Tension in Andhra after hate-mongers kill Muazzin in mosque, burn Quran

News Network
December 31, 2017

Tension gripped the city of Rajamundry in Andhra Pradesh after unknown terrorists barged into a mosque, killed a Muazzin (the one who invites the faithful to prayer five times a day through Azaan), burnt copies of Quran and urinated there before vacating the place. 

The incident took place at Noorani Masjid of Lalacheruvu locality where the victim Mohammed Farooq (61), a native of Bihar, was working as a muazzin for the past four months. 

“Farooq was a newcomer to the city and was not known much outside the community. He used to do the chores in the Masjid. He was a kind-hearted person who was leading the life according to the tenets of Islam due to which miscreants targeted him,” said a local resident.

It was the duty of Farooq to give Azaan (call for Namaaz) early in the morning. But on Friday, as there was no sign of Azaan, one of the neighbours went to check and found him lying in a pool of blood. A case of murder was registered but no arrests have been made yet. Police are investigating the case from all angles and have not ruled out any possibility. 

“It’s too early to specify the reason as the investigation is underway, we are looking into the case from all possible angles," said Rajamundry Urban SP, B Rajakumari.

The officer added that a team is working with Bihar authorities to reach out to the victim’s family, all measures are being taken and nothing can be ruled out at this stage." She added that the body has been sent to his home state of Bihar. 

Mohammed Ibrahim Khan, a representative of Muslim rights’ group, Muslim Samakya, said, "Farooq came from a very poor background and was working for a meagre salary of Rs 5,000.”

He said "We aren't naming anyone or any group as of now, but the acts which the miscreants have done following the brutal murder, such as burning of Quran, leaving cigarette butts on the floor along with signs of urination are scary."

He added, "The murder seems to have been done with the ultimate intention of creating conflict and polarisation.”

As the news spread, the city witnessed a spate of protests, with hundreds of Muslim people and civil society groups taking out a rally and holding mass prayers on the road. 

The local residents told that this kind of incident took place for the first time in Rajahmundry. They demanded to arrest the culprits. “The incident shows how communal poison is being spread by Sanghis," tweeted Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi. He demanded CM Chandrababu Naidu to take immediate steps to arrest the culprits.

Comments

Mohammad.n
 - 
Monday, 1 Jan 2018

Yogesh you must be ashamed to call yourself hindu, i will personally feel pain even if a innocent hindu gets killed for no reason. But you regardless have zero humanity, heart full of hatred and evil, first love ur religion then hate others, thanks 

True.. Nobody will raise voice for Hindus and Hindu holy books. If anybody is there, then media make him as saffron terrorist

Yogesh
 - 
Sunday, 31 Dec 2017

Unwanted highlights giving to that book burning. If Hindu books burned instead of Quran then no media will cover and no highlight will give to that.

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News Network
December 7,2025

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Mangaluru, Dec 7: A rare bamboo shrimp has been rediscovered on mainland India more than 70 years after it was last reported, confirming for the first time the presence of Atyopsis spinipes in the country. The find was made by researchers from the Centre for Climate Change Studies at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, during surveys in Karnataka and Odisha.

The team — shrimp expert Dr S Prakash, PhD scholar K Kunjulakshmi, and Mangaluru-based researcher Maclean Antony Santos — combined field surveys, ecological assessments and DNA analysis to identify the elusive species. Their findings, published in Zootaxa, resolve decades of taxonomic confusion stemming from a 1951 report that misidentified the species as Atyopsis moluccensis without strong evidence.

The shrimp has now been confirmed at two locations: the Mulki–Pavanje estuary near Mangaluru and the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar. Historical specimens from the Andaman Islands, previously labelled as A. moluccensis, were also found to be misidentified and actually belong to A. spinipes.

The rediscovery began after an aquarium hobbyist in Odisha spotted a shrimp in 2022, prompting systematic surveys across Udupi, Karwar and Mangaluru. Four female specimens were collected in Mulki and one in Odisha, all genetically matching.

Researchers warn the species may exist in very small, vulnerable populations as freshwater habitats face increasing pressure from pollution, sand mining and infrastructure development. All verified specimens have been deposited with the Zoological Survey of India for future reference.

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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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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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