Cops hunt for VHP leader, two others in kidnap case that cost the life of DySP

July 16, 2016

Bengaluru/Chikkamagaluru, Jul 16: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has announced reward for information on three suspects in the kidnapping case in Chikkamagaluru that also cost the life of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) of Chikkamagaluru sub-division Kallappa Handibag.

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The CID has released the photographs of three suspects Praveen Khandya, Naveen Shetty and Abhi alias Abhiram alias Abhijit.

Two CID teams investigating the case are looking for Khandya, who is the VHP Shivamogga division secretary, and his associates not only in Karnataka but also outside the state.

Naveen Shetty is a resident of Sanjaynagar in Bengaluru and has cases in various police stations in Bengaluru city. Shetty, a dog breeder, had reportedly executed the kidnapping of Tejas Gowda on June 27 night on the directions of Khandya. The kidnappers had confined Tejas Gowda at Shetty's dog breeding site.

Gowda, sources said, had to return some money to Kalmane Nataraj, who runs a chit-fund business.

When Gowda did not return the money, Nataraj approached Khandya to get money from Tejas. Police had found Khandya's SUV (Scorpio) at a homestay near Karadihalli Kaval in Chikkamagaluru.

Investigating officer CID SP Dr Rajappa and his team completed primary investigations and left for Bengaluru last Monday.

Two CID inspectors are camping in the district and are continuing the investigation. Highly placed sources informed Deccan Herald that the CID team has picked up Khandya's close friend for questioning.

Khandya's mobile phone has been switched off for the past eight days.

According to the tower location, his phone was active in three states including Goa and Delhi, on the first two days of the incident. Police suspect he gave his mobile phone to his associates and went into hiding outside the state.

Sangh Parivar local leaders said, “Khandya had reportedly asked senior Sangh Parivar leaders to revlieve him from responsibilities of the Sangh Parivar as he wanted to focus on agriculture and dairy farming. As he had failed to get any directions from higher ups in the Sangh Parivar, he had not issued any statement.”

In fact, Khandya was all set to organise a press meet in Bengaluru on July 5 to clarify that he was not involved in trapping Handibag and in the Tejas kidnapping case, a close aide of Khandya's told Deccan Herald.

However, the press meet was cancelled after Handibag commited suicide on July 5. In fact, Khandya was in Chikkamagaluru town on July 4 and 5 and had met a lawyer.

After he learnt that the CID was after him, he had called his wife from an unknown number saying he was not arrested, said sources in the police department.

The police have filed a case against the trio in Basavanahalli police station. The CID has threatened action against those who help the suspects and added that informers' identities will be kept confidential. The public can inform the CID police on details related to the suspects at 080–22094498 or DySP 9480800170.

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Satyameva jayate
 - 
Saturday, 16 Jul 2016

Bjp is protesting to catch their own vhp. Culprits...
Why not protest to ban the organisation now......... imagine if it was my minority leaders the whole group would be called terrorist........ha ha...and all fools would comment asking all to go to Pakistan.....where will you send your brothers....to Nepal? No one will give entry for you anywhere

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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 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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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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