Mangaluru Court directs to register a criminal case against official in hacking case

coastaldigest.com news network
August 8, 2017

Mangaluru, Aug 8: After 13 year long court battle, Wildlife Conservationist, Niren Jain’s undeterred efforts to seek justice for the illegal seizure and hacking of his computer has borne fruit, with the Mangalore II JMFC judge Santhosh S. Kunder ordering the registration of a criminal case against the then DCF of Kudremukh Smt.Anita S. Arekal under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Smt.Arekal who is now Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF), Social Forestry, Bangalore has been issued Summons to appear before the Court. 

The issue dates back to 2004 when she, as the then DCF of Kudremukh, had conducted an illegal search of Niren Jain’s office and seized his personal computer despite having no jurisdiction or authority to effect such a seizure. This blatant abuse of power was unleashed ostensibly to threaten and harass Niren Jain who was campaigning for stoppage of iron ore mining in the heart of Kudremukh National Park. The mining operation, which was causing severe impacts on the Bhadra River and its surrounding shola-grassland ecosystem, was subsequently ordered to close by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The JMFC in his Order has recorded that she accessed information from Jain’s computer and made available personal information to the media which prima facie makes out commission of offences punishable under Section 66 and 72 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Section 25 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. 

Niren’s first legal victory came in the form of a scathing Order in 2005 by the Hon’ble Principal Sessions Judge, Chikmagalur, who held that the entire search and seizure was illegal, without jurisdiction and authority of law. This Order was challenged before the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka, which on 12thAugust, 2011 dismissed the State’s appeal and directed that the Order passed by the Principal Sessions Judge was strictly in accordance with law and did not suffer from any legal infirmity that called for intervention by a higher court. The Hon’ble High Court further declared that “the entire search and seizure was without authority of law” Further, the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka had, in 2011, also quashed the FIR filed against Niren Jain, and made serious observations that - “… The so called evidence collected in support of the allegations, in support of FIR, do not show any commission of offence and make out a case against the accused. However, the proceedings is maliciously instituted with the ulterior motive of wrecking vengeance on the accused with a view to spite them”.

 Now the JMFC, considering all these major legal conclusions and strong arguments of Niren’s lawyer Adv.Vikram Hegde, has in the Order dt. 17.07.2017 (attached) ordered the registration of a criminal case and issue of Summons against the accused – the then DCF Smt.Anita Arekal. The above offences carry an imprisonment term upto three years and fine extending upto to two lakh rupees.

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News Network
December 2,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 2: Mangaluru International Airport responded to a medical emergency late on Monday night. Air India Express flight IX 522, travelling from Riyadh to Thiruvananthapuram, was diverted to Mangaluru Airport after a passenger in his late 30s experienced a medical emergency on board.

The Airport’s Operations Control Centre received an alert regarding the passenger’s health condition. The airport activated its emergency response protocol, mobilising the airport medical team and coordinating with stakeholders including CISF, immigration, and customs. 

Upon landing, airport medical personnel attended to the passenger, assessed his condition, and arranged to shift him to a local tertiary-care hospital for further treatment. The passenger’s relatives accompanied the passenger, who incidentally received necessary medical care on board, which helped stabilise the situation.

Following the handling of the emergency, the flight departed for Thiruvananthapuram at 2:05 am on Tuesday.

"We appreciate the cooperation of all parties involved, and this incident reaffirms our ongoing commitment to prioritising passenger safety and readiness to respond to unforeseen emergencies with professionalism and care," the Airport spokesperson said. 

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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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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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