Sirsi, September 17, 2025: Dr. Rashmi Hegde, a proud daughter of Sirsi taluk, has been commissioned as a Captain in the Indian Army’s Military Hospital. She will serve in the General Medicine department at the Military Hospital in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, providing medical care to soldiers defending the nation and their families.
A graduate of MBBS from Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. Hegde completed her MD at KMC Hubballi. Daughter of Boppanahalli residents Smt. Rohini and Dr. Lakshminarayana Hegde, she has become an inspiration for young doctors aspiring to serve in the armed forces.
Dr. Hegde received her primary education at K.L.E. Society in Gokak and completed PU at Chaitanya Mahavidyalaya in Sirsi. In the 2015 PU board exams, she secured first place in the district and fourth in the state, marking her early academic excellence.
Her achievement brings immense pride to Sirsi taluk and the entire region.
Karwar, September 17, 2025: In a swift investigation, Chittakula Police Station in Uttara Kannada District has arrested Ramesh Mahadev Methar, accused of burglarizing a residence in Maja Gabitwada village, Karwar Taluk. The theft, which occurred between 13:00 and 18:00 on August 7, 2025, involved breaking into the complainant’s home, tampering with the main door latch, and forcing open an iron almirah in the puja room to steal gold bangles. Police recovered 48 grams of gold mangalsutra valued at ₹4,80,000 from the accused, who has been remanded to judicial custody.
The case was registered under Crime No. 51/2025 at Chittakula Police Station, invoking Sections 331(3) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Following leads from the investigation, police apprehended the accused and seized the stolen items.
The operation was conducted under the directions of SP Deepan M.N. (IPS), Additional SP-1 Krishnamurthy G., and Additional SP-2 Jagadish M. It was guided by DySP Girish S. of the Karwar Subdivision. The team included PI Prakash Devadiga (Circle Inspector, Kadra Circle), ASI Sunita Kadwadkar, CHC 1414 Rajesh Naik, CPC 703 Vinay Kanakonkar, CPC-1046 Ajit Iru Gowda, CPC 1142 Pravin Gavonkar, CPC 924 Kumaresh R. Lamani, HC 1343 Satish Ganvkar, and APC 503 Jagadish (Jeep Driver, Circle Inspector’s Office, Kadra Circle).
All officers and personnel involved in the rapid detection and arrest have been commended for their exemplary work.
Honnavar, September 17, 2025 – The Sharavati Nadi Kanive Horata Samithi has vehemently opposed the Sharavati Pumped Storage Underground Hydroelectric Project, labeling its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report as “completely false, misleading, and biased in favor of the project.” The committee has submitted detailed objections to the district administration ahead of the public hearing scheduled for September 18 in Uppinangady, Gerusoppe, urging residents to attend and voice their concerns.
In a strongly worded statement, the committee dismissed the EIA as a “bundle of lies,” accusing it of ignoring the project’s devastating impacts on downstream villages, farmers, fishermen, and the river ecosystem from Gerusoppe onwards. “The report fails to even minimally address the adverse effects on the Sharavati river basin, local communities, and riparian environment,” it stated.
The committee highlighted several critical issues: saltwater intrusion from the Arabian Sea, already affecting 15 km of the river during summer due to mismanagement of Gerusoppe reservoir water levels by Karnataka Power Corporation (KPC), exacerbating salinity for thousands of farmers and residents. Scientists warn that the pumped storage project could reverse river flow, allowing saltwater to penetrate further upstream to Gerusoppe, a risk the EIA and Central Review Committee (CRZ) authority have overlooked.
Furthermore, the underground tunneling—30 feet in diameter over 14 km using explosives—poses severe threats of land subsidence and earthquakes, endangering lives, infrastructure, and dams. The committee estimates the project could displace or devastate livelihoods for over 100,000 farmers and fishermen, leading to crop failures, fish scarcity, and forced consumption of brackish water.
The group questioned the timing of the public hearing, noting that contractors have already been appointed for implementation, suggesting the process is a mere formality. It demanded a comprehensive review, including seismic studies, before any approvals from the Pollution Control Board or district administration. Forest diversion and NGT clearance are still pending, yet the project has advanced to the hearing stage.
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.
Karwar, September 15, 2025 :The Indian Constitution guarantees equal opportunities to every citizen, and people must make the best use of these rights, said Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmipriya. She was speaking at the inauguration of International Democracy Day celebrations held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office auditorium, organized jointly by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, and Social Welfare Department, Karwar. The event began with a floral tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s portrait.
Lakshmipriya emphasized the need for a mindset of equality, free from divisions of caste, religion, or creed. “The Constitution embodies values of equality, harmony, and tolerance, providing equal opportunities to the poor, the rich, and people of all faiths,” she said. She highlighted that the Constitution grants freedom of speech and expression, allowing citizens to voice their concerns boldly. She urged children to actively participate in Gram Sabha meetings, express their needs, and demand facilities for schools and communities with courage, fostering a habit of speaking up confidently.
Encouraging students to utilize constitutional provisions, Lakshmipriya called on them to become responsible citizens, contribute positively to society, and strengthen the nation.
Dr. Dileesh Sasi, CEO of Zilla Panchayat, noted that International Democracy Day is celebrated globally, underscoring that democracy is the soul of the Constitution. “India is the world’s largest democracy, rooted in principles of freedom, equality, and participation. Voting in elections and active engagement at every level of governance are crucial for a thriving democracy,” he said, stressing that it is every citizen’s responsibility to uphold democratic values.
Ullas Shyam Hudhar, a lecturer at Ankola P.M. Pre-University College, delivered a talk on democracy, stating that India’s democratic system is a global model, thanks to its robust Constitution. Unlike other democracies where voting rights were granted post-Constitution, India ensured these rights from the day the Constitution was enacted. He urged youth to recognize the importance of democracy and participate in elections to build a stronger nation.
The event saw the presence of District Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N., Additional Deputy Commissioner Sajid Mulla, Deputy Director of Social Welfare Y.K. Umesh, and representatives from Scheduled Castes and Tribes, along with various district officials. Participants took the Constitutional Preamble Oath, and prizes were distributed to winners of competitions organized as part of Democracy Day.
Full Implementation of Child Protection Policy Urged
In a separate meeting at the same venue, Deputy Commissioner Lakshmipriya directed all educational institutions, hostels, sports facilities, and government offices in the district to fully implement the Karnataka State Child Protection Policy. She emphasized adherence to the policy’s 20-point guidelines, including conducting regular safety meetings and adopting necessary protective measures.
She instructed departments to submit detailed reports on funds allocated for child welfare and safety measures, ensure CCTV installation in school premises, set up complaint boxes for children, and conduct awareness programs on child rights. The toll-free child helpline (1098) must be prominently displayed, and all benefits meant for children should be distributed effectively. Complaints received through Gram Sabhas or school suggestion boxes must be taken seriously and resolved promptly by relevant departments.
Lakshmipriya stressed creating a child-friendly and safe environment across the district, with all departments adhering to guidelines from the Child Protection Commission.
The meeting was attended by IAS trainee Deputy Commissioner Zufishan Haque, Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Alla Baksh, Deputy Director of Women and Child Development Krishnappa, District Child Protection Officer Sonal Aigal, District RCH Officer Dr. Nataraj, DYSP Girish, and other district-level officials.
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.
Yallapur, September 8, 2025: A devastating incident occurred near Kiravatti in Yallapur taluk, where a tree collapse resulted in the deaths of Savitri Bagu Kharat (28), a five-month-pregnant woman, and Swati Babu Kharat (17), a student. The tragedy struck in Domageri as Savitri was returning from an Anganwadi center when the tree suddenly fell on them. Savitri succumbed to her injuries on the spot, while Swati, critically injured, passed away en route to the hospital.
Three children—Ghatu Lakku Kokare (5), Shravani Babu Kharat (2), and Shambhavi Babu Kharat (4)—sustained serious injuries and were rushed to KIMS Hospital in Hubballi for treatment. Additionally, Sanvi Babu Kokare (5), Vinay Lakku Kokare (5), and Anushree Mambu Kokare (5) escaped with minor injuries and are receiving care at Yallapur Hospital. The force of the falling tree also damaged nearby electric poles.
Upon hearing of the incident, Yallapur MLA Shivaram Hebbar visited the site and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. A case has been registered at Yallapur Police Station, and further investigations are underway to determine the cause of the tree fall.
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.
