Despite apology, Malayalam daily faces boycott for criticising Prophet

[email protected] (CD Network)
March 10, 2016

Kasaragod, Mar 10: Kerala's second second-largest newspaper Mathrubhumi is facing the ire of Muslim organisations and individuals after it published offensive comments about Prophet Muhammad.

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Even though the Malayalam daily tendered an unconditional apology for its offence, members of several Muslim groups on Wednesday and Thursday protested vociferously against the newspaper.

Crowds gathered outside the newspaper's offices in several places, burning copies and calling for it to be boycotted. The protestors allegedly stoned the Kozhikode office.

The controversial comment was a response to a story on Kerala High Court judge Kemal Pasha's observations on polygamy among Muslims and Muslim personal law.

The judge pointing out the misogyny in the law had also asked whether Muslim men would be okay with Muslim women having four husbands.

On Wednesday, the Kozhikode and Thrissur editions of Mathrubhumi carried responses to Kemal Pasha's views in the AppsTalk section of the newspaper. One of the posts criticized Prophet, without naming him, for marrying a “minor” girl.

The post triggered massive protests. The Popular Front of India (PFI) was the first to hit the streets. They were followed by other groups like the Social Democratic Front of India (SDPI), the National Development Front (NDF) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

The daily readily obliged to their demands by tendering an unconditional apology in its print and online editions on Thursday, social media pages and television channel. This was followed up with a detailed apology on the front page in all its 10 editions in Kerala, four editions in the metros in the country and two overseas editions.

“We understood that the reactions to the remarks made by the judge while inaugurating a seminar on the Domestic Violence Act at Kozhikode on Sunday had hurt the believers,” the apology by the Editor said. “We regret for publishing them.”

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Comments

Nasir
 - 
Sunday, 13 Mar 2016

Dear Kotian,

Will you consider as a freedom of speech if someone talks about so called God krisna's 16000 wives as a public debate?

Bopanna
 - 
Saturday, 12 Mar 2016

What was given In the paper is the truth that Mohammad married Ayesha at 6 this is in the Koran itself ! So how can it be derogatory ?

salam
 - 
Friday, 11 Mar 2016

Suvin,,,, Why you and your God sriram was worried about small truth had told by mr baghwan. RSS terrors killed him. Where is your freedom of speech???

salam
 - 
Friday, 11 Mar 2016

Viren Kotian ,, then why your radical groups killed Mr. Bhagwan

suvin
 - 
Friday, 11 Mar 2016

o now why creators are worried about a small truth .... now why they worried about freedom of speech... some people come and ask to ask quesions ..... dar

Viren Kotian
 - 
Thursday, 10 Mar 2016

Death to radical groups. Freedom of Speech and Expression must be upheld.

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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 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 7,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 7: A 34-year-old fruit and vegetable trader in Mangaluru has reportedly lost ₹33.1 lakh after falling victim to an online investment scam run through a fake mobile app.

Police said the scam began in September, when the victim received a link on Facebook. Clicking it connected him to a WhatsApp number, where an unidentified person introduced a high-return investment scheme and instructed him to download an app.

To build trust, the fraudster asked him to invest ₹30,000 on September 24. The trader soon received ₹34,000 as “profit,” convincing him the scheme was genuine. Over the next two months, he transferred money in multiple instalments via Google Pay and IMPS to different scanner codes and bank accounts shared by the scammers. Between September 24 and December 3, he ended up sending a total of ₹33.1 lakh.

When he later requested a refund of his investment and promised returns, the scammers demanded additional payments, claiming he needed to pay a “service tax” first. Even after he paid a small amount, no money was returned, and the scammers continued pressuring him for more.

A case has been registered at the CEN Crime Police Station.

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