BSY initiates steps to quash cases against 2,000 saffronites involved in communal clashes

News Network

August 2, 2019

Bengaluru, Aug 2: Soon after assuming office as the chief minister of Karnataka for fourth time, B S Yediyurappa has initiated steps to withdraw cases against about 2,000 saffron activists in connection with the violent protests across Uttara Kannada district in December 2017.

In a note issued to the additional chief secretary, home department, S Selvakumar, secretary to the chief minister, stated he had been directed by Yediyurappa to take necessary action on a plea from Karwar MLA Roopali S Naik. Official sources said the cabinet is likely to withdraw the cases.

In her letter to Yediyurappa, Naik said more than 150 cases under the IPC and Information Technology (IT) Act were foisted on about 2,000 “Hindu” youths in connection with the violence that erupted after the body of Paresh Mesta was found near Shettikere Lake, Honnavara on December 8, 2017. The BJP had claimed Mesta — allegedly murdered — was a party worker.

Mesta’s death resulted in communal tension in Uttara Kannada district and the state government eventually handed over the case to the CBI.

The incident occurred a few months before assembly elections. In February 2018, then BJP national president Amit Shah met Mesta’s father in his house and assured him of all support. Chief minister Siddaramaiah was fiercely criticised by BJP leaders, who claimed Karnataka was not a safe place for Hindus under his leadership.

Reacting to Thursday’s move, Dinesh Gundurao, KPCC president, claimed the decision was based on BJP’s communal considerations.

“Look at the letter of the MLA. It says cases registered against Hindu youth be withdrawn,” Gundurao told reporters. “Let them withdraw cases registered against innocents no matter which religion they follow, but the letter shows that they want to withdraw cases against a particular community.”

Yediyurappa had on Tuesday cancelled celebrations of Tipu Jayanti as a state event. The order came after he received a letter from Virajpet MLA KG Bopaiah asking him to consider cancelling the celebrations as it had led to violence in the past, especially in Kodagu.

Comments

Welcome move by sanghi govt in karnataka. Now CM will pass a bill for not booking complaints against sanghi trouble makers on any issue and they will be free to do what they wish. Yediyurappa is follwoign Yogi footsteps and turning karnataka into goondaraj like UP. Yediyurappa is considerign himself as junior Don and Dictator. Karnataka will sink in darkness if this continues. It will be better to kick out this Govt before water crosses the danger level.

All are eligible for Bharat Ratna. Seems very soon Karnataka will become second UP. Shortly rss will start their second military training colleague. India going ahead of another Saragova Harsagonia blood shed.

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Major facelift for Mangaluru's sporting heart: Mangala Stadium set for 2-month closure to upgrade synthetic track

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

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