‘Ghar Wapsi’ in Mangaluru: Catholic family accused of trying to convert Hindu girl into Christianity embraces Hinduism

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May 8, 2015

Mangaluru, May 8: As many as five members of a Christian family, who had been accused in the past of trying to convert a Hindu girl, have converted to Hinduism through a ‘Ghar Wapsi’ programme organized by Hindutva activists near Konaje in Mangaluru taluk.

Saraswati (55), a widow and her four children, Raji (25), Rati (23), Rajesh (22) and Rakesh (18) are the five Catholics who underwent “purification” process and declared themselves ‘Hindus’ on Wednesday, May 6, in the presence of Hindu priests and Sangh Parivar activists.

ghar wapsi

Sri Rajashekharananda Swamiji of Vajradehi Mutt, Gurpur, led the puja rituals to readmit the Catholics to the polytheistic religion at their home at Muchilakody near Konaje village.

Saraswati, who belonged to a Hindu family from a village near Kollam in Kerala, fell in love with her Christian neighbour Raju nearly three decades ago.

After their marriage they shifted base to Muchilakody near Konaje and practiced Catholicism as per the wish of Raju and his family. Their four children-two daughters and two sons- also attended Churches and practiced Catholicism. Raju breathed his last nearly a decade ago, but Saraswati and her children were continued to be identified as Christians in the neighbourhood.

It is learnt that the friendship of Sarwaswati’s children with some activists of Sangh Parivar persuaded them to shun Catholicism and convert into Hinduism.

It is worth mentioning here that Rajesh, the eldest son of Saraswati, was in love with a Hindu girl from Ira village in Bantwal taluk and the couple had decided to marry as per Arya Samaj customs.

However, their love relationship had faced severe opposition from the family members of the girl and few Bajrang Dal activists, who had assaulted Rajesh and his sister when they visited the girl’s house in Ira nearly one-and-a-half year ago.

The local Bajrang Dal leaders had accused Rajesh and his family members of trying to convert the Hindu girl into Christianity. Rajesh had lodged a complaint with Bantwal police station against the assailants.

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News Network
December 2,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 2: Mangaluru International Airport responded to a medical emergency late on Monday night. Air India Express flight IX 522, travelling from Riyadh to Thiruvananthapuram, was diverted to Mangaluru Airport after a passenger in his late 30s experienced a medical emergency on board.

The Airport’s Operations Control Centre received an alert regarding the passenger’s health condition. The airport activated its emergency response protocol, mobilising the airport medical team and coordinating with stakeholders including CISF, immigration, and customs. 

Upon landing, airport medical personnel attended to the passenger, assessed his condition, and arranged to shift him to a local tertiary-care hospital for further treatment. The passenger’s relatives accompanied the passenger, who incidentally received necessary medical care on board, which helped stabilise the situation.

Following the handling of the emergency, the flight departed for Thiruvananthapuram at 2:05 am on Tuesday.

"We appreciate the cooperation of all parties involved, and this incident reaffirms our ongoing commitment to prioritising passenger safety and readiness to respond to unforeseen emergencies with professionalism and care," the Airport spokesperson said. 

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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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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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