'Maut ka saudagar' is apt description of Modi: Cong

March 21, 2014

New Delhi, Mar 21: Congress today resurrected the "maut ka saudagar" barb against Narendra Modi, blaming him for the Godhra incident and the subsequent communal riots in Gujarat, and said the description fitted the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate.

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BJP had lost three bye-elections after Modi became Chief Minister but after that he "allowed" the Godhra train tragedy and the riots. "If you don't call him maut ka saudagar (merchant of death), how else can you describe him," party spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil told reporters.

His remarks came in a response to a question on whether Congress still thinks that Modi is 'maut ka saudagar'.

The comments of Gohil, a former CLP leader of Gujarat and known detractor of Modi, is bound to kick up a row as Sonia Gandhi's same barb during the campaign in Gujarat assembly elections in 2007 had sparked a huge political controversy.

After the crushing defeat of the party, Congress had refrained from making such remarks fearing a communal polarisation as Modi had used it to the hilt to his advantage.

The Congress spokesperson's comments came even as Rahul Gandhi has in last many interactions with party leaders asked them to refrain from personal attacks.

However, it is also true that Congress has stepped up attack on Modi in the last few days as campaigning for Lok Sabha election picks up.

Gohil also met Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and presented him a memorandum citing several "deficiencies" in the coastal security of Gujarat, which is bordering Pakistan.

He told Shinde that he had already submitted a letter in this regard to the Chief Minister, who has so far failed to respond.

Gohil also took a dig at a BJP delegation meeting the Home Minister seeking security for its leaders and said that contrary to their claim that there are intelligence reports of threat to them, the Home Minister said that there was no such report from the Intelligence Bureau.

"I want to ask them whether the IB reports to the Home Minister or BJP. Such issues should not be politicised," he said.

Gohil also said that BJP leaders were not concerned about the security of countrymen and wondered "whether the blood of BJP leaders is blood and that of other Indians water."

The Congress spokesperson gave a point wise rebuttal of Modi's development talk, noting that Gujarat's Agriculture Minister had told the state Assembly that 85 farmers committed suicide in Gujarat in financial year 2012-2013.

"Gujarat is the only state, where dependents of farmers committing suicide are not given a penny. 3.5 lakh farmers have left agriculture in Gujarat while the number of labourers has increased by 17 lakh there. This is his development model," he said claiming that figures are from a state government survey report.

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December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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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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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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