowda (51), a fisherman from Idugunji, Honnavar taluk, who went missing four days ago after falling from a fishing boat off the Bhatkal coast, was recovered this morning on the shore of Akala Bailu, Kirimanjeshwara village, within Byndoor police station limits. Local resident Anand Devadiga found the body floating in the sea, brought it to shore, and informed the police.

    Byndoor police promptly arrived at the scene and sent the body to Byndoor Government Hospital’s mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Kirimanjeshwar Gram Panchayat President Shekhar Kharvi and member Ganesh Poojari visited the site. The police, along with local residents Santosh Kharvi, ambulance staff Ibrahim and Vikas Mogaveera from Gangolli, KND staff Gopal Koderi, and Anand Devadiga, assisted in transporting the body.

    Body of Missing Fisherman Manjunath Gowda Found | Photo Credit: MHI
  • Bhatkal: BMYF Holds Annual General Meeting, Emphasizes Youth Leadership and Social Reform

    Bhatkal, August 27, 2025: The Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation (BMYF) conducted its annual general meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Rabita Hall, Bhatkal. The session began with an impactful recitation of the Holy Quran by Moulana Sayed Salek Barmaur Nadvi, followed by a Naat-e-Rasool by Hafiz Umair. General Secretary Mubashir Usman Hilari warmly welcomed the attendees.

    BMYF Secretary Ayad S.M. Nadvi presented a comprehensive annual report detailing the federation’s activities and achievements over the past year. Internal Auditor Roshan Kandanguda shared the financial report, emphasizing transparency in income and expenditure. Chief Guest Moulana Abdul Raqib M.J. Nadvi, General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem, highlighted the role of youth as future community leaders, urging BMYF to identify and train talent from sports centers to build strong leadership.

    In his presidential address, BMYF President Moulana Wasiullah D.F. Nadvi stressed that sports centers should serve as platforms for ethical and social reform, not just recreation. He advocated guiding youth away from harmful habits with compassion and called for active member participation to strengthen the federation. The meeting concluded with a prayer led by the president, followed by a communal dinner.

    The stage included key office bearers: First Vice President Advocate Syed Imran Lanka, Second Vice President Advocate Afaq Kola, Treasurer Rameez Kola, Education Secretary Waseem Asarmatta, Social Secretary Zaheer Sheikh, Sports Secretary Talha Tiruchanapalli, and Discipline Secretary Moulana Abu Bakr Toonse. The event was skillfully moderated by Moulana Bashar Nadvi.

  • Uttara Kannada: Schools and Colleges Closed on August 28, 2025, Due to Red Alert

    Karwar, August 27, 2025 – The Uttara Kannada district administration has declared a holiday for all primary schools, high schools, anganwadis, and pre-university colleges on August 28, 2025, in response to a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru, forecasting heavy rainfall. The closure applies to all taluks, including Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Shirasi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Joida, and Dandeli.

    The decision aims to ensure the safety of students and prevent untoward incidents due to incessant rains, which have raised concerns about flooding and transportation risks. The district administration has urged parents and students to cooperate with this precautionary measure.

  • Bhatkal: SDPI Protests ‘Unscientific’ NH-66 Construction After Fatal Accidents

    Bhatkal, August 27, 2025 – The Bhatkal unit of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) staged a protest on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, near Noor Masjid, condemning IRB Infrastructure’s “unscientific” and negligent work on the four-laning of National Highway 66 (NH-66). The demonstrators accused the contractor and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) of failing to install essential safety features like streetlights, pedestrian crossings, barricades, and warning signs, resulting in multiple accidents, including the fatal incident involving Murdeshwar resident Ishwar Naik on August 22, 2025.

    SDPI submitted a memorandum to the Bhatkal Tahsildar, addressed to the Assistant Commissioner and copied to senior state officials, including the Governor, demanding immediate action against IRB, an independent probe into safety violations, and stricter oversight of highway projects statewide. SDPI district president Taufiq Beary highlighted the decade-long delay in the NH-66 project, stalled for the past 18 months, and issued a 10-day ultimatum for resuming work and implementing safety measures, threatening escalated protests if ignored.

    The protesters initially demanded that the Assistant Commissioner or Tahsildar receive the memorandum at the site, but when officials did not appear, they marched to the Taluka Administration Office. The demonstration saw participation from SDPI leaders, including district secretary Waseem Manegar, district council member Zainuddin, assembly secretary Saqib, and others like Suhail and Abdul Sami.

    Following the protest, Bhatkal Tahsildar Nagendr Kolashetty inspected the hazardous stretch near Noor Masjid and assured that repair work would begin soon. Circle Police Inspector Divakar, PSI Naveen, and other officers, supervised by DySP Mahesh, ensured order during the event.

  • Bhatkal: Fire at Fruit and Vegetable Shop on Jali Road; Goods Destroyed

    Bhatkal, August 25, 2025: A sudden fire erupted at Tahseen Fruit and Vegetable Shop near Oceanic Building on Jali Road, Bhatkal, at around 10:30 PM on August 25, 2025, triggering panic among nearby residents and traders as thick smoke billowed from the premises. The fire caused extensive damage to the shop’s inventory and assets, though no loss of life was reported.

    Firefighters arrived promptly but faced challenges as the first fire truck lacked sufficient water, delaying initial containment efforts. A second fire truck with additional resources reached the scene shortly after, successfully extinguishing the blaze after several minutes. Eyewitnesses reported that shop employees and nearby pedestrians evacuated immediately upon noticing the fire, ensuring no injuries. Bhatkal police swiftly implemented traffic control measures to secure the area and ensure public safety.

    Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit as the likely cause, though the fire department and authorities have not yet confirmed this. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact trigger and assess the extent of the damage, estimated to be significant due to the destruction of perishable goods and shop fixtures.

  • Bhatkal: Police Arrest Attempted Murder Accused Within 12 Hours

    Bhatkal, August 24, 2025 – Bhatkal Town Police arrested Akbar Ahmed, aged 33, within 12 hours of an attempted murder incident reported on August 24, 2025, at 1:20 PM in a local market. The complainant, Mohammad Haneef, a 38-year-old fruit vendor from Badriya Colony, Taggaragoda Jali, Bhatkal, reported that Akbar, residing near Ismail Welding Garage in Firdosnagar, Bhatkal (originally from Kallakall Oni, Hanagal, Haveri), attacked Ibrahim (Janata Plot, Bhatkal) with a knife. The incident stemmed from a business dispute over fruit boxes, escalating into a heated argument. Akbar, enraged, verbally abused Ibrahim and attempted to stab him in the stomach, but Ibrahim dodged, sustaining a stab wound to his waist.

    A case was registered at Bhatkal Town Police Station under Crime No. 100/2025, citing Section 109 (attempt to murder, punishable by up to seven years) and Section 352 (criminal force with intent to cause injury) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. A special team, led by Police Inspector Divakar P.M. and PSIs Naveen S. Naik and Timmappa S., conducted a swift investigation, apprehending Akbar and placing him in judicial custody.

    The operation was guided by Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. (IPS) and Deputy Superintendent Mahesh M.K., with support from constables Dinesh Naik, Vinayak Patil, Devu Naik, Mahantesh Hiremath, Kashinath Kotagunasi, and technical staff Baban and Uday Gunaga. SP Deepan commended the team for their rapid response and effective coordination in resolving the case.

  • Anjuman Boys’ High School, Bhatkal, Under-17 Table Tennis Team Secures District-Level Victory

    Bhatkal, August 25, 2025: The Under-17 Table Tennis Team of Anjuman Boys’ High School, Bhatkal, under the banner of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, achieved a remarkable victory by securing first position at the District-Level Table Tennis Tournament held in Karwar on August 25, 2025. This triumph has qualified the team to represent Uttara Kannada at the State-Level Championship.

    The winning team comprised Saad (S/O Mohammed Ismail Mulla), Noufil Ahmed (S/O Hussain Shabbir Mukhtasar), Mohammed Ibrahim (S/O Abdul Hafize Pillur), Usman (S/O Adnan Sadique Ruknuddin), and Ahmed Mohtasib (S/O Mohammed Mubeen Jukaku). Their outstanding performance, marked by dedication, teamwork, and sporting spirit, led to this well-deserved success. The Anjuman Boys’ High School community, established in 1999, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement, lauding their hard work and commitment.

  • Bhatkal: Three Extortionists Arrested for Using Virtual Numbers to Demand Ransom

    Bhatkal, August 24, 2025 – The Bhatkal City Police in Uttara Kannada District arrested three individuals on August 20, 2025, for extorting a complainant using virtual numbers. The accused, identified as Mohammad Faris (20, Abuhurera Colony, Bhatkal), Mohammad Arshad (22, Musanagar, Bhatkal), and Aman (20, Haladi 76 Janata Colony, Kundapur), were remanded to judicial custody following their arrest.

    The case began when the complainant filed a report at Bhatkal City Police Station at 11:00 AM on August 20, 2025, detailing threats received on August 16, 2025, at 8:35 PM. An unknown caller, using a virtual number, claimed to possess private photos and videos of the complainant’s daughter, demanding ₹20 lakh to prevent their public release. Subsequent calls on August 18 and 19, 2025, from numbers +31 970105***** and +31 97010******, reduced the demand to ₹15 lakh while continuing the threats against the complainant and his wife. A case was registered under Section 308(2) of the Indian Penal Code (now replaced by Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation) under Crime No. 97/2025.

    A special team, formed under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. and Deputy Superintendent Mahesh M.K., was led by Police Inspector Diwakar P.M. and PSI Naveen S. Nayak. The team, including officers Dinesh Nayak, Vinayak Patil, Nagaraj Mogera, Mahantesh Hiremath, Kashinath Kotagunasi, Lokesh Katti, Mahesh Amagotha, Raghavendra Gowda, Jagadish Nayak, and technical staff Baban and Udaya Gunaga, traced the virtual numbers and apprehended the accused. The operation was praised for its efficiency, with all involved officers congratulated.