SIT?chargesheets Justice Rao in Lokayukta extortion scam

August 4, 2016

Bengaluru, Aug 4: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing extortion and corruption cases within the Lokayukta institution, on Wednesday filed the chargesheet against former Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao who is also a retired Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. This is the first time a former Lokayukta has been chargesheeted for offences committed while in office.

SIT
The SIT has filed a 560-page additional charge sheet in the case (56/2015) pertaining to extortion and demand for bribe from M N Krishnamurthy, former Executive Engineer, Zilla Panchayat (Bengaluru Urban) on May 4, 2015 at the office of Joint Commissioner Lokayukta (PRO) Syed Riyaz in the Lokayukta office.

Justice Rao's son Yerabati Ashwin and Riyaz are the prime accused in the case. Justice Rao has been named accused number seven in the case.

The SIT has pressed charges of abetment, destroying of evidence and attempting to save his son Ashwin, who ran an extortion racket from both the office and the residence of the Lokayukta. The charge sheet mentions that Justice Rao not only delayed enquiry when the incident was brought his notice through a report by the then Lokayukta SP (City) Sonia Narang, but also made attempts to save his son.

The SIT has attached statements of IAS officers M Lakshminarayana, former BBMP Commissioner, and former IGR (Stamps and Registration) G C Prakash.

Lakshminarayana has stated that he had informed Justice Rao about how Ashwin was summoning public servants and demanding money. Prakash stated that when he visited the Lokayukta's official residence, Bhaskar, one of the suspects, introduced himself as the Lokayukta's personal assistant.

The SIT has stated that details of the messages retrieved from Ashwin's mobile phone revealed that he was in constant touch with his father even after the registration of FIR. In one of the messages sent to his advocate, Ashwin stated that his father would take care of certain apprehensions raised by him.

The charge sheet also stated that Justice Rao provided all documents from the office of the Lokayukta to Ashwin, within 24 hours, only to allow him to move the High Court challenging investigation ordered by Upalokayukta Justice Subhash B Adi.

Ashwin had filed the application on June 29, 2015 and received the documents on June 30, 2015, the day he filed the writ petition. The SIT report also quotes the statement of Pramod, a City Armed Reserve (CAR) constable who was working at the Lokayukta PRO office.

Pramod had stated that after the extortion scam was unearthed, Justice Rao used to speak to Ashwin using his (Pramod's) phone (09618773553), which was given to him by Riyaz. The copy of the FIR and many other documents were sent to Ashwin through Pramod's e-mail ID on the instructions of Justice Rao.

The report quoted the statement of D Sandeep Kumara, a cook at the official residence of the Lokayukta. Sandeep stated that Ashwin used to be in the official residence of the Lokayukta, when Justice Rao was away. Justice Rao's wife would call Sandeep to check whether Ashwin had come home.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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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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