G Rajashekhar rejects Sahitya Academy award citingintolerance'

January 11, 2017

Udupi, Jan 11: Renowned writer and critic G Rajasekhar's work `Bhahuvachana Bharatha' published in 2016 got him the Karnataka Sahitya Academy award. However, he refused to accept it citing “continued atmosphere of intolerance” in the country and in the State.

The senior thinker said, "I am thankful for the award but I have decided not to accept it since many writers in 2015 had rejected awards citing growing intolerance in the country. I feel the situation is still prevailing or has worsened. Writers and intellectuals are still scared to speak their mind."

“The right wing forces are now not censoring dissent. Instead, they are seeing to it that no one voices their dissent at all. There has already been a big public discussion on the issue of intolerance in the country. Right from the Mohammad Akhlaq incident at Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to the attack on persons from minority communities in the coastal district of Karnataka, the situation has not changed,” said Rajasekhar, who is recovering from ill health at a private hospital here.

On Tuesday, the Academy announced honorary awards to five writers. Lifetime Achievement Award winners include noted critics Prof O L Nagabhushanaswamy, H S Srimathi, science writer Nagesh Hegde, writers Basavaraj Kukkarahalli and Dr Balasaheb Lokapur. They will get cash prizes of Rs 50,000, a citation and a memento.

The award ceremony will be held on February 7 in Bengaluru, where Odiya poet Gaurav Haridas will present the awards. Sixteen writers have also been selected for the 2015 book awards.

They are Satyamangala Mahadeva (poetry), Lata Gutti (novel), Anupama Prasad (short story), Chidananda Sali (play), H Shantaraja Aithal (essay), B S Pranatarthiharan (travelogue), Dodda Hulluru Rukkoji (biography), H L Pushpa (literary criticism), Vijayashree Haladi (children's literature), Na Someshwara (science literature), G Rajashekar (humanities), A V Navada (research), Shylaja (translation-creative), B S Jayaprakash Narayana (translation non creative), Gopal Vajapayee (non-fiction), and Deepa Girish (debut work). Seven writers won the endowment awards for 2014.They are Siddu M Satyannanavara (poetrymanuscript), Janagere Venkataramaiah (novel), Gajanana Sharma (biograpahy), Kavitha Rai (literary criticism), Jayalalitha (translation-creative), Champa Jayaprakash (debut work of the writer), Srinath Perur (translation from Kannada to English).

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Great..... really he has concern on India.

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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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Post-Sabarimala pilgrimage drinking party turns fatal in Udupi; youth killed in midnight brawl

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December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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