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  • Bengaluru District Court Acquits MLA V. Sunil Kumar in Defamation Case Filed by Pramod Muthalik

    Bengaluru, August 25, 2025 – The XLII Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court in Bengaluru, presided over by Judge K.N. Shivakumar, acquitted V. Sunil Kumar, MLA of Karkala Constituency, on August 13, 2025, in a defamation case (C.C. No. 11709/2024) filed by Pramod Muthalik, founder and national president of Sri Rama Sene. The complaint, filed on April 6, 2024, under Section 190(A) read with Section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, alleged defamation under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), punishable under Section 500, for statements made during a public speech.

    Case Background

    Pramod Muthalik, a 67-year-old social activist and former head of Bajrang Dal’s southern states, claimed that V. Sunil Kumar, a 49-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and former Karnataka minister, made defamatory remarks during a victory celebration on May 14, 2023, at Bandimut Bus Stand, Karkala, following the 2023 Karnataka Assembly Elections. Both contested the Karkala seat, with Kumar winning and Muthalik running as an independent. Muthalik alleged Kumar accused him of being a “deal master” who contested elections for money, orchestrating Hindu murders under the “Tiger Gang” pretext, and engaging in corrupt Hindutva activism. These statements, reportedly published in Vijayavani newspaper and telecast on TV9, were claimed to have harmed Muthalik’s reputation.

    Court Proceedings

    Muthalik, represented by advocate Manjunath S. Halwar, testified as PW1 and presented two witnesses: S. Bhaskaran (PW2, Sri Rama Sene Bengaluru unit president) and Amarnath (PW3, a businessman). He submitted seven documents, including a Vijayavani article (Ex.P1), a CD of the alleged TV9 telecast (Ex.P2), and a Section 65B certificate (Ex.P3). Kumar, represented by advocate VKM, pleaded not guilty, was granted bail, and denied the allegations under Section 313 of Cr.P.C. without presenting defense evidence.

    The court evaluated whether Muthalik proved beyond reasonable doubt that Kumar’s statements on May 14, 2023, were defamatory with intent to harm his reputation, per Section 499 of IPC, which requires intentional imputation, publication to third parties, and reputational harm, as established in Mohd. Abdulla Khan v. Prakash K. (2018) and Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016).

    Court Findings

    1. Lack of Direct Evidence: The court noted that PW1, PW2, and PW3 were not present at the event and relied on media reports, rendering their testimony hearsay. No direct witnesses, such as attendees or media personnel, were examined to verify the statements.
    2. Inadmissible Documentary Evidence:
      • The Vijayavani article (Ex.P1) was deemed secondary hearsay, inadmissible without testimony from the reporter or editor, per Laxmi Raj Shetty v. State of Tamilnadu (1988) and Samanth N. Balakrishna v. George Fernandez (1969).
      • The CD (Ex.P2) was inadmissible due to an invalid Section 65B certificate. Muthalik admitted in cross-examination that he lacked computer knowledge and did not personally copy the content, violating Anvar P.V. v. P.K. Basheer (2014) requirements for electronic evidence authentication.
    3. Failure to Prove Reputational Harm: Muthalik claimed reputational damage and mental suffering but provided no evidence of public suspicion or reduced participation in Sri Rama Sene activities. PW2 and PW3’s claims of mental distress lacked medical corroboration, and Muthalik’s continued public engagements indicated no significant harm.
    4. Public Figure Defense: Kumar’s counsel argued that public figures like Muthalik must tolerate criticism, citing Kartar Singh v. State of Punjab (1956) and M. Krishna Reddy v. N.R. Ramesh (2024). The court agreed that Kumar’s alleged statements (e.g., “deal master” and “Tiger Gang” claims) were per se defamatory but found no evidence they were made or caused harm, negating the need to fully apply the public figure defense.

    Judgment

    The court ruled that Muthalik failed to prove Kumar made the alleged defamatory statements or that they caused reputational harm. Under Section 255(1) of Cr.P.C., Kumar was acquitted of the offense under Section 500 of IPC, and his bail and surety bonds were canceled. The judgment, spanning 1 year, 4 months, and 7 days from filing to decision, was pronounced on August 13, 2025.

    Read the Judgement here

  • Gangolli: Police Raid Resort, Arrest Suspect in Prostitution Case

    Gangolli, August 25, 2025: Acting on a tip-off, Gangolli police, led by Circle Inspector (In-Charge) Lesh Ganpatrao Chauvhan of Byndoor Circle, conducted a raid on Room No. 108 of Sai Khushi Resort near Trasi Beach on August 25, 2025. The operation targeted an illegal prostitution racket, resulting in the arrest of Sharath alias Mohammad Fayaz and the rescue of a female victim. During interrogation, the victim revealed that the accused lured her with promises of employment and coerced her into prostitution.

    The police seized two mobile phones and a car bearing registration number KA-20-Z-0074 from the accused. Sharath alias Mohammad Fayaz was accused to be operating an illicit trafficking network, profiting illegally by exploiting the victim in a public place. A case was registered at Gangolli Police Station under Crime No. 89/2025, invoking Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 for human trafficking (punishable by up to seven years imprisonment) and Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, which address running brothels, living off prostitution earnings, procuring persons for prostitution, and detaining individuals in premises for prostitution, respectively, with penalties ranging from two to seven years imprisonment.

    Udupi Case: Summer Park Hotel Raid

    On August 24, 2025, Udupi Town Police, led by Inspector Manjunath Badiger, raided Room No. 308 of Summer Park Hotel near Geetanjali Silks in Moodanidambooru village, following a tip-off about an immoral trafficking operation. With the assistance of hotel receptionist Srinivas, police apprehended a woman and interrogated her, revealing that Sharath alias Mohammad Fayaz had lured her to Udupi on August 19, 2025, with false promises of employment. Instead, he booked the room and coerced her into prostitution for illegal profits. A case was registered at the Udupi Women’s Police Station under Crime No. 37/2025, invoking Section 143 (human trafficking, punishable by up to seven years) and Section 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, along with Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, addressing running brothels, living off prostitution earnings, procuring persons for prostitution, and detaining individuals in premises for prostitution, respectively (penalties ranging from two to seven years).

  • 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.

  • Kaup: Pedestrian Killed in Car Accident Near Koppalangadi on NH66

    Kaup, August 24, 2025 – A tragic accident occurred near Koppalangadi on National Highway 66 (NH66) in Kaup at around 3:30 PM on Sunday, August 24, 2025, when a speeding car struck and killed a pedestrian attempting to cross the road. The victim, identified as Peeru Saheb, a 70-year-old resident of Koppalangadi, suffered severe injuries and passed away while being transported to a private hospital in Udupi.

    According to reports, the car was traveling from Mangaluru towards Udupi when it collided with Peeru Saheb, who was standing to cross the highway. The Udupi SDPI ambulance service assisted in rushing the victim to the hospital, but he could not be saved. Kaup police arrived at the scene, conducted an inspection, and registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.

  • Sasthan Toll Gate Accident: KSRTC Bus Crashes, 12 Passengers Injured

    Kota, August 24, 2025 – A Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus traveling from Ilikal to Mangaluru rammed into a toll gate pole at Sasthan, near Kota, at approximately 4:45 AM on August 24, 2025, injuring 12 passengers. The bus, carrying 36 passengers, lost control, leading to the collision, as per preliminary reports from the Kota police.

    Of the injured, 12 passengers sustained injuries, with one woman reported to be in critical condition. The injured were promptly transported to private hospitals in Brahmavar and the Brahmavar Taluk Hospital with assistance from Jeevan Mitra ambulance services and fellow passengers. The Kota police visited the scene, conducted an inspection, and registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.

  • Shankarnarayana: Eight Arrested in Cockfighting and Gambling Raid; Assets Worth 43 Lac Seized

    Shankarnarayana, August 23, 2025 – On August 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM, Shankarnarayana police conducted a raid in Mabbli, Belanje village, Hebri taluk, arresting eight individuals engaged in illegal cockfighting and gambling. The accused, identified as Rohit Shetty, Charan Raj, Dinesh Rao, Arjun, Manjunath, Prashanth, Dayanand Poojari, and Santosh Shetty, were caught tying knives to roosters’ legs and betting money on the fights. The operation, led by PSI Shambhulingayya M. based on credible intelligence, was conducted in the presence of panch witnesses.

    The police seized 30 roosters (valued at ₹1,000 each, totaling ₹30,000), 10 cockfighting knives, 26 sacks for holding roosters, and ₹10,630 in cash used for betting. Additionally, six mobile phones (three Vivo and three Redmi, valued at ₹60,000) were confiscated from the accused. Vehicles abandoned at the scene by fleeing participants included 28 motorcycles, four cars, one Omni van, one EcoSport, one Bolero Jeep, and one auto-rickshaw, collectively valued at approximately ₹43,45,630. A list of 44 additional vehicles linked to fleeing individuals was recorded for further investigation.

    A case was registered at Shankarnarayana Police Station under Crime No. 78/2025, invoking Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, for causing unnecessary pain to animals (punishable by up to three months imprisonment or a ₹100 fine for first offenses), and Sections 87 and 93 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, for gambling in a public place (punishable by up to one month imprisonment or a ₹300 fine). The police are investigating to identify and apprehend additional suspects who fled the scene.

  • Urgent Appeal: Help 3-Year-Old Aribah Nujhat Receive Critical Medical Treatment for Hearing Loss

    Gangolli, August 23, 2025 – Aribah Nujhat, a 3-year-old girl suffering from congenital hearing impairment and speech delay, requires urgent medical treatment costing ₹8,35,000. Medical evaluations have confirmed severe to profound hearing loss, and doctors have recommended immediate treatment and surgery to improve her condition and quality of life. Aribah’s family, hailing from a background of extreme poverty, is unable to afford the substantial medical expenses and has appealed for public assistance to save her life and provide her with a better future.

    Donation Details:

    • Name: Aribah Nujhat
    • Age: 3 years
    • Amount Required: ₹8,35,000
    • Bank Details:
      • Account Number: 82000100014780
      • IFSC Code: BARB0VJBIYND (IFSC code is case-sensitive, Please copy paste)
      • UPI ID: ayshathammanna-1@okaxis
    • QR Code:

    The family urges compassionate individuals to contribute and share this appeal widely to reach as many people as possible. Every donation, no matter the size, could transform Aribah’s life, enabling her to hear and communicate effectively.

    Disclaimer: This fundraising appeal is published for public welfare. Donors are requested to verify the details independently before contributing. The news portal bears no responsibility for the donation transactions or the utilization of funds.

  • Udupi District Police Announces Civilian Rifle Training Course for September 2025

    Udupi, August 23, 2025 – The Udupi District Police Unit has announced a Civilian Rifle Training Course (CRTC) scheduled for September 2025, to be held at the District Armed Reserve (DAR) Parade Ground in Udupi and various taluk centers. This training is mandatory for individuals seeking a firearm license under the Indian Arms Act, 1959, and is also open to licensed weapon owners interested in enhancing their skills.

    Interested citizens, particularly those residing in Udupi district, can obtain application forms from any police station or DAR center in the district. Completed forms must be submitted promptly to the respective police station or DAR center. The training will cover basic rifle drill, firing positions, weapon handling, aiming techniques, and firearm safety protocols, as outlined in similar past programs by the Udupi District Police.

    For further inquiries, the following contact numbers are provided:

    • Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Armed), Udupi: 9480805406
    • Office of the Inspector of Police (Armed), Udupi: 9480805464
    • Police Armorer: 9448946930

    Application Process:

    1. Form Collection: Available at all Udupi district police stations and DAR centers.
    2. Submission: Return filled forms to the respective police station or DAR center immediately.

  • Udupi: Vinay Kumar Sorake Emphasizes Consensus in Waqf Board Chairman Selection

    Udupi, August 23, 2025: Amid ongoing speculation and competition for the Udupi District Waqf Board Chairman position, former minister and senior Congress leader Vinay Kumar Sorake clarified that the selection will prioritize consensus among party leaders. Speaking to the media, Sorake emphasized that the decision will be made after discussions with district Congress MLAs, leaders, and the district in-charge minister, ensuring a suitable candidate is chosen.

    Sorake revealed that he has already consulted with Zameer Ahmed Khan, the state’s Housing, Waqf, and Minority Welfare Minister, on the matter. “We will sit together with Congress MLA candidates and district leaders to finalize the decision,” he said, underscoring the importance of internal harmony. He firmly ruled out any proposals to appoint individuals from outside the Congress party, stating, “There is no discussion about giving the post to anyone else besides Congress members.”

  • Byndoor: Theft at Kanchika Durgaparameshwari Temple, Gold and Silver Ornaments Stolen

    Byndoor, August 23, 2025 – A theft was reported at the Kanchika Durgaparameshwari Temple in Bada village, Byndoor, where unknown culprits stole valuable ornaments from the deity. The complainant, Subramanya Bhat, the temple priest, stated that on August 22, 2025, he completed the morning puja by 9:00 AM and left for the nearby Nagaraban to perform additional rituals, leaving the main temple door ajar. Upon returning at 10:45 AM, he found the door open and discovered that a 2-gram gold nose ring and a 1-gram gold pendant attached to a silver Karimanisara necklace, adorning the deity, were missing. The stolen items are estimated to be worth ₹30,000.

    The Byndoor police registered a case under Crime No. 154/2025, invoking Sections 331(3) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. Section 331(3) addresses theft in a sacred place, punishable by up to seven years imprisonment and a fine, while Section 305 covers theft, with penalties up to two years imprisonment, a fine, or both.