Udupi: 8 youths build indigenous micro seaplane

News Network

February 27, 2021

Udupi, Feb 27: A team of eight youths from Hejamadi in Karnataka’s Udupi district have created a history by building the lightest micro seaplane in India for the first time.

The seaplane is designed to serve in security operations, flood relief operations and in tourism. It is built using only local materials.

The team, led by Pushparaj Amin, consisted of drone pilot Abhishek Kotian, trainee pilot Vinay U, students Ashwini Rao, aeronautical engineer Shayani Rao, Reshma J, Vasuraj Amin and aeronautical engineer student Utsav U.

Addressing a press conference in Udupi on Friday, Pushparaj said that more research and funds are required to build an advanced seaplane.

Abhishek Kotian said that the team requires equipment for research, a safety kit and other facilities. If the government can provide us with what we need more things can be achieved.

The seaplane was built in 3 years without any proper space or workshop. The entire expenses of building the seaplane, about Rs 7 lakhs, was money loaned by the team’s family, friends and neighbours.

Only some essential materials in building the seaplane were imported. It is 5 metres long and 5 feet high and runs on petrol. The team is yet to patent their seaplane.

"This seaplane weighs 190 kg and one pilot can sit and travel. We have been successful in our first attempt itself. This is the first seaplane that is manufactured in our country at such a low cost and minimum time. This can be used to travel between islands, for relief work during floods and for tourism," said Shayani Rao.

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The £25,000 Trap: Mangaluru Man Duped of ₹13.4 Lakh in 'London Friend' Facebook Scam

News Network

November 26,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 26: Mangaluru East police have registered a case following a sophisticated online fraud where a 57-year-old local resident was allegedly cheated out of ₹13.4 lakh after being targeted on Facebook.

The scam began in February when the complainant, while browsing Facebook reels, was contacted by a woman identifying herself as "Lillian Mary George" from London. After establishing a chat relationship, the woman claimed she would visit India in November and bring a significant sum of money.

The trap was sprung on November 15, when the victim received a call from a woman named "Sonali Gupta," who claimed Lillian had arrived at Mumbai International Airport but was detained by customs. The fraudsters convinced the man that Lillian was carrying £25,000 (about ₹26 lakh) in traveller’s cheques and 1 kg of gold (valued at around ₹30 lakh).

Under the pretense of clearing these items, the victim was asked to make numerous online transfers between November 15 and 18 for various bogus charges, including:

•   "Pounds exchange registration"
•   "Customs declaration issues"
•   "Discount charges"
•   "Money-laundering charges"

Believing the fictitious story, the complainant transferred the cumulative sum of ₹13.4 lakh to various bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. He realised he was cheated when the culprits later promised a refund within two days but stopped answering his calls. The Mangaluru East police are now investigating the case, which highlights the continuing threat of transnational cyber fraud using social engineering and promises of fictitious wealth.

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