I was offered Rs 40-cr to grant bail to former BJP minster Janardhan Reddy: Ex-CBI judge

News Network
August 27, 2019

Bengaluru, Aug 27: B Naga Maruti Sarma, former CBI special judge has deposed before the ACB court in Hyderabad principal special judge in the infamous cash-for-bail case and revealed he was offered Rs 40 crore for setting mining baron and former BJP minister Gali Janardhan Reddy free on bail.

The alleged bribe offer was made by then AP High Court registrar (enquiries) K Lakshmi Narasimha Rao reportedly on behalf of Gali’s men in April 2012. The mining baron was then under judicial custody at the Chanchalguda jail after his arrest in Sept 2011 by CBI in the illegal mining case.

“I rejected the offer outright and walked out of the house of the registrar,” Sarma, deposing as a witness, said. He later dismissed Gali’s bail plea, which was pending before him.

The case has now reached the trial stage and the ACB special court (Hyderabad), which recorded Sarma’s evidence, posted it to September 13 for further hearing. Gali was present in court during Sarma’s testimony and on the next hearing the mining baron’s counsel is likely to cross-examine him.

Sarma, in his deposition, said he was posted as the special judge of CBI court in Hyderabad in April 2011. “In the third week of April 2012, HC registrar Narasimha Rao had called me over the phone and conveyed his intent to visit me,” Sarma said.

“As he was my senior and also holding a higher post (HC registrar), I told him that I would visit him instead and took his address. On the morning of April 18, 2012, I went to his house. After general discussion, Narasimha Rao revealed about the ‘proposal’ to release Gali on bail. I refused his proposal and informed him that deviating from the path of the law is death for me. It was at this stage that Narasimha Rao revealed that Gali’s men were prepared to shell out Rs 40 crore for the favour. I bluntly refused his proposal and left his house,” the former CBI judge said.

Subsequently, Pattabhi Rama Rao, Sarma’s successor at the CBI court, had granted bail to the mining baron but was later caught in a joint operation by CBI and ACB officials while allegedly accepting the bribe. He was arrested and sent to jail. In July 2012, the ACB officials arrested Lakshmi Narasimha Rao too.

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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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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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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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