Dr Ravikanthe Gowda assumes charge as DK SP, vows to curb criminal, communal elements

coastaldigest.com news network
January 29, 2018

Mangaluru, Jan 29: A week after he was posted as the Superintend of Police of Dakshina Kannada , 50-year-old ‘encounter specialist’ Dr Ravikanthe Gowda on Monday assumed the charge with a promise to handle the situation in the sensitive district which witnessed several communal clashes and killings in recent years.

Dr Gowda, who was serving as the SP of Belagavi, had handed over charge to outgoing DK SP Sudheer Kumar Reddy last Tuesday. After receiving guard of honour, today Dr Gowda took over the charge from Additional SP V J Sajeeth.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that his utmost priority will be people-friendly policing and maintaining law and order in the district, which is known for its rich cultures and traditions.

He expressed confidence of creating a good and healthy relationship between the common men and the policemen with the help of his subordinates and higher authorities. “For some reasons, DK is known as sensitive district, but I have enough experience and guidance of seniors to tackle the situation," he said.

Dr Gowda also warned those who have a penchant for posting provocative and abusive messages on social media. “One can utilize social media for healthy discussions. But, if people misuse social media platforms to spread hatred and disrupt peace they will face legal action,” he said.

The multi-talented cop

A native of Mandya, Dr Gowda is the son of well-known short-story writer Besagarahalli Ramanna. Though he became famous as an ‘encounter specialist’ after eliminating three rowdies when he was serving as DCP in Bengaluru, Dr Gowda is also a poet and singer who has a keen interest in Hindustani music. He also holds a doctorate in Kannada literature.

The 50-year-old is well known for his tactful handling and fearlessness in the police fraternity. He believes in being ruthless towards communal forces and underworld elements. His success in thwarting simmering communal tensions and the guts he showed in raiding the treacherous hooch dens in Hubli-Dharwad, has earned him the sobriquet `Mandyada Huli’. Gowda also nabbed underworld don Sudhir Prabhu in Mysuru.

He began his career in policing as a KSPS officer of 1997 batch and became an IPS officer in 2005. His first posting was as DySP of Nanjangud in 1999, after which he went on to become DCP of Hubballi-Dharwad, DCP (crime) in Bengaluru, DCP (law and order), Mysuru, DCP of north east Bengaluru, DCP of central Bengaluru city, and SP of Belagavi.

Comments

Ibrahim
 - 
Monday, 29 Jan 2018

First and foremost thing cop has to do is control media. They are so negative and communal

Rahul
 - 
Monday, 29 Jan 2018

I heard he is an poet and singer. Cool cop. All the best

Mohan
 - 
Monday, 29 Jan 2018

encounter specialist, strict police is better to maintain peace in city. Hope new sp can maintain peace in Mangaluru

Kumar
 - 
Monday, 29 Jan 2018

The tiltle "encounter specialist" giving hope.

Yogesh
 - 
Monday, 29 Jan 2018

Hope new SP will encounter all muslim goons soon

Hari
 - 
Monday, 29 Jan 2018

Congrats sir. All the very best

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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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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 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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