BJP councillor, 6 others held in betting racket

Chikkamagaluru, Feb 6: A sitting councillor of the BJP is among seven people to be arrested in Chikkamagaluru on Sunday for running cricket betting through a WhatsApp group.

C S Ravikumar, who represents ward number 29 in the City Municipal Council, was apprehended by the District Crime Intelligence Bureau. He is said to be close to the BJP Chikkamagaluru MLA, C T Ravi.

Other suspects are Abhi, a close aide of Ravikumar, Prashanth, a resident of Kote, Venkatesh, a lorry operator, Mohan, a fertiliser trader, and Afzal, who is secretary of a place of worship. Police said they had seized Rs 1.90 lakh in cash, cheque leaves and mobile phones. The eighth suspect, a GP member, is at large.

Chikkamagaluru SP, K Annamalai, said the suspects had contacts with bookies within and outside Karnataka. “We also have evidence that a few elected representatives are also part of this racket,” he told DH.

The group became active in 2014 and set up hotlines in Bengaluru and Sakleshpur. It went on to spread its network to Mumbai and Mysuru. Ravikumar created a WhatsApp group to lure members, and transactions took place online.

Annamalai said at least Rs 50 lakh was transacted during the Big Bash League of Australia, the recent T20 series between England and India and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Comments

Its not strange that bjp councillor is indulged in anti social activities. BJP is full of such people who are busy in illegal doings. BJP gives chance for such people only. More investigation should be conducted and catch the culprits.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

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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