Hindutva protest turns into victory rally after release of arson accused

[email protected] (CD Network)
December 5, 2014

Kundapur, Dec 5: Protest and counter-protests following last week's arson attack on a commercial complex belonging to a Masjid have kept communal tensions alive in Gangolli town of Kundapur taluk in Udupi district.

Despite the claims of police that situation is completely under control the provocative slogans raised at a massive protest organized by Hindu Jagarana Vedike and other BJP-backed Hindutva outfits in the town on Thursday have raised alarm bells.

P Rajendra Prasad, Superintendent of Police, said on Friday that the situation in Gangolli town, which saw group clashes on the night of November 27, was peaceful.

Meanwhile two accused including a Hindu Jagarana Vedike arrested by the police were released on bail on Thursday. One was arrested four days ago while another was arrested on December 3 after a massive protest by local Muslims, who had set a deadline of 24 hours to nab the culprits responsible for arson attack and communal clashes.

Tight security measures were in place in the town. Three parties of District Armed Reserve Police, two parties of Karnataka State Reserve Police and 30 commandoes had been pressed into service, according to Mr Prasad.

He said that eight cases had been registered with regard to the November 27 clashes. The investigation into these cases was being done by the Assistant Superintendent of Police K. Annamalai. “The police will take stern action against anyone trying to create communal disharmony or disobeying laws,” he said urging the public to cooperate with police.

Celebration

Meanwhile, a massive protest organized on Thursday by Hindutva activists, gradually turned into celebration after the arrested duo secured bail.

A motorbike rally was also organized in the night by HJV activists to celebrate the “success” of their protest.

The agitators accorded a hero's welcome to the released arson attack accused -Sridhar and Vasu Devadiga- and warned police against taking action against “innocent” Hindutva activists. The released accused were taken in a procession to the Veerashaiva Temple in the town.

The accused Sridhar speaking on the occasion urged the Hindus to marginalize Muslims and break all ties with them. He also urged the Hindus not to purchase anything from the shops belonging to Muslims.

Thanking the Hindutva outfits for staging protest to exert pressure on the police department to release him, he said if all Hindus unite no one can harm them.

He said that Hindutva groups should continue to pressuize police in Gangolli to take action against criminals who belong to Muslim community.

Achuth Amin, the Udupi district president of HJV and Satyajit Surathkal also addressed the gathering and warned the police not to touch any Hindu activists in future.

Violent protest

Prior to this thousands of Hindutva activists took part in a protest rally urging the police to immediately release the two arrested miscreants including HJV leader. The protesters laid siege to the Gangolli police.

A significant number of women also took part in the protest in response to the protest held by local Muslims held in the town on Wednesday.

Stones were pelted and shops belonging to Muslim community were damaged during the rally. Most of the shops shut down and buses were off the roads. The traffic was disrupted for more than four hours in the town thanks to the violent protest. MLC Kota Srinivasa Poojary, BJP district president Thingale Vikramarjuna Hegde, former MLA Laxminarayana were also part of the rally.

At least six shops of a Jamia Complex managed by Jamia Masjid management committee in Gangolli, were gutted in fire last Saturday after midnight arson attack. The losses suffered have been estimated at around Rs 2 crores. The incident had escalated communal tensions in the relatively peaceful town, which had also seen a clash a clash between two groups of youth belonging to different communities two days prior to the incident.

Background:

Gangolli fire: Burqa-clad women take to the streets to protest police inaction

Communal tension intensifies in Gongolli after miscreants set fire to Masjid complex

gangolli 4 1

gangolli 4 1

gangolli 4 1

gangolli 4 1

gangolli 4 1

gangolli protest 5 1

gangolli protest 5 1

gangolli protest 5 1

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
December 17,2025

melkar1.jpg

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.

melkar3.jpg

melkar2.jpg

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
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.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
December 5,2025

Mangaluru: In a significant step to curb online hate and intimidation, Mangaluru City Police have registered a suo motu case against multiple Instagram accounts accused of circulating alleged provocative and threatening content.

While monitoring social media activity on Tuesday, Kankanady Town PSI Anitha Nikkam identified the Instagram handle ‘team_targetttt_900’ for posting a hate message alongside images of lethal weapons. Another account, ‘team_nagara_900’, allegedly shared a threatening post targeting activist Bharath Kumdelu, tagging additional pages such as KARAVALI-OFFICIAL.

Several other accounts — including ‘immu_bhai.fan’, ‘target_boy_900’, ‘kings_of_manglore’, ‘team_target_boys.900’, ‘arshad_mangalore’, ‘target_ka19_ullal’, ‘team_target__’, ‘troll_tigersz_900’, ‘tr_group_900’, and ‘team_target_900’ — are also under scrutiny for spreading similar inflammatory material, police said.

Authorities have urged citizens, especially young social media users, to report suspicious pages and avoid engaging with groups that glorify violence or threaten individuals. Online hate can quickly escalate into real-world harm, and police stress that sharing or promoting such content can attract legal consequences.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.