Lucky escape for Roshan Baig, 66 other passengers as plane veers off runway

March 9, 2015

Hubballi, Mar 9: As many as 77 passengers, including Information Minister Roshan Baig, three judges of the Karnataka High Court, and an MLC, had a narrow escape when Bengaluru-Hubballi SpiceJet SG 1085 aircraft veered off the runway at Hubballi airport on Sunday evening.

The 78-seater Bombardier Q-400 aircraft with four crew members was on time.

As the tyres of the wheels of the plane which was travelling from Bengaluru to Hubballi got deflated on landing, the plane skidded off the runway, veered almost 100 metres from it and subsequently made a rough landing.

Officials said that due to bad weather, visibility of the runway for the pilot was nil and this led to the crash landing. However, the technical error that led to this incident would be investigated by a technical team which would be arriving to the airport on Monday. The Director General of Civil Aviation too would be part of the team.

A rescue team and fire fighters were rushed to the spot and they evacuated the passengers within 10 minutes.

City Police Commissioner Ravindra Prasad said that the plane was to arrive at Hubballi airport at 7:15 pm, but due to bad weather, it was hovering over the airport for more than 20 minutes.

Information and?Haj Minister Roshan Baig, who was also a passenger in the plane, said that the crew members had alerted the passengers that following heavy rain in Hubballi, landing would be delayed. However, the pilot, Sanjay Saxena, promised the passengers that he would be landing safe and asked the passengers not to panic.

After landing, smoke was seen in the left side of the plane and all the passengers were evacuated from the emergency exit. Three High Court judges - Justices B?S?Patil, Justice Manohar and Ratnamala too were travelling in the plane.

Following this incident, passengers travelling to Bengaluru were stranded at the airport. The officials, expressing their inability to make alternative arrangements, transferred their tickets for Monday evening.

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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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