Kodagu clash: 'VHP man fell to death trying to escape stone-throwing'

February 12, 2016

Madikeri, Feb 12: The police on Thursday submitted the preliminary charge sheet against nine people in the case relating to the death of Devapanda Kuttappa, the organising secretary of the VHP, during the Tipu Jayanti celebrations.

The charge sheet states that Kuttappa died after he fell on a cement drain, to a depth of 18 feet while trying to escape from the stone-throwing mob during the celebrations organised by the government here on November 10 last year.

The suspects are all from Kodagu district. They are: T?A?Khalid from Arekadu, Abdul Gafoor and C?T?Faizal from Nelyahudikeri, K?Y?Razak from Valnur Tyagattur (all of whom have been arrested), Akbar Ali and Shamsheer from Nelyahudikeri, Ashraf from Valnur Tyagattur, Saifuddin from Ponnattamotte and Shahul Hameed from Guddugadde (all absconding).

They have been charged under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the IPC. Kuttappa had died during stone-throwing near the women and child department of the district hospital.

Inspector Medappa of the Madikeri City station submitted the charge sheet to the sessions court. The charge sheet says that a group of 300 members was on its way to the Cauvery Kalakshetra where the celebrations had been organised, when the stone-throwing happened.

The miscreants entered the hospital premises and started throwing stones. They then surrounded Kuttappa and manhandled him. He fell to his death when he started running to escape from the mob.

The police had earlier registered a case under Section 302 of the IPC (murder). They later changed it to Section 304, after investigation, stating that the stone-throwing was not aimed at killing Kuttappa, but that the stone-throwing incident had resulted in his death. Cases have also been registered under Sections 143, 144, 147, 148, 323 and 324 of the IPC.

Kuttappa’s son Dolly had named Amin Mohsin, president of the district unit of the SDPI, and others in his complaint, saying they were responsible for his father’s death. But they have been left out of the charge sheet due to lack of evidence. The charge sheet is based on circumstantial evidence and CCTV?footage.

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Looks strange, not a single rss chaddi name has appeared in this clash. Kuttapa lost his life because of head injury. On what intention he climbed the wall. He knows well, as per chaddi groups pre-plan step by step situation will worse. So went on top of the wall to enjoy and to see the suffering of innocent peace lovers suffering.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

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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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

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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