If Cong fields Sorake from DK, we will field a candidate to defeat him: Muslim outfit

coastaldigest.com news network
February 21, 2019

Mangaluru, Feb 21: Muslim Sanghatenagala Okkoota, an unofficial umbrella body of a section of Muslim organisations in Dakshina Kannada (DK) has warned the Congress party against fielding former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake from the DK Lok Sabha constituency in looming general elections.

A two-time MLA from Puttur, and a former MP from Udupi, Mr Sorake lost the assembly election from Kaup in 2018, although he had represented it the previous term. Currently the Billava leader is lobbying for Lok Sabha ticket from DK.

Addressing a press conference here today, Okkoota president K Ashraf, who joined Janata Dal last year after quitting Congress, called Mr Sorake an “anti-Muslim.”

“It was because of the support of Muslims of Kaup constituency in Udupi, Mr Sorake had become an MLA in 2013 Assembly polls. However, he is anti-Muslim colour came to light during the last taluk and zilla panchayat elections,” he said.

"In the past Muslim candidates had won zilla and taluk panchayat elections for the Congress in Udupi. But Sorake ensured that Muslims were not given tickets in the last local body elections," complained Mr Ashraf, who had earlier served as the Mayor of Mangaluru.

“What was more shocking was Mr Sorake’s statement that Hindus would not vote for Congress candidates if it fields Muslims. We can never tolerate such statements,” said he said.

“He is an-Muslim. We will never entertain him. We do not want the Congress to field such a candidate from Dakshina Kannada. If it still fields him, Muslim Okkoota will field or support an alternative candidate," he warned.

Muslim Okkoota representatives Mohammad Haneef U, C M Mustafa, Siddiq Talapady, Haris Baikampady, V H Kareem, Ibrahim Kailar, Hidayat Maripalla, K S Aboobakar and P V Raheem were present among others at the press meet.

Comments

muslim man
 - 
Saturday, 23 Feb 2019

enemy of my enemy is my friend...Vote for sorake at least he is not like chaddi terror, he will lead good and make DK people live in peace, if BJP came we all know all people will suffer including hindus.

MR
 - 
Friday, 22 Feb 2019

You guys are not capable of winning nor will let others win. You guys are responsible for the BJP win and suffering of Muslims in DK today. Just being a Muslim doesn't  qualify for the Congress seat.

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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 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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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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