Ulaibettu tragedy: Four years on, victims' families yet to get compensation

August 14, 2012

Mangalore, August 14: Four years have passed since the mini bus carrying school children plunged into the Phalguni river, causing the death of 7 children and four others. The compensation of Rs 5.5 lakhs released to the families of the deceased by the Central Government has been shrouded by dispute and remained in the primary department itself.

The incident had taken place on the eve of Independence Day. The children from Balmy Primary School in Thenkulipadi had been engaged in preparation of Independence Day celebrations. They had left home for their final practice at school. But instead of reaching school, they sadly met with their fate.

In the incident, school bus driver Badruddin (28), Saramma (40) and her daughter Ramlath (19), Kamalaksha (33), students Mohsir (4) and Fathimatul Mohsina (6), Ayesha Suhana (6), Samrina (10), Afzal Rahman (7), Muhammed Hafeez (6) and Haseena (8) lost their lives.

Relief of Rs 1 lakh had been agreed as compensation for families of Badruddin, Saramma, Jamila Ramlath, Fathima Haseena and Afzal Rahman, and Rs. 50,000 for Ahmed Siddik who was injured. The amount had been released to the branch of a Nationalised bank through DC's Office. But bank officials were unable to hand over the amount to the affected families as their bank account particulars were not clear.

The DC's office, Bank branch and the homes of affected families are just a few kilometres apart. The bank account holders could have been identified in their homes, and handed over the compensation to them. Four years have passed but the families are yet to receive the amount, said social worker Khamar.

The bereaved families had written a letter to the Secretary of Disaster Management on July 19, 2010. But yet they have not received the compensation amount. This wouldn't be much difficult if the native ministers M. Veerappa Moily, Oscar Fernandes and Nalin Kumar Kateel made up their minds said a relative of the deceased.

Immediately after the incident, a cheque of Rs 1 lakh relief announced by the then-Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa was delivered to the all homes. Then, former minister B. Janardhan Poojary, Congress leader B.A. Moidin Bava and Veerappa Moily announced their relief.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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