Shivaram Karanth was against insulting beef eaters: Prakash Raj

coastaldigest.com news network
October 11, 2017

Udupi, Oct 11: Multilingual actor, activist and columnist Prakash Raj aka Prakash Rai was confirmed with Dr Kota Shivaram Karanth Huttura Prashasti-2017 (Dr Kota Shivaram Karanth Birthplace Award-2017) on Tuesday. Tight security was provided to actor in the wake of threats by saffron elements after he criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The award instituted by the Kotathattu Gram Panchayat in Udupi district and Karanth Birthplace Award Foundation, in memory of the Jnanpith award winner late Dr. Kota Shivaram Karanth, is being given annually for the last 13 years since 2005.

Raj got a warm welcome hundreds of fans including non-BJP political activists at places like Kinnimulki, Santhakatte, and Kota. On the other hand members of the Akhila Karnataka Nata Panth Jogi Smaja Seva Samithi, Jai Bhargava Balaga, Hindu Jagarana Vedike and some BJP workers had planned to wave black flags at the NH near Karanth Theme Park. However, before Raj reached the venue, all the protesters were arrested and the way was cleared for the actor

After receiving the award, Rai said, "My statement was my anxiety towards the problems our society is facing. We are moving towards an infected society, where our own family is not safe. We want a safe and secure society for ourselves and our family. Any difference of opinion should be discussed, killing is not allowed as it is worse than cruelty.

"People who criticize me say I don't know about Karanth, however, this is my place, Karanth is like my grandfather, his life is an example to all. He always said 'I am only answerable to my conscience and not others' assessments' and being his grandson, how can I be different? Karanth said, whoever eats beef, let them eat, do not trouble them. He condemned violence His words were harsh but truthful," Rai said.

Later, Rai told media, "It is not important who won or lost. I was capable of getting the award and I got it, so I am happy. Developments over the past few days are an effort to control the freedom of expression. Karanth was a person with strong opinions about things, so am I. Attacking one man and his personality and isolating him with harsh words, will not be entertained in Karnataka any more. What I said was apt for that situation and I don't have to explain it to all."

Prakash Raj's car was escorted from Mangaluru airport by seven police vehicles upto the venue. No vehicles were allowed at the venue, and entry was allowed only after checking. At the Theme Park, hundreds of police personnel were deployed.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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News Network
December 4,2025

Udupi: A 40-year-old NRI from Udupi has reportedly lost more than Rs 12.25 lakh in an online investment scam operated through Telegram.

According to a complaint filed at the CEN police station, Leo Jerome Mendonsa, who has been working in Dubai for the past 15 years in computer accessories sales, maintains NRI accounts in Karkala and Nitte.

On November 12, 2025, Mendonsa was added to a Telegram group called Instaflow Earnings by unknown individuals. Users identified as Priya and Dipannita persuaded him to invest in “Revenue Tasks.” Initially, Mendonsa transferred Rs 1,100 multiple times and received the promised returns, encouraging him to continue.

On November 14, another user, Nishmitha Shetty, directed him to register on a website, digitvisionuoce.cc, and invest Rs 4 lakh in various shares. Over the next few days, he made multiple transfers totaling Rs 12,25,000, including Rs 50,000 via Google Pay, believing the scheme was legitimate.

After receiving the money, the alleged handlers stopped responding, and neither the invested amount nor the promised profits were returned.

The CEN police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and investigations are ongoing.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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