DK police arrest absconding Hindutva leader over communally provocative speech

coastaldigest.com web desk
September 22, 2018

Mangaluru, Sept 22: The Dakshina Kannada district police have arrested a hardline Hindutva leader for allegedly attempting to create communal disturbance by delivering a provocative and hate-filled speech during a religious event in Bantwal taluk.

The accused has been identified as Manjunath Udupa alias Pushparanga Bhat (32), the secretary of Hindu Aikya Vedi, Kasaragod.

He was a chief guest at the Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebration at Kadambu in Vittal police station limits in Bantwal on September 9.

Manjunath delivered a speech which is alleged to be extremely communally provocative in nature and demeaning other religions. The organisers are also charged with using loudspeakers without obtaining requisite permission.

A complaint in these connections had been registered against Manjunath, organiser Chethan Padimale, anchor Bhaskar Tailor and people on the dais Suresh Kottary, Varadaraj Kottary, BK Krishnappa Salian and Ramesh Poojary, at the Vittal police station.

Police said all the accused had remained underground since then. Of them, except Manjunatha and Krishnappa, others obtained bail from the ACJ and JMFC court in Bantwal on September 11.

The police launched a search for Manjunath at various places in Kasaragod but to no avail.

Police said Manjunath, the key accused, was working as the supervisor of Kaniyoor Mutt wing in Gadigudde. He is also a confidante of Kasargod BJP leader Raveesh Tantri. Police said Manjunath is already facing charges of kidnap in a separate case

The police took him into custody after he appeared before they post obtaining bail from the ACJ and JMFC court on September 19.

SP B R Ravikanthegowda said he has decided to open a communal goonda sheet against Manjunath.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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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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coastaldigest.com news network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has issued a high-alert warning to vehicle owners regarding a surge in cyber fraud targeting those looking to pay traffic violation fines. Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting recent government discount schemes on traffic penalties to deceive citizens.

The Scam: How Fraudsters Strike

Criminals are using SMS, WhatsApp, and social media to circulate suspicious links and APK files (Android application packages). They claim these apps allow users to pay e-challans at a discount.

•    Device Hacking: Downloading these unauthorized apps gives hackers full access to the victim's smartphone.

•    Financial Theft: Once the phone is compromised, fraudsters intercept OTPs and personal data to drain bank accounts.

•    Phishing Sites: Fake websites mimicking official portals are also being used to harvest banking credentials.

Already, two residents within Mangaluru city limits have reported significant financial losses after falling victim to these fraudulent apps.

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