Blog

  • Udupi: Liquor Sales Banned on Ganesha Festival Days to Ensure Public Order

    Udupi, August 26, 2025: To ensure public peace and order during the Ganesha festival, Udupi District Magistrate and District Collector Swaroopa T.K. (IAS) has imposed a liquor sale ban across the district on August 27, 2025, from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and in Udupi city on August 29 and 31, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM. The order, issued under Section 21 of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, and Rule 3 of the Karnataka Excise (Sale of Indian and Foreign Liquor) Rules, 1968, mandates the closure of all bars, restaurants, and wine shops holding liquor sale licenses during these periods.

    The decision follows a report from the Udupi District Superintendent of Police (Letter No. 175(11)/SB/General/Ganesha.BB/UJI/2025, dated August 22, 2025), highlighting the risk of disturbances by inebriated individuals during Ganesha idol immersion ceremonies if liquor outlets remain open. The ban aims to prevent potential law and order issues, particularly during the festive processions, which attract large crowds in Udupi, a key religious hub.

    Dry Day Schedule:

    • August 27, 2025: Across Udupi district, 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
    • August 29 and 31, 2025: Udupi city limits, 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
    Udupi: Liquor Sales Banned on Ganesha Festival Days to Ensure Public Order
  • 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.

  • Udupi: SP Hariram Shankar Felicitates International Powerlifter Satheesh Kharvi

    Kundapur, August 25, 2025: Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar felicitated Satheesh Kharvi, an international powerlifter from Kharvikeri, Kundapur, for his remarkable achievements in powerlifting. During the event, SP Shankar expressed his joy and pride in Kharvi’s accomplishments, particularly noting his past medals and his selection to compete in the World Powerlifting Championship 2025, scheduled for November 4-9, 2025, in Durban, South Africa, at the Onomo Hotel. The championship, organized by the World Powerlifting Congress SA, will feature events like Full Power, Bench Press, and Deadlift across various categories.

    The felicitation was attended by Raghavendra Shetty, State President of the Karnataka State Human Rights and Women & Child Welfare Organization, underscoring the community’s support for Kharvi’s success. Kharvi, previously honored for a gold medal at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship in Auckland, New Zealand, continues to bring pride to Udupi with his dedication to the sport.

  • Karwar: Flying Squad Formed to Curb Illegal Lottery and Matka Activities

    Karwar, August 25, 2025 – In compliance with the Karnataka State Lottery Regulation Act, 1998, and government directives, a Flying Squad has been established in Uttara Kannada district to address illegal lottery and matka activities. Chaired by District Collector K. Lakshmipriya, the squad includes the District Superintendent of Police, the Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Taxes (Enforcement), Sirsi, and the Assistant Director of Pension, Small Savings, and Asset-Liability Management, Karwar.

    The initiative targets unauthorized activities such as printing, selling, or purchasing lottery tickets under the guise of development schemes, prize programs, or festival events, which are deemed criminal offenses. Inter-state lottery ticket transactions and matka gambling are also prohibited. The public is urged to report any such activities to the nearest police station immediately. Instructions have been issued to the police department to take strict action against violators.

    District Collector K. Lakshmipriya emphasized that citizens, printers, vendors, and buyers must exercise caution and avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes. Media outlets, including newspapers and visual media, are warned against publishing results of unauthorized lottery draws, as doing so would constitute abetting illegal activities. The public and stakeholders are requested to promptly report any illicit activities to the police or relevant authorities to ensure effective enforcement, as stated in a press release by K. Lakshmipriya, Chairperson of the Flying Squad for Controlling Unauthorized Lottery and Matka Activities.

  • Udupi: Applications Invited for Welfare Schemes for Persons with Disabilities

    Udupi, August 25, 2025 – The Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Udupi, has announced the implementation of several welfare schemes for persons with disabilities in the current fiscal year. Eligible candidates in Udupi district are invited to apply for benefits such as:

    • Fee Reimbursement: For students with disabilities pursuing higher education.
    • Marriage Incentive: For individuals marrying a person with a disability.
    • Battery-Operated Wheelchair: To enhance mobility for eligible persons.
    • Niramaya Scheme: Health insurance coverage for persons with disabilities.
    • Spardha Chetana Scheme: Training support for competitive examinations.

    Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2025. Application forms and further details can be obtained from the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, C Block, Ground Floor, near Syndicate Bank, District Panchayat Division, Rajatadri, Manipal. Contact numbers: 0820-2574810 and 2574811. The announcement was made by the District Welfare Officer for Persons with Disabilities.

  • 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.

  • Byndoor: Community Health Centre Welcomes New Medical Officer Dr. Nagavani

    Byndoor, August 25, 2025 – Dr. Nagavani, the newly appointed Medical Officer at Byndoor Community Health Centre, was felicitated by a delegation including members of the Raksha Samiti, Shiroor Gram Panchayat Vice-President Kapsi Noor Mohammad, Byndoor Block Congress Women’s President, and Byndoor Minority Unit President. The group visited the hospital to extend their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Nagavani for her new role.

  • 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.

  • Sirsi: Accused Absconding for 35 Years Nabbed

    Sirsi, August 25, 2025 – The Uttara Kannada District Police successfully apprehended Deepak Vithal Bhandari, aged 61, who had been absconding for 35 years in connection with an assault case registered in 1990. The incident occurred on November 29, 1990, near Five Road in Sirsi, where Deepak, then a resident of Kumta Road near Agasebagilu Church, Sirsi, allegedly assaulted Dinkar Narayan Shetty, causing him grievous harm. A complaint filed by Narayan Nagappa Shetty led to a case being registered at Sirsi Town Police Station under Crime No. 155/1990, citing Sections 341 (wrongful restraint, punishable by up to one month), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon, punishable by up to three years), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

    Despite extensive searches in Hubballi, Mangaluru, and Bengaluru over the years, Deepak evaded authorities, failing to appear at the police station or court. A special task force was formed to track him down, and credible intelligence confirmed his presence in New Delhi, residing in Chanakya Puri, Satya Niketan, New Delhi-110021. The team learned he was traveling to Dandeli, and on August 25, 2025, they arrested him there and presented him before the court.

    The operation was conducted under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. (IPS), Additional Superintendents Krishna Murthy J. and Jagadish Naik, Deputy Superintendent Geeta Patil, and Circle Inspector Shashikanth Verma. The team, led by PSI Nagappa and PSI (Investigation) Narayan R. Rathod of Sirsi Town Police Station, included constables Hanumant Kabadi, Tukaram Banakar, Ramayya Poojari, Saddam Hasen B., Channabasappa Kyarakatti, Hanumant Makapur, and technical staff Uday Gunaga and Baban Kadam. SP Deepan commended the team for their diligent efforts in resolving this long-pending case.

  • Udupi: Cyber Fraudster Dupes Woman of ₹47,191.50 Posing as Nykaa Representative

    Udupi, August 25, 2025: Jaheen Ayesha, a 27-year-old resident of Udupi, fell victim to a cyber fraud on August 21, 2025, losing ₹47,191.50 to an unidentified individual who contacted her at 4:30 PM. The caller, claiming to be from Nykaa, an online shopping company, informed her that her order was stalled due to an incorrect PIN code and urged her to make an advance payment to activate it, promising a refund. Trusting the caller, Jaheen transferred the amount to the provided bank account. When no refund was received, she realized she had been scammed.

    A case was registered at Udupi Town Police Station under Crime No. 158/2025, invoking Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 for cheating (punishable by up to seven years imprisonment) and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, for cheating by personation using a computer resource (punishable by up to seven years and a fine).