Rai seeks people’s cooperation in tackling drug menace in Dakshina Kannada

coastaldigest.com news network

October 13, 2017

Mangaluru, Oct 13: Expressing confidence that police will take necessary action against those involved in sale and consumption of cannabis in the coastal region, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai has said that the cops also need full cooperation of people in tackling the menace.

He was speaking to reporters in the city after a meeting with Inspector General of Police (Western Range) Hemanth Nimbalkar, Police Commissioner T. R. Suresh, Superintendent of Police C.H. Sudheer Kumar Reddy and other officials.

He said that in addition to the strengthening of the special police wing for economic offences and narcotics, there will be regular interaction among different enforcement wings for effective action against persons involved in cannabis sale and consumption in the district.

Rai said the new narcotic and economic offences wing in the city police commissionerate and the district police was working since July. Apart from booking cases, the wing is also involved in creating awareness among students about narcotic drugs prevention. More personnel are being posted to strengthen the wings.

Rai said he has asked police to have regular interaction with Assistant Drug Controller, Excise Department and Revenue Department personnel regarding sale of cannabis and other narcotic drugs.

Kateel’s remarks

Rai denied allegations by local MP Nalin Kumar Kateel that the illegal drug peddling is on the rise in Dakshina Kannada from the last four years. Rai lambasted the opposition parties for adding political colours to the problem.

He said the illegal drug menace has been there in the district for more than 10 years. “The MP’s remarks that the senior leaders of Congress are behind drug peddling is totally false. He may be speaking on the basis of experiences in his own party, which was in power in the state earlier. The current government does not support drug peddlers, nor anyone from the government is involved in illegal drug trafficking or sale,” Rai said.

He meanwhile requested all political parties to join handling in warding off the drug menace from the district, instead of politicising the issue.

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Udupi: Hindutva activist arrested for allegedly raping young woman while out on bail

News Network

December 1,2025

Udupi, Dec 1: A horrific case of alleged rape has unfolded in Udupi, where a worker from a Hindutva organisation, previously arrested and released on bail for harassing a young woman, is now accused of waylaying and sexually assaulting her.

The arrested individual has been identified as Pradeep Poojary (26), a member of the Hindu Jagarana Vedike's Nairkode unit in Perdur.

Poojary had allegedly been relentlessly harassing the young woman, pressuring her to marry him. When she bravely stood up to him and refused his demands, she filed a formal complaint at the Hiriyadka police station. He was subsequently arrested in that initial harassment case but was later granted bail.

According to police reports, driven by the same malicious grudge, Poojary allegedly intercepted the woman again on November 29. While she was walking through a deserted area, the accused is claimed to have threatened her by grabbing her neck. When she again refused to marry him, he allegedly proceeded to rape her.

The survivor immediately informed her family about the traumatic assault. Following this, her parents lodged a complaint at the Udupi women’s police station.

Police arrested Poojary again and produced him before the court. He has since been remanded to judicial custody.

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Vokkaligara Sangha threatens Congress: ‘Shivakumar must be CM or face backlash’

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November 27,2025

Bengaluru: The Vokkaligara Sangha on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Congress, saying the party could face serious electoral repercussions if Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is not appointed as Chief Minister.

The warning follows the public backing of Shivakumar’s chief ministerial ambition by top Vokkaliga pontiff Nirmalanandanatha Swami, who urged the Congress high command to honor his claim.

“The community supported Congress in the 2023 Assembly elections only because Shivakumar had a real chance to become CM. If he is cheated, we’ll teach the party a big lesson,” said newly elected Sangha president L. Srinivas. He added that Vokkaligas would organize protests under the guidance of community leaders.

General Secretary C.G. Gangadhar pointed out that Congress won more seats in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region due to Shivakumar’s influence, adding, “If Congress wants to retain power, Shivakumar should be made the CM.”

Outgoing president Kenchappa Gowda emphasized Shivakumar’s contribution to Congress’ victory. “Our community voted for Congress thinking he would become CM. Siddaramaiah has also served the party well, but Shivakumar should now be given a chance,” he said.

Former general-secretary Konappa Reddy appealed to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi to recognize Shivakumar’s loyalty and service, saying, “Congress is known to keep its promises. We hope it won’t break the promise made to him.”

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