Bhatkal: Imam's body found; residents lay siege to Coastal Security Police station

August 25, 2012

Bhatkal, August 25: After a day-long search by local residents the body of Maulavi Mohammed Ismail Ruknuddin (35), who had drowned off the Jaali beach in Bhatkal was recovered on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, frustrated residents of Bhatkal staged a protested in front of the office of the Coastal Security Police (CSP) on Friday accusing the agency of not responding to emergency calls.

The protesters said CSP continued its indifferent attitude, despite two cases of drowning were reported in Bhatkal taluk in the last two days.

Even though the Government had sanctioned a high-speed boat to the CSP for rescue operations, the CSP did not respond to the distress call for two hours on Thursday when Ruknuddin was drowned on Thursday. Timely intervention could have saved the youth, the protesters said.

According to statistics, as many as 951 people had drowned in Bhatkal in past 12 years.

However, the CSP officials justified their attitude saying that they did not have permission to use high-speed boats during monsoon.

Later, the residents went to the house of Inayatulla Shabandari, a JD(S) leader, and urged him to take up the matter with the higher authorities of the Coastal Security Police. The protesters urged the social organisations to help buy boats for rescue operations. Some Non-Resident Indians, who were part of the protests, said they were ready to contribute for this.

Also Read: Bhatkal: Imaam of Jamia Masjid drowns off Jaali beach

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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