54 Karnataka pilgrims stranded in Iraq

News Network

December 27, 2019

Bengaluru, Dec 27: Ten people among 54, who had been stranded in Iraq for the past 15 days, returned to the city with the help of State Minority Commission, on Thursday. Police are yet to get details about the rest of the pilgrims.

The accused Faheem Basha, (50), who owns a travel agency had sent the pilgrims to Iraq, without providing return tickets, accommodation, and food. He had taken money for a package tour of Baghdad but he sent them to Iraq.

The victims had taken a tour package from Al Fazil Tours and Travels to travel to religious places in Iraq and had paid Rs 65,000 each to him.A senior police officer from Halasuru Gate police station said that Abdul Azeem, the chairman of the State Minority Commission, filed a complaint on Wednesday. Police raided the travel agency and took Basha into the custody. He then immediately arranged tickets for the pilgrims to return.According to the police, Basha had collected around Rs 35 lakh from 54 pilgrims.

“This is not an isolated case, many travel agencies in the city are cheating people,” Azeem added.

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Mangaluru police issue alert over fake traffic fine payment Apps and links

coastaldigest.com news network

December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has issued a high-alert warning to vehicle owners regarding a surge in cyber fraud targeting those looking to pay traffic violation fines. Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting recent government discount schemes on traffic penalties to deceive citizens.

The Scam: How Fraudsters Strike

Criminals are using SMS, WhatsApp, and social media to circulate suspicious links and APK files (Android application packages). They claim these apps allow users to pay e-challans at a discount.

• Device Hacking: Downloading these unauthorized apps gives hackers full access to the victim's smartphone.

• Financial Theft: Once the phone is compromised, fraudsters intercept OTPs and personal data to drain bank accounts.

• Phishing Sites: Fake websites mimicking official portals are also being used to harvest banking credentials.

Already, two residents within Mangaluru city limits have reported significant financial losses after falling victim to these fraudulent apps.

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