Students trip culminates in tragedy as two drown in Murdeshwar beach

August 14, 2011

Karwar, August 14: Two among a group of tourists from Bangalore who ventured the powerful sea waves while swimming off the Murdeshwar beach drowned on Sunday morning.

They were identified as Manjunath Puttaswami (24), a student of Basaveshwara Educational Institute, Bangalore and Kitti alias Krishna Manjegowda (22), the driver of Qualis car, in which they had come.

According to sources, a group of 11 students had embarked on a long tour from Bangalore on Friday and reached Murdeshwar on Saturday night at around 11pm after visiting Jog Falls and few other tourist destinations.

All of them reportedly went for a swim in the sea early on Sunday morning. After playing in the waters for over an hour, eight among them returned to the shore to take rest.

However, two students and car driver continued to swim and went far ahead despite the continues warning. At around 7:45 am a powerful wave washed them away. One among them Trishul Kumar Murthy (27), was rescued with the help of a long rope.

After a prolonged struggle by police and local fishermen the dead bodies of Manjunath and Kitti were recovered.

A team of Murdeshwar police and Bhatkal Circle Inspector Shivaprakash visted the spot.

Later, one of the students admitted that they had ventured into the sea despite the warning and prohibition by police.

It can be recalled that about a fortnight ago, three students from Bangalore had drowned here.

A day before of his death: Manjunath Puttaswami at a place near Jog on Saturday

A day before of his death: Kitti alias Krishna Manjegowda in front of Jog Falls on Saturday

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From Dubai boom to Bengaluru backlash: Inside CJ Roy’s journey

News Network

January 31,2026

Bengaluru: The shooting incident involving CJ Roy, founder of the Confident Group, has once again put the spotlight on a businessman whose life has swung between flamboyant global success and persistent controversy at home.

Though Roy’s business interests extended across continents, his roots lay firmly in Karnataka. An alumnus of Christ School in Bengaluru, he later moved to Tumakuru to pursue an engineering degree. Those familiar with his early years describe him as intensely ambitious, beginning his career as a salesman at a small electronics firm dealing in computers.

Roy’s entry into large-scale real estate came through the Crystal Group, where he worked closely with Latha Namboothiri and rose from manager to director. However, the launch of the Confident Group in 2005 was clouded by industry speculation. Insiders speak of a fallout involving alleged “benami” properties and claims of deception that ultimately led to his independent venture—an episode Roy spent years trying to distance himself from, according to associates.

A tale of two cities

Roy’s professional trajectory diverged sharply across geographies.

In Dubai, he built a reputation as a bold and efficient developer, completing massive luxury residential projects in record time—some reportedly within 11 months. His rapid project delivery and lavish lifestyle in the Emirates earned him admiration and visibility in the real estate sector.

In Bengaluru, however, his image remained far more fractured. Sources say Roy stayed away from the city for several years amid disputes over unpaid dues to vendors and suppliers. Several projects were allegedly stalled, with accusations of unfulfilled commitments to cement and steel suppliers continuing to follow him.

Roy’s return to Bengaluru’s business and social circles began around 2018, marked by a conscious attempt at rebranding. His appointment as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic added diplomatic legitimacy, which he complemented with visible CSR initiatives, including ambulance donations and high-profile charity events.

Heavy police presence in Langford Town

Following the incident, police personnel from the Central division were deployed outside the Confident Group building in Langford Town, which also houses the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru.

The otherwise busy premises near Hosur Road wore a deserted look on Friday, reflecting the shock and uncertainty that followed the tragedy.

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