Kuwait's royal family warns rethink on bilateral ties after dispute over Rs. 100 crore flat in Mumbai

August 6, 2013

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Mumbai, Aug 6: Kuwait has warned that a dispute over a Rs. 70-crore flat in Mumbai could make it rethink bilateral ties. At stake is trade worth nearly Rs. 1,08, 000 crore.

The royal family of Kuwait, which owns the Al Sabah court building in south Mumbai's posh Marine Drive, has moved the Bombay High Court through the building's caretaker Faisal Essa, accusing a builder, Sanjay Punamiya of forgery, cheating, criminal trespass, theft and criminal intimidation.

Mr Essa, a former diplomat, alleges that Mr Punamiya, a first-floor tenant in the building, forged documents to show that he had rented a 7,000 square-foot sea-facing flat on the fifth floor flat for just Rs. 16,666 a month and then stole exotic Arabian carpets, expensive paintings, artifacts, antiques, jewelry and utensils made of gold and silver and wooden furniture worth Rs. 30 crore.

Mr Essa, 83, says his complaint on the alleged fraud was closed by Mumbai cops. And instead, alleges the Kuwaiti petition, Mr Essa, who has diplomatic immunity, was booked after Mr Punamiya complained that he had pointed a gun at him and "threatened to kill him if he didn't vacate the premises".

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Sheikha Fadyah Saad Al Sabah, a daughter of the late Amir of Kuwait, has written to the Kuwaiti Ambassador in India Sami Mohammad Al Sulaiman, saying, "it is with deep anguish that we record our utmost discontent and displeasure over the situation that has been created due to apparent malpractices and unchecked corrupt indulgence exhibited by the Mumbai Police... We are indeed disturbed and amazed to record the catastrophic manner in which the state administration has handled the matter."

The letter, a copy of which has been sent to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and senior ministers, warns of "the international ramifications that such an act of an individual cheat may have on the national interest of India."

The Kuwaitis want a CBI probe and an explanation "through diplomatic channels" and say the "criminal situation" could have a direct bearing on 20 bilateral agreements between India and Kuwait. Trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 1,05, 000 crore in 2011-2012, of which India's crude oil exports from the Gulf country were pegged at Rs. 94, 000 crore.

For the Kuwaiti royals Rs. 100 crore is small change. "But this isn't about the money," a legal representative of the family said. "This is about Arabian pride and honour."

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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, 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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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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