Mangaluru: Case against three women for false sexual harassment' claim

[email protected] (CD Network)
February 27, 2016

Mangaluru, Feb 27: Taking serious note of complainants turning hostile during trial of complaints of sexual harassment, a magistrate has ordered initiation of criminal proceedings against them.

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The II Judicial Magistrate First Class has ordered registration of criminal cases against Violet Mascarenhas, her sister Prescilla Mascarenhas and her neighbour Jovith Carel D'Souza of Padu Perar village near here. The court has taken objection to the three women making false statements before it that was in contrary to what they had stated on oath before a magistrate.

The incident relates to scuffle between family members of Ms. Violet Mascarenhas and Ms. D'Souza at the house of Ms. Violet Mascarenhas on June 18, 2014. Following the scuffle, Ms. Violet Mascarenhas and Ms. Prescilla Mascarenhas filed a complaint accusing Joel Kiran and Ms. D'Souza of hurt, assault and criminal intimidation. The two accused Joel Kiran of misbehaving with them and tearing their clothes off. In turn, Ms. D'Souza made the same allegations against Ms. Violet Mascarenhas, David Mascarenhas, Judith S. Mascarenhas and Ms. Prescilla Mascarenhas. Both the complaints were registered by the Bajpe police.

As per procedure prescribed in the Code of Criminal Procedure in cases of sexual harassment, the police took Ms. Violet Mascarenhas, Ms. Prescilla Mascarenhas and Ms. D'Souza to the III Judicial Magistrate First Class court. The magistrate recorded on oath their statements under Section 164 of the Cr.PC where they reiterated what they had stated in their complaints.

When the case came up for hearing before the II JMFC Court, all the three turned hostile. They denied having filed a complaint of sexual harassment and stated in contrary to what they had said on oath before the II JMFC court.

While acquitting the accused on January 5, II JMFC judge Santosh S. Kunder noted that the three women should be tried summarily for giving false evidence before court. The magistrate directed his office to register criminal cases against the three women for the offence under Section 344 of Cr.PC. The magistrate has issued notices to the three women seeking an explanation from them.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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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.

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News Network
December 7,2025

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Mangaluru, Dec 7: A rare bamboo shrimp has been rediscovered on mainland India more than 70 years after it was last reported, confirming for the first time the presence of Atyopsis spinipes in the country. The find was made by researchers from the Centre for Climate Change Studies at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, during surveys in Karnataka and Odisha.

The team — shrimp expert Dr S Prakash, PhD scholar K Kunjulakshmi, and Mangaluru-based researcher Maclean Antony Santos — combined field surveys, ecological assessments and DNA analysis to identify the elusive species. Their findings, published in Zootaxa, resolve decades of taxonomic confusion stemming from a 1951 report that misidentified the species as Atyopsis moluccensis without strong evidence.

The shrimp has now been confirmed at two locations: the Mulki–Pavanje estuary near Mangaluru and the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar. Historical specimens from the Andaman Islands, previously labelled as A. moluccensis, were also found to be misidentified and actually belong to A. spinipes.

The rediscovery began after an aquarium hobbyist in Odisha spotted a shrimp in 2022, prompting systematic surveys across Udupi, Karwar and Mangaluru. Four female specimens were collected in Mulki and one in Odisha, all genetically matching.

Researchers warn the species may exist in very small, vulnerable populations as freshwater habitats face increasing pressure from pollution, sand mining and infrastructure development. All verified specimens have been deposited with the Zoological Survey of India for future reference.

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