Shivamogga, September 22, 2025 – With the blessings of the revered deity Sri Sigandureshvari Amma, timely rains have blessed the Malenadu region, filling reservoirs, canals, and ponds, and raising hopes for a bountiful harvest. This has naturally brought joy to the people, said State School Education and Literacy Minister and District In-Charge Minister Madhu S. Bangarappa.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Sigandooru Dasara celebrations on the 25th day of Navratri at the Sri Chaudeshwari Amma temple in Sigandooru, Sagar taluk, on Monday.
Bangarappa assured that both central and state governments will continue to provide necessary assistance for the comprehensive development of this sacred site, as they have in the past.
Addressing the long-standing issue of Sharavati displaced persons and forest land cultivators, he reiterated the government’s commitment to a permanent resolution. “The government is bound to protect the rights of those who have lived in forests for decades without displacement. Officials have already been instructed accordingly.”
He noted that the survey work, as per the Supreme Court’s directives, has been completed and the report submitted. “The displaced need not worry; we expect a favorable verdict in line with our expectations,” he added.
Karwar, September 22, 2025 – Dr. Dileesh Sashi, CEO of Zilla Panchayat, directed bank officials to promptly process loan applications under various government schemes without unnecessary delays. He was speaking while chairing a Lead Bank Progress Review Meeting at the Zilla Panchayat auditorium on Monday.
Dr. Sashi instructed banks not to reject applications due to incomplete documents but to assist beneficiaries in providing additional paperwork to ensure timely loan approvals. He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring by relevant departments to track application progress.
He urged banks to raise awareness about schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, aiming to increase registrations. Additionally, banks were directed to organize loan melas to educate the public, prioritize educational and housing sector loans, and avoid rejecting applications due to lack of credit history. Financial literacy programs in rural areas were also recommended to enhance banking access.
Canara Bank Regional Manager Nagaraj Reddy reported that by June 2025, Rs 1,522 crore was disbursed for agriculture, Rs 1,123 crore for small and medium industries, Rs 9 crore for education, and Rs 14 crore for housing. With Rs 24,527 crore in deposits, efforts are underway to improve the credit-deposit ratio, targeting Rs 9,980.25 crore in loan disbursals this year.
Dr. Sashi stressed linking Aadhaar to PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts and promoting schemes like PM SVANidhi, PMEGP, and PMFME to ensure benefits reach eligible recipients.
The meeting was attended by RBI representative Maniraj, Zilla Panchayat Project Director Kareem Asadi, NABARD DDM Sushil Naik, Lead Bank Manager Rajappa, bank managers, and district-level department officials.
Karwar, September 20, 2025 – In a heartwarming gesture, naval officers from INS Tabar honored Nagaprasad Raikar, a young goldsmith from Karwar’s Nandan Gadde neighborhood, for saving the life of a naval officer who fell from a train and sustained serious injuries.
On August 1, Saket Kashyap, an officer on INS Tabar, slipped and fell onto the tracks while boarding a train from Karwar to Mumbai. Unconscious and bleeding profusely, he went unnoticed until Raikar spotted him near Shirawad Maruti Temple. Without hesitation, Raikar lifted the officer onto his bike and rushed him to the district hospital, where emergency surgery was performed on his face. The naval base later transferred him to Patanjali Hospital for further treatment.
As Kashyap recovered, naval officials contacted Raikar and invited him to the base. On Wednesday, when INS Tabar returned from Mumbai to Kadamba Naval Base, the ship’s commander welcomed Raikar aboard. In the presence of all crew members, they felicitated him with gifts, expressing gratitude for his life-saving act.
Raikar, who acted selflessly without knowing the officer’s identity, said, “I just wanted to save a life, regardless of who it was. This honor is the greatest opportunity in my life.”
The monthly “Gabbar Singh” award, given to exemplary crew members on INS Tabar, was bestowed upon Raikar this time, recognizing his heroic deed.
Raikar’s quick thinking prevented a potential tragedy, as another train approached the tracks.
Karwar, September 20, 2025 – The Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS), under the Social Welfare Department, has announced a speech competition for students of residential schools and colleges in observance of International Democracy Day. The event aims to foster awareness of democratic values among young minds.
The competition will focus on three themes:
“My Vote, My Right”
“The Importance of the Preamble to the Constitution”
“Gandhi’s Vision of India”
The contests will be held at taluk and district levels, concluding by October 31, 2025.
Taluk-Level Competition Judges appointed by taluk administration will select winners, awarding cash prizes of Rs 15,000 (first), Rs 10,000 (second), and Rs 5,000 (third). These will be distributed by the District In-Charge Minister on Children’s Day, November 14, 2025.
District-Level Competition The top three winners from each taluk will advance to the district level, where a jury will award Rs 25,000 (first), Rs 15,000 (second), and Rs 10,000 (third). Prizes will also be distributed on November 14, 2025, by the District In-Charge Minister.
State-Level Competition District-level winners will compete at the state level, with the top three selected by a state jury receiving Rs 1,00,000 (first), Rs 50,000 (second), and Rs 25,000 (third). These awards will be presented on Constitution Day, November 26, 2025.
District Collector K. Lakshmipriya announced the initiative, encouraging students to participate enthusiastically to deepen their understanding of democracy and constitutional values.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
