Priyanka Francis is new Udupi DC; Venkatesh unhappy over sudden transfer

[email protected] (CD Network)
February 21, 2017

Udupi, Feb 21: Priyanka Mary Francis, Chief Executive Officer of Udupi Zilla Panchayat, has been elevated as the Deputy Commissioner of Udupi district, while the incumbent Deputy Commissioner T Venkatesh has been transferred as Managing Director of Mysuru Sugar Company Ltd.

priyanka
But the transfer is not without controversy as Mr. Venkatesh said that he was sad at being transferred in about six months of being appointed as Deputy Commissioner. It was his strict handling of the illegal transportation of sand that must have resulted in his transfer, he said.

He had given instructions to officers to impose fine on illegal transportation of sand. But the Minister of State for Fisheries, Youth Services and Sports, Pramod Madhwaraj was upset by this because of public protests and hence, it had resulted in his transfer, he said.

“If you do not take action, they say he is inefficient, if you take action, they are bothered about their public image. It is a silly issue for which I have been transferred,” he said.

“I am naturally sad that I have been transferred right in the middle of the year. The normal transfer takes place in June/July. But in a government job, one is always ready to go wherever one is transferred. I have already faced many transfers,” Mr. Venkatesh said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Priyanka Mary Francis said that she would give priority to providing drinking water to water-scarce habitations in villages. “Till a new chief executive officer is appointed to the zilla panchayat, I will have to work as the chief executive officer also. Hence, water issues will get priority,” she said.

She would also give importance to the sand extraction and toll collection issues. She would study and try to resolve the revenue issues such as Depressed Classes land (called “DC Manna Bhoomi”), “Moola Geni” land and “Kumki” land. She would also look into matters relating to deemed forest, she said.

She would meet Mr. Venkatesh on Wednesday and decide on the date of taking charge after consulting him, Ms. Francis said.

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News Network
December 7,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 7: A 34-year-old fruit and vegetable trader in Mangaluru has reportedly lost ₹33.1 lakh after falling victim to an online investment scam run through a fake mobile app.

Police said the scam began in September, when the victim received a link on Facebook. Clicking it connected him to a WhatsApp number, where an unidentified person introduced a high-return investment scheme and instructed him to download an app.

To build trust, the fraudster asked him to invest ₹30,000 on September 24. The trader soon received ₹34,000 as “profit,” convincing him the scheme was genuine. Over the next two months, he transferred money in multiple instalments via Google Pay and IMPS to different scanner codes and bank accounts shared by the scammers. Between September 24 and December 3, he ended up sending a total of ₹33.1 lakh.

When he later requested a refund of his investment and promised returns, the scammers demanded additional payments, claiming he needed to pay a “service tax” first. Even after he paid a small amount, no money was returned, and the scammers continued pressuring him for more.

A case has been registered at the CEN Crime Police Station.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has issued a high-alert warning to vehicle owners regarding a surge in cyber fraud targeting those looking to pay traffic violation fines. Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting recent government discount schemes on traffic penalties to deceive citizens.

The Scam: How Fraudsters Strike

Criminals are using SMS, WhatsApp, and social media to circulate suspicious links and APK files (Android application packages). They claim these apps allow users to pay e-challans at a discount.

•    Device Hacking: Downloading these unauthorized apps gives hackers full access to the victim's smartphone.

•    Financial Theft: Once the phone is compromised, fraudsters intercept OTPs and personal data to drain bank accounts.

•    Phishing Sites: Fake websites mimicking official portals are also being used to harvest banking credentials.

Already, two residents within Mangaluru city limits have reported significant financial losses after falling victim to these fraudulent apps.

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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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