Dalits flay police for labelling Vaittal as naxal

April 1, 2012
Mangalore, April 2: Dalitha Hakkugala Horata Samiti, Belthangady taluk president Shekhar l took police to task for labelling Dalit student Vittal Malekudiaya as a naxal supporter in the absence of proper evidence.

At the SC/ST monthly grievance meeting organized at the old commissioner office meeting hall on Sunday, he sought the status of the complaint lodged by one Ishwari against the circle inspector of Belthangady police station as he had verbally abused her when she stepped into the police station seeking justice.

Responding to this, SP Abhishek Goyal said no action has been taken due to lack of proper witnesses. On what grounds was the only graduate from Malekudiya community , Vittala Malekudiya arrested? Shekhar questioned . Is it wrong on the part of a person to store sugar, tea powder and other rations in his home? .The Anti Naxal Force (ANF)has traced only ration items and a book pertaining to the biography of freedom fighter Bhagath Singh.

How can they claim that Vittala was a strong supporter of Naxalites? He questioned, alleging that Anti Naxal Force had put Vitalla Malekudiya's name in the Naxalites list only to receive funds from the government. Responding to that, SP Abhishek Goyal said the ANF and Poilce department were two separate entities. ANF had arrested Vittala Malekudiya and handed him over to Belthangady police station. Blaming the police Department for the same is not fair as the district police is not connected to this at all. Whether he was a Naxal supporter or not will be decided by the court, he said.

The Police did not allow Vittala's mother to talk to him when he was in police custody, saying a court order was needed.

When Dalit leaders claimed that their life had worsened after the entry of the ANF team , SP Abhishek Goyal questioned Dalits about whether there were Naxalites in the Belthangady region or not.

Irked over the question ,Shekhar L said only the Police Department should answer such questions and not the public. If the SP is not able to answer the question , he should step down , he opined. Immediately ASP Prabhakar got up and warned him not to make such comments.
Though some leaders stood in favour of Shekhar many Dalit leaders said there were other issues that needed to be discussed and Vittala's arrest should be discussed separately.

Later, Dalit leaders placed some of their grievances at the meeting and received answers from the department. Civil Rights Enforcement cell (CREC) SP Sarvotham Pai and others were present at the meeting.

Complaints should be given FIR copy

Whether it is an atrocity case or any other case, a copy of the First Investigation Report should be given to each complainant. Every police station should follow this procedure, said Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh here on Sunday.

He was speaking at the SC/ST monthly grievance meeting at the Commissioner's Office.

When Dalith leader M A Naik revealed that Moodbidri police station had not provided a First Investigation Report copy to a complainant, Singh said the complainant should know the status of his case and police stations should instil confidence in the complainant by doing justice and give him a copy of the FIR.

Another Dalit leader, Vittal VB revealed that traffic police constable Jithin Kumar had collected Rs 1000 from him without giving him a receipt. Hearing this Seemanth Kumar Singh questioned why he had paid the constable such a huge amount without getting a receipt. He promised to inquire about the incident.

DSS district convener SP Anand alleged that a sub inspector at Mangalore South Police station threatened a dalith woman not to enter the station in future. However , when the Commissioner asked the particular sub inspector , she rubbished the complaint.

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News Network
December 7,2025

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Mangaluru, Dec 7: A rare bamboo shrimp has been rediscovered on mainland India more than 70 years after it was last reported, confirming for the first time the presence of Atyopsis spinipes in the country. The find was made by researchers from the Centre for Climate Change Studies at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, during surveys in Karnataka and Odisha.

The team — shrimp expert Dr S Prakash, PhD scholar K Kunjulakshmi, and Mangaluru-based researcher Maclean Antony Santos — combined field surveys, ecological assessments and DNA analysis to identify the elusive species. Their findings, published in Zootaxa, resolve decades of taxonomic confusion stemming from a 1951 report that misidentified the species as Atyopsis moluccensis without strong evidence.

The shrimp has now been confirmed at two locations: the Mulki–Pavanje estuary near Mangaluru and the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar. Historical specimens from the Andaman Islands, previously labelled as A. moluccensis, were also found to be misidentified and actually belong to A. spinipes.

The rediscovery began after an aquarium hobbyist in Odisha spotted a shrimp in 2022, prompting systematic surveys across Udupi, Karwar and Mangaluru. Four female specimens were collected in Mulki and one in Odisha, all genetically matching.

Researchers warn the species may exist in very small, vulnerable populations as freshwater habitats face increasing pressure from pollution, sand mining and infrastructure development. All verified specimens have been deposited with the Zoological Survey of India for future reference.

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News Network
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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News Network
December 7,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 7: A 34-year-old fruit and vegetable trader in Mangaluru has reportedly lost ₹33.1 lakh after falling victim to an online investment scam run through a fake mobile app.

Police said the scam began in September, when the victim received a link on Facebook. Clicking it connected him to a WhatsApp number, where an unidentified person introduced a high-return investment scheme and instructed him to download an app.

To build trust, the fraudster asked him to invest ₹30,000 on September 24. The trader soon received ₹34,000 as “profit,” convincing him the scheme was genuine. Over the next two months, he transferred money in multiple instalments via Google Pay and IMPS to different scanner codes and bank accounts shared by the scammers. Between September 24 and December 3, he ended up sending a total of ₹33.1 lakh.

When he later requested a refund of his investment and promised returns, the scammers demanded additional payments, claiming he needed to pay a “service tax” first. Even after he paid a small amount, no money was returned, and the scammers continued pressuring him for more.

A case has been registered at the CEN Crime Police Station.

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