BJP accuses Siddu govt of murdering' Lokayukta body

March 21, 2016

Bengaluru, Mar 21: Opposition BJP today alleged in the Karnataka Assembly that the Siddaramaiah-led government was "destabilising" the Lokayukta by creating a separate Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) and demanded its withdrawal.

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Questioning the intentions of the government on the issue, Leader of Opposition Jagadish Shettar said the state was trying to protect the corrupt and possibly using the ACB as a tool for vendetta politics.

He demanded that the subject be taken up for discussion immediately as it is of public importance. JD(S) also supported him.

Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa then permitted the House to discuss the issue.

Pointing out that the government did not initially support the opposition's demand for removal of Justice Bhaskar Rao as Lokayukta over allegations of corruption involving his son, Shettar said, "Now with this notification, government is bringing a big close to Karnataka Lokayukta which was regarded as model for the country."Announcing the creation of ACB recently, the state government had said that with this new institution, the bureau will be the statutory authority to investigate Prevention of Corruption Act offences.

The current Police wing of the Karnataka Lokayukta will exclusively assist the Lokayukta and the Upa Lokayuktas in carrying out the responsibilities under the Karnataka Lokayukta Act.

Calling creation of ACB as an attempt to close cases against Chief Minister, Ministers, their supporters and officials, Shettar said the government was trying to run anti-corruption bodies "as its puppets."

Shettar said, "it is not Anti Corruption Bureau; it is Corruption Protection Bureau- CPB."

Law Minister Jayachandra said the government has in no way tried to curtail the powers of Lokayukta.

Shettar accused government of "murdering" Lokayukta body and said the ACB will be answerable to Chief Minister. He also raised questions about the Vigilance Advisory Board that he alleged will along with senior IAS and police officials contain "known people" or "private members".

Government had announced creation of Vigilance Advisory Board to guide and supervise the vigilance mechanism and to guide and administratively supervise the functioning of the Vigilance officers and the ACB.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 7,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 7: A 34-year-old fruit and vegetable trader in Mangaluru has reportedly lost ₹33.1 lakh after falling victim to an online investment scam run through a fake mobile app.

Police said the scam began in September, when the victim received a link on Facebook. Clicking it connected him to a WhatsApp number, where an unidentified person introduced a high-return investment scheme and instructed him to download an app.

To build trust, the fraudster asked him to invest ₹30,000 on September 24. The trader soon received ₹34,000 as “profit,” convincing him the scheme was genuine. Over the next two months, he transferred money in multiple instalments via Google Pay and IMPS to different scanner codes and bank accounts shared by the scammers. Between September 24 and December 3, he ended up sending a total of ₹33.1 lakh.

When he later requested a refund of his investment and promised returns, the scammers demanded additional payments, claiming he needed to pay a “service tax” first. Even after he paid a small amount, no money was returned, and the scammers continued pressuring him for more.

A case has been registered at the CEN Crime Police Station.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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