Despite apology, Malayalam daily faces boycott for criticising Prophet

[email protected] (CD Network)
March 10, 2016

Kasaragod, Mar 10: Kerala's second second-largest newspaper Mathrubhumi is facing the ire of Muslim organisations and individuals after it published offensive comments about Prophet Muhammad.

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Even though the Malayalam daily tendered an unconditional apology for its offence, members of several Muslim groups on Wednesday and Thursday protested vociferously against the newspaper.

Crowds gathered outside the newspaper's offices in several places, burning copies and calling for it to be boycotted. The protestors allegedly stoned the Kozhikode office.

The controversial comment was a response to a story on Kerala High Court judge Kemal Pasha's observations on polygamy among Muslims and Muslim personal law.

The judge pointing out the misogyny in the law had also asked whether Muslim men would be okay with Muslim women having four husbands.

On Wednesday, the Kozhikode and Thrissur editions of Mathrubhumi carried responses to Kemal Pasha's views in the AppsTalk section of the newspaper. One of the posts criticized Prophet, without naming him, for marrying a “minor” girl.

The post triggered massive protests. The Popular Front of India (PFI) was the first to hit the streets. They were followed by other groups like the Social Democratic Front of India (SDPI), the National Development Front (NDF) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

The daily readily obliged to their demands by tendering an unconditional apology in its print and online editions on Thursday, social media pages and television channel. This was followed up with a detailed apology on the front page in all its 10 editions in Kerala, four editions in the metros in the country and two overseas editions.

“We understood that the reactions to the remarks made by the judge while inaugurating a seminar on the Domestic Violence Act at Kozhikode on Sunday had hurt the believers,” the apology by the Editor said. “We regret for publishing them.”

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Comments

Nasir
 - 
Sunday, 13 Mar 2016

Dear Kotian,

Will you consider as a freedom of speech if someone talks about so called God krisna's 16000 wives as a public debate?

Bopanna
 - 
Saturday, 12 Mar 2016

What was given In the paper is the truth that Mohammad married Ayesha at 6 this is in the Koran itself ! So how can it be derogatory ?

salam
 - 
Friday, 11 Mar 2016

Suvin,,,, Why you and your God sriram was worried about small truth had told by mr baghwan. RSS terrors killed him. Where is your freedom of speech???

salam
 - 
Friday, 11 Mar 2016

Viren Kotian ,, then why your radical groups killed Mr. Bhagwan

suvin
 - 
Friday, 11 Mar 2016

o now why creators are worried about a small truth .... now why they worried about freedom of speech... some people come and ask to ask quesions ..... dar

Viren Kotian
 - 
Thursday, 10 Mar 2016

Death to radical groups. Freedom of Speech and Expression must be upheld.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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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 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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