Bail refusal for Naveen Soorinje “failure of justice”: Justice Saldanha

November 28, 2012

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Mangalore, November 28: Justice M F Saldanha has termed the local court's decision to refuse bail to city based television journalist Naveen Soorinje as “failure of justice” on the part of the subordinate judicial officers.

Addressing a press conference convened by People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) Karnataka, here on Wednesday, the former Karnataka High Court Judge stated that the judiciary which was supposed to safeguard the rights the law provides for had completely failed.

“When the anticipatory bail application was made, why was the application not heard? Is the judiciary doing its duty? It is time for action. There has got to be a full-stop to it or the media will not be allowed to function,” he said

Criticising the men in uniform for Mr Soorinje's arrest and confinement, he said that the journalist had been targeted by the police officials. The police unit has had the arrogance to attack the journalist fraternity by arresting a first rate reporter who was doing his job. Moreover, he was falsely projected as having been absconding by the police, he said.

Highlighting that action had been taken against police and judicial officers in the case of the two young women in Mumbai being taken into custody for posting a Facebook status, he said police were not immune to the consequences of the wrong acts on their part.

Justice Saldanha said that he would apprise the case and seek action with the Press Council of India, Karnataka High Court, National Human Rights Commission and also the State Government. The law and order in the coastal district is in a state of total breakdown. It is equally necessary to find the ones responsible for this and bring them to task. When the department of police and judiciary fails, it becomes necessary for others to intervene in such cases and take appropriate action, he said.

A legal notice has been sent by Justice Saldanha to the Police Commissioner of Mangalore urging him to name the police officials responsible for the unlawful arrest of Mr Soorinje within a time-period of 48 hours.

Suresh Bhat Bakrabail of Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike urged members of the media to discuss the case in detail with Chairman of Press Council of India Justice Markandey Katju and request him that all accused in the case, including police officers were arrested.

PUCL state president P B D'Sa, vice-president Walter Maben, PUCL district president David D'Souza and secretary Roshan Lobo were present during the press conference.


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News Network
December 5,2025

Mangaluru: In a significant step to curb online hate and intimidation, Mangaluru City Police have registered a suo motu case against multiple Instagram accounts accused of circulating alleged provocative and threatening content.

While monitoring social media activity on Tuesday, Kankanady Town PSI Anitha Nikkam identified the Instagram handle ‘team_targetttt_900’ for posting a hate message alongside images of lethal weapons. Another account, ‘team_nagara_900’, allegedly shared a threatening post targeting activist Bharath Kumdelu, tagging additional pages such as KARAVALI-OFFICIAL.

Several other accounts — including ‘immu_bhai.fan’, ‘target_boy_900’, ‘kings_of_manglore’, ‘team_target_boys.900’, ‘arshad_mangalore’, ‘target_ka19_ullal’, ‘team_target__’, ‘troll_tigersz_900’, ‘tr_group_900’, and ‘team_target_900’ — are also under scrutiny for spreading similar inflammatory material, police said.

Authorities have urged citizens, especially young social media users, to report suspicious pages and avoid engaging with groups that glorify violence or threaten individuals. Online hate can quickly escalate into real-world harm, and police stress that sharing or promoting such content can attract legal consequences.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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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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