Indian expat on visit visa in Dubai helps catch robber, recover booty

Mangaluru: The KSRTC Mangaluru division has rolled back the fare hike on buses operating on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route following the suspension of toll collection at the Arikkady toll plaza near Kumbala in Kasaragod district.

The fare revision had been implemented after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began toll collection at the Arikkady plaza on NH-66. As a result, fares for ordinary and Rajahamsa services were increased by ₹7 and ₹10, respectively, raising the bus fare from Mangaluru to Kasaragod from ₹81 to ₹88.

Senior Divisional Controller of KSRTC’s Mangaluru division, Rajesh Shetty, said the fares were reduced after toll collection at the Arikkady plaza was stopped. “The tollgate began operations on January 13, and the toll amount was deducted from the FASTag accounts of KSRTC buses operating on the route. Following an order from the central government to suspend toll collection, KSRTC has also withdrawn the additional fare with immediate effect,” he said.

At present, vehicles travelling on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route pay toll only at the Talapady toll plaza. The toll for light motor vehicles (LMVs) at Talapady is ₹80 for a same-day return, while heavy vehicles, including buses, are charged ₹250. At Arikkady, the toll rates were ₹130 for LMVs (same-day return) and ₹450 for buses.

Protests against Arikkady toll plaza

The Arikkady toll plaza witnessed widespread protests from January 12, the day toll collection commenced. On the second day, an action committee led by Manjeshwar MLA A K M Ashraf launched an indefinite protest at the site. Except for the BJP, leaders and workers of most major political parties participated in the agitation.

On the night of January 14, a large number of protesters gathered at the plaza and vandalised property, following which authorities temporarily suspended toll operations. The BJP later also expressed opposition to the toll plaza and criticised NHAI’s decision. 

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday criticised the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, claiming it offered no tangible benefit to the state.

Though he said he was yet to study the budget in detail, Shivakumar asserted that Karnataka had gained little from it. “There is no benefit for our state from the central budget. I was observing it. They have now named a programme after Mahatma Gandhi, after repealing the MGNREGA Act that was named after him,” he said.

Speaking to reporters here, the Deputy Chief Minister demanded the restoration of MGNREGA, and made it clear that the newly enacted rural employment scheme — VB-G RAM G — which proposes a 60:40 fund-sharing formula between the Centre and the states, would not be implemented in Karnataka.

“I don’t see any major share for our state in this budget,” he added.

Shivakumar, who also holds charge of Bengaluru development, said there were high expectations for the city from the Union Budget. “The Prime Minister calls Bengaluru a ‘global city’, but what has the Centre done for it?” he asked.

He also drew attention to the problems faced by sugar factories, particularly those in the cooperative sector, alleging a lack of timely decisions and support from the central government.

Noting that the Centre has the authority to fix the minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce, Shivakumar said the Union government must take concrete steps to protect farmers’ interests.

Kolar / Dammam / Riyadh: An Indian civil engineer from Karnataka, who had gone missing from his workplace in Saudi Arabia, has been freed from jail and safely reunited with his family after three months, bringing immense relief to his relatives and well-wishers.

Mr. Byreddy Chennakeshappa, a native of Kolar district, was working as a site engineer with a construction company in Dammam. In September 2025, he suddenly became unreachable, with his mobile phone switched off and no communication with family members or friends, triggering serious concern back home.

With no clear information available, the family sought help through community networks in the Gulf. The matter was eventually brought to the attention of Riyadh-based social worker and pro bono lawyer P. A. Hameed Padubidri through Rafiq Kundanda, a Dubai-based Kannadiga, and his friend Mr. Varun Kolar (Dubai).

Efforts to Trace His Whereabouts

Following coordinated efforts and inquiries with the concerned company and authorities, it was confirmed that Mr. Byreddy was in Dammam and undergoing legal procedures related to a workplace matter.

Mr. Byreddy has been associated with the same company for several years. He had earlier worked there for nearly nine years, rejoined after a brief gap, and had been working continuously for over two years at the time of the incident.

Support from Official Channels

Dr. P. A. Hameed extended full support and assistance to the family by coordinating with the company, approaching relevant official channels, and seeking the intervention of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), Dammam.

An authorisation letter from the Indian Embassy was also obtained to facilitate communication and legal representation with the concerned authorities, ensuring that the matter was followed up in accordance with local laws.

Positive Outcome After Follow-ups

After sustained follow-ups and coordination with all stakeholders, the issue was resolved. Mr. Byreddy was released and permitted to reunite with his family. He is now safe and back home with his loved ones.

Family Expresses Gratitude

Mr. Byreddy’s brother-in-law, Mr. Naveen (Bengaluru), along with Mr. Varun Kolar (Dubai), expressed their sincere gratitude to Dr. P. A. Hameed for his guidance and unwavering support during the difficult period.

They also acknowledged the cooperation extended by the Human Rights Commission, Dammam, and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, noting that timely assistance and effective coordination played a crucial role in resolving the matter.

Community Support Matters

The incident underscores the importance of community support systems, social workers, and diplomatic channels in assisting Indian nationals abroad during challenging situations.

What began as a period of uncertainty and anxiety has ended on a reassuring note, offering comfort to the family and renewed faith in collective humanitarian efforts and the Saudi legal system.