It was CM's choice to induct Shivakumar, Roshan Baig'

January 6, 2014

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Bangalore, Jan 6: Congress leader Digvijay Singh today said it was the 'right' of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to have inducted D K Shivakumar and Roshan Baig, whose inclusion has triggered a controversy for being "scam tainted".

"The criteria, when anyone is taken in the ministry, it is the right of the Chief Minister (to induct Shivakumar and Baig)," he told reporters after the party's coordination committee meeting here.

Siddaramaiah, who was with Singh, said there are no FIRs against Baig and Shivakumar, and in fact they were his choice after the matter was discussed with the party high command."(They were) my choice only. After discussing it with the High Command I inducted (them)," he said.

The Chief Minister also said there was no pressure from the high command to induct Baig and Shivakumar.

Singh also said Baig and Shivakumar were inducted after ascertaining there were no chargesheet and pending cases against them in the court of law.

"When these (Baig and Shivakumar) names were considered, adequate precautions were taken to see that there was no chargesheet pending against them in the court. And only after that were they inducted," he said.

Singh claimed that Congress in the entire country has not inducted leaders facing corruption charges and chargesheeted, whereas BJP has inducted such leaders.

"We have number of names of BJP ministers in different states who have been chargesheeted and yet continued to be in the cabinet. Babubhai (Bokhiriya), Gujarat Minister, has been convicted and still continues in the cabinet," he said.

Gujarat Water Resources Minister Bokhiriya was sentenced to three years imprisonment in 2006 illegal mining case by a Sessions Court in Porbandar in June last year. Bokhiriya was found guilty in illegal mining case.

Asked if he would take action against Baig and Shivakumar if chargesheeted, Siddaramaiah said, "Let us see. For now, we have information that there is no chargesheet. Even if they are chargesheeted, one cannot say they are guilty."

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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 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.

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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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