Communal tension grips Thirthahalli after Nandita's death in Manipal: BJP-led protest turns violent

[email protected] (CD Network)
November 2, 2014

nandita

Thirthahalli, Nov 2: A tense atmosphere prevailed in Thirthahalli twon of Shivamogga district following the death of Nandita, a class 8 student, who allegedly consumed poison under mysterious circumstances earlier this week.

14-year-old girl breathed her last at a hospital in Manipal on October 31. Even though the case remained mysterious, the incident led to undeclared shutdown of the town on Saturday. People closed down the shops voluntarily in protest against the incident.

BJP activists resorted to protest after a rumour of abduction and rape of the girl by three members began to spread in the town. Led by former MLA Araga Jnanendra, hundreds of BJP activists staged a massive demonstration in the town demanding the arrest of the accused.

When the girl's body was brought from Manipal, thousands of people took it out in a procession for the funeral.

During the procession, some miscreants threw stones at shops belonging to another community. There were heated arguments between the police and the people. To bring the situation under control, police caned the troublemakers.

It is not yet confirmed whether the 14-year-old girl was raped. Superintendent of Police Kaushlendra Kumar said the girl had not mentioned rape in the complaint. “So, a case of rape has not been registered. Three special teams have been formed to apprehend the culprits. We have already interrogated some youths in the town but are yet to make arrests,” he said.

Two versions

According to local sources the girl consumed poison after being caught by moral police while being in company of a male friend belonging to a different community. It is said that on October 29, instead of going to school the girl board a car belonging to her male friend. She was caught by local residents at Anandagiri hills near Thirthahalli. She consumed poison in the evening unable to bear humiliation.

Another version says that the girl was kidnapped by three men in a car while she was waiting for bus to go to school. The kidnappers allegedly raped her and poisoned her before dumping her at Anandagiri hills.

In the evening the girl started vomiting. The girl was then taken to the JC hospital in the town and later to the McGann Hospital in Shimoga. But doctors there advised that she be taken to the KMC Hospital in Manipal where she died on Friday.

The girl was a class 8 student at the government high school here. Based on a complaint lodged by her father, police have registered a case of murder, sexual harassment and kidnap under the relevant sections of the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: The Mangaluru City Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of the inaugural ceremony of Karavali Utsava, which will be held at the Karavali Utsava Ground on Saturday.

The festival will be inaugurated at 6:00 pm by Dakshina Kannada District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Cultural and public programmes will be held at the venue every evening and will continue until January 2.

According to City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, parking of vehicles is strictly prohibited on both sides of the road from Lalbagh to Karavali Utsava Ground. Visitors are requested to park their vehicles only at designated parking areas.

To help the public, traffic signboards and parking guidance flex boards have been installed along the routes leading to the venue. The police have urged commuters and visitors to follow these instructions to ensure smooth traffic movement.

Designated Parking Locations

•    Urwa Market Ground – Cars
•    Gandhinagar Government School (near Press Club) – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Ladyhill Church parking area – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Canara School Ground, Mannagudda – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Thimmappa Hotel premises – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Scout and Guide Bhavana premises (behind Karavali Utsava Grounds) – Two-wheelers
•    Urwa Market Road – Two-wheelers
•    Hat Hill Road – Two-wheelers

The police have appealed to the public to cooperate by following traffic rules and parking guidelines to avoid inconvenience during the festival.

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