Activists from Mangaluru meet CM seeking justice for Baby Nirbhaya

April 2, 2015

Mangaluru, Apr 2: A kind of dissatisfaction is fuming up among the citizens of coastal Karnataka noticing the probable ‘conspiracy of silence’ among the concerned government authorities regarding the recent sexual abuse of a three-and-half-year old nursery student by a 35-year-old school van driver of Mangalore One School, Thokkottu.

A team of activists comprising the members of ‘Justice for Baby Nirbhaya Team (JFBNT), Mangaluru’ met Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru and urged him to take action against the school, which tried to defend the rapist and leveled false allegations against the innocent child.

The team along with Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Kader submitted a memorandum to the CM requesting him to instruct the authorities concerned to speed up the action and give justice to the little girl. The delegation also met Home Minister K.J. George, Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar, KPCC President Parameshwar and MLA J.R. Lobo and urged them to pressurizes the concerned authorities to speed up the action.

The delegation thanked Mr Khader for accompanying the activists and felicitating the meetings with CM and other ministers.

The delegation later held a press conference in Bengaluru Press Club and said expressed disgust over the careless attitude of the management of Mangalore One School.

“The awful act of the child abuser has traumatized the entire coastal Karnataka. Moreover, even after several days of the incident, no proper action has been initiated against the school,” they said.

The memorandum includes following demands:

1. Police department not to come under any kind of political pressure and carry out a impartial enquiry into this case and make sure justice is prevailed. Ensure that the culprit or culprits do not escape and to take action against culprits under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual offences) act.

2. District Administration and Education Department has to proceed with immediate actions as per the provisions of protection of child rights act.

3. In view of the slow process in handling this case, notice should be issued to concerned authorities to speed up the enquiry process. Child abuse / sexual assault cases are to be settled through special courts within a time period of six months and make sure the culprit or culprits are punished without delay.

4. As many of the school managements in the State are not abiding the regulations of child rights protection act, Government has to analyze this situation and collect the proper information in this matter. An enquiry commission has to be set up to look into this issue and implement strict disciplinary measures on school managements for violating the rules of child rights protection act.

5. Awareness regarding POCSO act and protection of child rights act has to be created among the people, society and the institutions through wide range of discussions, sessions and presentations as a measure to prevent child sexual abuse.

6. Ensure the safety of the children in schools in Mangaluru and entire Karnataka.

7. Full security for the family of Baby Nirbhaya, who was sexually abused by school van driver on March 13.

Comments

2015,, this happened , powerful but corrupt expolice officer run this school,,, what happened finally,, Nirbhaya got justice,, did Baby Nirbhya get justice?

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Skyward Bound: Mangaluru Eyes Permanent Wings for Coastal Tourism

News Network

January 16,2026

Following a record-breaking response to experimental joyrides during the Karavali Utsava, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has signaled a major shift toward high-end travel. Officials are now laying the groundwork to transform Mangaluru into a permanent heli-tourism hub, connecting the state’s most sacred pilgrim centers and untouched coastal gems via the skies.

The move comes as the Karnataka government readies a specialized tourism policy for the coast, aimed at drawing global investors. With Mangaluru already serving as a critical nexus for education, healthcare, and maritime trade, the introduction of a scheduled helicopter service is seen as the "missing link" in the region’s economic evolution.

By the Numbers: A Flying Success

The data from the recent 10-day trial (beginning December 26) paints a clear picture of high demand:

•   Total Passengers: 1,032
•   Ride Duration: 7 minutes
•   Ticket Price: ₹3,500 per person
•   Origin of Tourists: Significant turnout from Kerala, Udupi, and Karwar.

Bridging the Gap for Global Travelers

Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV emphasized that the vision extends far beyond festival joyrides. Currently, international tourists arriving via luxury cruises at the New Mangalore Port (peak season December–April) often find themselves "landlocked" by time.

"Foreign visitors staying for just 24 to 48 hours currently struggle to visit inland attractions like Chikkamagaluru or Kodagu due to road travel times," a senior official noted. "A permanent heli-link would make these Western Ghats destinations accessible in under 30 minutes."

Beyond Tourism: Medical and Logistics

The administration is also looking at the humanitarian and logistical benefits. As a medical powerhouse, Mangaluru’s private hospitals could utilize the proposed permanent helipads for:

1.   Cardiac Emergencies: Rapid transfer of critical patients.
2.   Organ Transplants: Vital "green corridors" through the air to save lives.
3.   Regional Connectivity: Linking remote areas like Puttur, Sullia, and Beltangady to the main city.

While the Karavali Utsava has traditionally focused on beach-side festivities, the DC confirmed that the district is now evaluating formal proposals from private operators. The goal is to establish a network of permanent helipads that will eventually offer regular sorties to Kudremukh National Park and the scenic heights of the Western Ghats.

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