Sirsi, September 4, 2025: Mohammad Rafi Baig, a native of Sirsi, has been promoted from Major to Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army, bringing immense pride to his hometown. The promotion ceremony was held in a simple and dignified manner at the Ranikhet Army Camp in Uttarakhand on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Born in Sirsi in 1980, Mohammad Rafi Baig completed his primary education at Revanakatta and high school at Union High School, Sirsi. His father, Abdul Ghafoor Baig, was an assistant teacher in the state government and later taught at Marikamba High School, Sirsi.
Mohammad Rafi Baig joined the Indian Army as a soldier in 1997 and rose through the ranks through sheer hard work and dedication. Alongside his military service, he pursued higher education, completing his graduation from Karnataka University, Dharwad, as an external candidate. He also successfully cleared the Army Competitive Examinations, paving the way for his promotions. His elevation to Lieutenant Colonel after 28 years of service is a testament to his perseverance and commitment, earning admiration from his family and the people of Sirsi.
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.
Sirsi, September 3, 2025: The Sirsi Town Police felicitated the Gajananotsava Committee of Shivaji Chowk, Sirsi, for conducting the public Ganeshotsava procession in a traditional, peaceful, and disciplined manner without the use of DJ systems. The police department presented a letter of appreciation to the committee, commending their cooperation in adhering to guidelines and ensuring a harmonious celebration.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by key committee members, including President Mahadev Patagar, General Secretary Gajanan Sakalati, and executive committee members Paramanand Hegde, Mohan Byndoor, Shambhuling Elageri, Prabhakar Jogalekar, Arun Naik, Ganesh Jaivant, Vithal Pandit, Ghanashyam Prabhu, and Anant Anvekar, among others.
Representing the police, PSIs Nagappa B. and Narayan Rathod, along with other staff, were present to honor the committee.
Karwar, September 2, 2025: A tragic accident occurred late last night in the tunnel on the national highway in Karwar, where a collision between two cars resulted in the death of one person and injuries to four others. The incident took place around 2:30 AM when an Alto car, driven by Ranjit Kumar Vishwanath Naik, a 35-year-old resident of Puttur, attempted to overtake another vehicle while traveling from Goa towards Puttur via Karwar.
According to reports, the Alto lost control during the overtaking maneuver, leading to a collision with an oncoming car. Ranjit Kumar Vishwanath Naik was killed on the spot due to the impact. The occupants of the other car, identified as Vivek, Girish, Pavan, and the driver Ganesh, all from Chikkaballapur, sustained minor injuries. They were promptly taken to Karwar KRIMS Hospital for treatment.
The accident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Karwar Traffic Police Station, and a case has been registered for further investigation. Authorities are examining the circumstances leading to the crash, including the possibility of speeding or other factors contributing to the loss of control.
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.
Karwar, September 1, 2025: The 1st Additional District and Sessions Court, Karwar (sitting at Sirsi), has sentenced Ibrahim, son of Mammadsab Shiggav (32), to life imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000 for the brutal murder of businessman Mehboobali (51) from Mundgod. Two others, Shareef (38) and Nazia (24), who aided the crime, were sentenced to three years in prison and fined ₹3,000 each. The court also directed payment of ₹25,000 compensation to the victim’s wife, Bibi Ayesha.
The case dates back to December 30–31, 2021, when Mehboobali was attacked with a sharp weapon, causing fatal head injuries. His body, along with his motorcycle, was found in the Kallalli stream between Kallalli and Hanamapur villages. Following a complaint lodged by Ismail Jamakhandi, the Mundgod Police registered a case under IPC Section 302.
Investigations led by PI Siddappa S. Simani resulted in the arrest of Ibrahim, Shareef, and Nazia on January 2, 2022. A chargesheet was filed on April 1, 2022, and after prolonged trial (Sessions Case No. 5032/2022), the verdict was pronounced on September 1, 2025, by Judge Kiran Keni.
Public Prosecutor Rajesh Malagaker represented the State, playing a key role in securing conviction. The investigation team, led by Karwar Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N., with the support of Additional SPs Krishnamurthy G. and Jagadish Naik, DSP Geeta Patil, PI Ranganath Neelammanavar, and police staff, received commendation from the SP for their efforts in ensuring justice.
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.
Karwar, September 1, 2025 – A tragic incident occurred in Binaga, Karwar taluk, Uttara Kannada district, where Amit Malaser (38) died on Sunday after choking on a piece of food while eating at home. Family members attempted to help by giving him water, but he collapsed immediately. He was rushed to KRIMS District Hospital in Karwar via ambulance, where doctors confirmed that a piece of food stuck in his throat caused his death.
Amit, a car driver by profession, had been suffering from health issues for some time and was undergoing medical treatment.
