Rape remark: Ivan D'Souza apologizes; Eshwarappa fails!

November 8, 2014

Mangaluru, Nov 8: MLC Ivan D'Souza, who faced an unprecedented onslaught of criticism after his controversial remark against a BJP leader, has tendered an unconditional apology.

Within hours after he waded into the controversy by insensitively criticizing K S Eshwarappa, the leader of opposition in Vidhana Parishad, the Congress leader from Mangaluru frankly admitted that he unintentionally committed a blunder.

Mr D'Souza, in a press conference in the city on Saturday morning had triggered a controversy by asking what would happen if he questioned if Eshwarappa's wife would be raped? He was in fact responding to former deputy chief minister's insensitive remark that incumbent chief minister and home minister might take action against rapists only when 'their daughters get raped'.

It is learnt that Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee top brass took Mr D'Souza to task and issued him a notice seeking clarification. G Parameshwara, the president of KPCC, condemned the Mr D'Souza's remarks and warned him of disciplinary action. Meanwhile, Kannada television channels of Karnataka also lambasted Mr D'Souza.

Amidst mounting pressure, the MLC called an emergency press conference wherein he directly apologized to Mr Eshwarappa and his family members besides people of Karnataka.

Promising that he would never make such remarks in future, Mr D'Souza also urged all the politicians to be careful while issuing statements and refrain from indecent remarks.

On the other hand, Mr Eshwarappa has failed to tender apology for his uncivilized remarks against girl children.

Also Read:

Tit for tat: Ivan D'Souza pulls Eshwarappa's wife into rape controversy

Eshwarappa's insensitive rape remark stokes controversy

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

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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