Mangaluru youths stranded in Saudi all set to return thanks to ISF

[email protected] (CD Network)
May 24, 2017

Mangaluru, May 24: The two youths from Mangaluru taluk, who were languishing in a sheep farm in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for past five months, have been finally freed. They are expected to fly back to India soon as the Saudi labour department officials formally intervened and handed over their passports that were confiscated by their visa sponsor, back to them.

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Damodar Shettigar (31), a resident of Gandhinagar in Ganjimat, and Puneeth Jayaraj (25), a resident of Mulki left for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in December last year to work as auto spray painters. However, it was only after they reached the country that the duo realized that they would be asked to look after a sheep farm. Since then they have been taking care of sheep in an isolated farm in the Arab country.

The issue came to light only after the duo broke their silence contacted their friends and media persons through WhatsApp. They also filed a complaint with the Indian embassy through MADAD, an online consular grievances management system of the Ministry of External Affairs on April 4.

Meanwhile, activists of Indian Social Forum (ISF), an NRI organisation in Saudi Arabia, also extended all possible support and assistance to the stranded duo. Speaking to coastaldigest.com the duo thanked ISF activists for their efforts. “Labour authorities have now intervened and returned our passports. We thank ISF too for their selfless support,” said Puneeth.

Damodar said that both he and Puneeth had paid Rs 78,000 each to the agent to obtain visas and for other expenses. "We told the agent that we were not given the job that was promised when we applied for the visa. The agencies kept promising us that we would be shifted to a workshop soon. On the other hand sponsor had seized our passports" recalled Damodar.

He said that ISF members took them to labour officials in Saudi Arabia. “The officials listened to our grievances and offered help for our return to India. We are grateful to ISF as they followed up the issue till the end. Now, all the official procedures have been cleared through the labour court. We have also got the exit permit. ISF members have promised to book flight tickets too,” he said.

Meanwhile, a group of ISF activists, on Tuesday paid a visit to Puneeth’s house in Mulki to extend moral support to his family members. The family members, who were in distress for past five months, breathed a sigh of relief after the ISF members convinced them that Puneeth will return home soon.

Also Read: Duped by agency, 2 Mangaluru youths languish in Saudi sheep farm; seek MEA help

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News Network
May 12,2024

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Mangaluru: A native of Kerala was arrested on charge of misbehaving with crew on an Air India Express flight while travelling from Dubai to Mangaluru International Airport. The man even threatened to jump from the aircraft, according to officials. 

Siddartha Das, the security coordinator for Air India Express, lodged a complaint against the passenger, identified as Muhammad BC from Kannur, Kerala, after which he was caught by the airport security once the flight landed at Mangaluru. He was later handed over to the police.

DCP (Law and Order) Sidharth Goyal said the incident occurred on Flight IX814 on May 8.

When the flight was above the sea, Muhammad reportedly said he wanted to get off the plane, posing a threat to all on board. The unruly flyer was detained by airport security once the flight landed at Mangaluru International Airport and he was handed over to Bajpe police station officials.

Sources added once the flight took off from Dubai, the accused went to the lavatory and thereafter started inquiring with the cabin crew about a person named Krishna who was not on the flight. Muhammad kept on pressing the bell for in-flight assistance, even though the cabin crew members were near at hand. He then picked up a life jacket, gave it to a crew member, and said he wanted to use it upon landing.

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News Network
May 10,2024

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Madikeri: A 15-year-old was bludgeoned to death and the accused fled with her severed head at Mutlu village in Somwarpet of Kodagu district on Thursday late night, hours after her SSLC examination result was declared.  

The victim has been identified as US Meena, a 10th grade student of Surlabbi High School. She had passed the SSLC examination and her school attained 100% results. 

However, she was brutally murdered by accused Prakash (32), a resident of the village. The police have launched a search operation to find the suspect, said Kodagu SP K Ramarajan 

It is said that the minor girl's engagement with the suspect was thwarted by officials from Women and Child Development department on May 9, and later officials had even convinced her parents of not to marry the minor girl.

However, the suspect barged into her house in the night and allegedly kidnapped her. Later, he took her to an area near the periphery of the forest and murdered her after which he fled with her severed head.

Victim's mother too has suffered injuries and is admitted to a hospital for treatment. The reason for the murder will be known after the probing officials have inquired the victim's mother, said the SP. 

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News Network
May 17,2024

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Bengaluru: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in a few districts of Karnataka and said Bengaluru is likely to witness light to moderate rain and thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 30 degree Celsius to 22 degree Celsius in the next 24 hours.

Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Mysuru, Mandya, Chamrajanagara, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfalls between May 17 and 21, said C S Patil, Director of Meteorological Centre, India Meteorological Department, Bengaluru.

According to India Meteorological Department, some places in Kodagu, Hassan, Mysuru, Mandya and Tumukuru districts will also witness, gusty winds (40-50 kmph) on May 18.

Moderate rain and thundershowers are also likely in Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Davangere, Kolar, Ramanagara and Vijayanagara districts.

IMD also predicts light to moderate rain very likely at some places over Bagalkote, Belagavi, Bidar, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Kalaburgi, Koppal, Raichur and Yadgir districts.

On May 16, Channagiri in Davanagere district received the highest rainfall of 6 cm. 

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