Will be with Anna Hazare as long as his agitation for Lokpal is apolitical: Santosh Hegde

Agencies
March 14, 2018

Hyderabad, Mar 14: In a boost to Anna Hazare's proposed fast to press his demand on the Lokpal issue, retired Supreme Court judge and former Karnataka Lokayukta N Santosh Hegde, today said he would join the social activist's stir.

The former Solicitor General of India, who was a key part of the Hazare-led anti-corruption movement in 2011, said he was planning to be with the octogenarian in New Delhi on March 23 and extend support to the fast.

Hegde said Hazare had recently invited him during his visit to Bengaluru.

"He (Hazare) told me I should join him. Thereafter, he sent a word to someone else. I have agreed (to join him)," he told PTI, adding, "As long as it (the agitation) is apolitical, I will be with him."

Hegde said Hazare had indicated that his movement would remain apolitical.

Hazare had repeatedly said in the recent times that he would undertake a fast from March 23 in Delhi, if his demand for passing "proper" bills for the Lokpal, Lokayukta and electoral reforms was not met.

Hegde said he would participate more actively in the Hazare-led movement, "depending on the issues he raises".

The former judge said he had "no doubt" that the NDA government was not proactively taking action on the issue of appointment of Lokpal.

Hegde had recently expressed indignation over the delay in the appointment of Lokpal, even four years after the enactment of the law for setting up the anti-corruption institution.

"The party in power (BJP) does not want the anti-corruption ombudsman as it is afraid that if the truth comes out from the Lokpal's office, it will be in trouble.

"The present prime minister, when he was the chief minister of Gujarat, did not appoint a Lokayukta there. Ultimately, the High Court of Gujarat directed for the appointment. The attitude seems to be the same here (at the Centre)," Hegde had said.

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News Network
December 2,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 2: Mangaluru International Airport responded to a medical emergency late on Monday night. Air India Express flight IX 522, travelling from Riyadh to Thiruvananthapuram, was diverted to Mangaluru Airport after a passenger in his late 30s experienced a medical emergency on board.

The Airport’s Operations Control Centre received an alert regarding the passenger’s health condition. The airport activated its emergency response protocol, mobilising the airport medical team and coordinating with stakeholders including CISF, immigration, and customs. 

Upon landing, airport medical personnel attended to the passenger, assessed his condition, and arranged to shift him to a local tertiary-care hospital for further treatment. The passenger’s relatives accompanied the passenger, who incidentally received necessary medical care on board, which helped stabilise the situation.

Following the handling of the emergency, the flight departed for Thiruvananthapuram at 2:05 am on Tuesday.

"We appreciate the cooperation of all parties involved, and this incident reaffirms our ongoing commitment to prioritising passenger safety and readiness to respond to unforeseen emergencies with professionalism and care," the Airport spokesperson said. 

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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 3,2025

arrival.jpg

Mangaluru, Dec 3: A group of Congress workers gathered at the Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday to welcome AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, but the reception quickly turned into a display of support for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Venugopal arrived in the city to participate in the centenary commemoration of the historic dialogue between Mahatma Gandhi and Narayana Guru. The event, organised by the Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, in association with the Mangalore University Sri Narayana Guru Study Chair, is being held on the university’s Konaje campus.

KPCC general secretary Mithun Rai and several party workers had assembled at the airport to receive Venugopal. However, the moment he stepped out, workers began raising slogans backing Shivakumar.

The university programme will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

This show of support comes just a day after Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar would lead the government “when the high command decides.” The chief minister made the comment after a breakfast meeting at Shivakumar’s residence—another public display of camaraderie between the two leaders amid ongoing attempts by the party high command to downplay their leadership rivalry.

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