‘We’re in power—why no action?’: Cong worker confronts minister at press meet over DK killings

News Network
May 31, 2025

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Mangaluru, May 31: A routine press conference took a dramatic turn on Saturday when a Congress worker openly confronted Karnataka’s Minister-in-Charge for Dakshina Kannada, Dinesh Gundu Rao, questioning the government’s inaction against communal hatemongers in coastal districts that led to murder of innocent youth Abdul Rahiman in Bantwal taluk. 

The outburst came after a journalist asked whether social media provocation had played a role in the killing. At that moment, local Congress leader Usman Kallapu, who was present at the event, intervened, blaming hate speeches made during the recent ‘Bajpe Chalo’ rally as the real trigger behind the murder.

Kallapu demanded strict action against those who had delivered incendiary remarks. “Arrest those who called for murder during the Hindutva outfit’s Bajpe Chalo rally,” he urged, addressing Gundu Rao directly. “No one should lose their life. We are in power. Issue orders to the police and arrest the culprits.”

Frustrated with the lack of visible action from the Congress-led government, Kallapu emphasized that even minor Facebook comments often lead to arrests, while hate speech in public continues unchecked. “We don’t want any favors—we want justice,” he declared. “New police officers have taken charge in the district, and we trust they will act.”

At one point, an irked Dinesh Gundu Rao asked for Kallapu to be escorted out of the press meet. Congress leader Ivan D’Souza stepped in to pacify the situation.

Outside the venue, Kallapu continued speaking to the media, reiterating his anger. “Those who made provocative speeches must be arrested first. People are being jailed for mere social media posts—then why protect those inciting violence from a public stage? The police must shed their fear and act. We believe the new officials in the district will bring justice.”

The incident has exposed tensions within the Congress camp, with grassroots leaders voicing dissatisfaction over the government’s response to rising communal violence in coastal Karnataka. 

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Mangaluru, Nov 30: A 22-year-old college student succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital in Mangaluru today, days after she was hit by a goods tempo while crossing a road in Padubidri.

The deceased has been identified as Preksha, a resident of Nadsalu Billitota in Padubidri. The fatal incident occurred as Preksha, who was returning home after completing her examination, attempted to cross the service road towards Mangaluru. She was struck by a goods tempo approaching from the Udupi side, causing her to fall and sustain a severe head injury.

Prompt action from local residents ensured she received immediate first aid before being rushed to a hospital in Mangaluru for specialised treatment. Despite medical efforts, she passed away while undergoing care.

Preksha was a student at Karavali College, Vamanjoor on the outskirts of Mangaluru city. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that she belonged to a financially vulnerable family, having previously lost her father. She is survived by her mother and brother.

A case related to the accident has been registered at the Padubidri police station, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. The incident highlights the growing concerns over road safety, particularly on busy service roads, and serves as a tragic reminder of the human cost of traffic accidents.

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News Network
November 21,2025

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday, November 21, afternoon during its aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, plunging to the ground at around 2:10 pm local time while performing a manoeuvre before thousands of spectators.

The IAF confirmed the incident, stating that a Tejas aircraft participating in the show had crashed and that further details were being gathered. An Air Force spokesperson said more information would be shared after initial assessments.

The crash sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky near the airport, causing panic among visitors, including families and children who had gathered to watch the display. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the pilot managed to eject before the aircraft went down. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, and officials have not released information on casualties or damage so far.

The Tejas is a 4.5-generation, multi-role fighter aircraft developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Designed for versatility, it is capable of offensive air support, close combat, ground attack missions and maritime operations. The aircraft family includes single-seat fighters and twin-seat trainers for both the Air Force and Navy.

HAL describes the latest version, the LCA Mk1A, as the most advanced in the series, featuring an AESA radar, an upgraded electronic warfare suite with radar-warning and self-protection jamming, smart multifunction displays, a digital map generator, a combined interrogator–transponder system and a modern radio altimeter. These enhancements significantly improve the aircraft’s combat capability and survivability.

Further updates from IAF and UAE authorities are awaited.

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News Network
November 21,2025

Bantwal: A domestic dispute appears to have led to a violent confrontation in BC Road area, where the owner of a textile shop was allegedly attacked with a knife by his wife on Wednesday evening.

Krishna Kumar Somayaji, the owner of Somayaji Textiles, sustained serious injuries in the incident and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. He is currently receiving care in the intensive care unit and is reported to have survived the assault, according to police.

The Bantwal Town police have registered a case against Somayaji's wife, Jyothi KT, who has since been taken into custody.

Police stated that the complainant, Namita, an employee at the shop, reported the sequence of events. She stated that around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the suspect entered the shop, wearing a burqa and disguised as a customer, before attacking Somayaji with a knife. The employee then transported the injured owner to a local hospital via an autorickshaw.

Superintendent of Police Arun K confirmed that an ongoing domestic dispute between Somayaji and his wife reportedly preceded the attack. Police noted that Jyothi KT had previously visited the shop and issued threats.

Based on the complaint, Bantwal Town police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Indian Arms Act-1959. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

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