Mangaluru: Gulf-bound man released by NIA; no evidence of ISIS link

December 26, 2016

Mangaluru, Dec 26: A UAE-bound man, who had been taken into custody by authorities onsuspicion' at Mangaluru International Airport last week, later became anISIS terrorist' for a section of media.

Even though 41-year-old Munaf Rahman, a resident of Old Kent Road, Mangaluru, was released by the NIA officials, who found him innocent, a few Kannada television channels on December 25 claimed that NIA had taken him to New Delhi for further inquiry.

A section of media went on to claim that Munaf had ISIS links and that he had planned to officially join the dreaded terror outfit after flying into Syria.

In fact, Munaf had gone to the Airport along with his wife and children to board the 9W 504 Jet plane bound for Sharjah on December 23. When Airport authorities questioned the intention behind visiting Sharjah, he said that he was on his way to meet his wife's sister Ashika who stays there.

When authorities continued to question him, Munaf lost patience and reportedly behaved rudely. His behaviour gave rise to suspicion in the minds of immigration authorities and hence they took him to custody and handed him over to Umesh Rai, an officer of the NIA. Munaf's wife and children were sent home.

Despite subjecting Munaf to a rigorous interrogation, NIA officials failed to get any evidence against him. Hence, they released him after impounding his passport and asked him not to leave the city without permission.

According to sources, Munaf is a native of Thalassery in Kerala and he has been residing in Mangaluru for past five years along with his family. He is engaged in crockery business both in Kerala and Karnataka.

Interestingly, a Gujarati youth, identified as Arjun, was also detained on the same day at the same Airport by the authorities for carrying a live bullet in his pocket. Neither he was handed over to the NIA, nor he was treated like a terrorist.

Also Read: Gujarati youth arrested at Mangaluru Airport for carrying live bullet

Comments

NIA (Nagpur I. Agency) is agent of RSS and they are trained / advised to target muslims only. Govt should have strong hold on this Agency and let them do their job in a good manner and not to harass innocents. Why the person with live bullet was not questioned and was let free whereas an innocent muslim was detained and not allowed to fly to Dubai. Why is this double standard. We have lost faith in NIA and it is better for the govt to dissolve this Agency as they are not fit for it.

Nagpur Investigation Agency (NIA), targetting Muslims for nothing. NIA never intervened when Gujarati youth found with live bullets 2 days ago, NIA never intervened when Faisal got killed by RSS terror for change his religion and NIA intervened when terror teacher Joseph got hand-chopped by angry youths. Why NIA dancing for Nagpur tunes?

The few kannada channels now become public toilet. Controlled by some abnormal alrights

Why double standard?!!..What is govt doing. If not taking any action against communal people in public service.

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

Major facelift for Mangaluru's sporting heart: Mangala Stadium set for 2-month closure to upgrade synthetic track

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

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.

Comments