700 among 10K stranded Indians in Saudi camps are Keralites

August 2, 2016

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 2: Over 700 Keralites are among an estimated 10,000 Indians who lost their jobs and are in dire straits in Saudi Arabia, after the Saudi-Lebanese construction firm that employed at least half of these Indians shut down. The figure is part of the report that Norka (non-resident Keralites' association) secretary submitted to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday night.

These Keralites were part of the 5,000-strong Indian workforce in Saudi Oger, a construction company. The Keralites have been housed in labour camps in Sojects, Highway, Rohali, Medina and Riyadh. Most of them have been deprived of their wages since the last seven months, according to Norka, which is coordinating efforts to provide them basic facilities and facilitate their return to Kerala. The workers in Jeddah were on verge of starvation after their mess hall was closed down about 10 days ago by the construction company.

According to Norka, resident permits of most of the workers have expired. Despite this, the majority of workers are willing to continue in Saudi Arabia till their pending wages are settled. A list of e-mail addresses of all those who wish to come back is being prepared by Norka. In addition, food for next four days will be made available at the labour camps.

Though the exact number of Indians to be brought back is still unclear, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has announced that as a first step, details of 2,500 Indians have been collected by officials visiting various labour camps.

Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed Norka secretary Usha Titus to coordinate among various agencies including the Indian embassy, ministry of external affairs and various Malayali organisations in Saudi Arabia to ensure that workers from the state are ensured food, given their pending wages and are safely brought home.

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Indian is Indian. Jk to kerala gujarat to bengal alll are Indians. All have Indian passport. Its not correct to call bengali, malayali, etc.

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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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Udupi school girl Shagun Verma Hegde to lead India U-15 volleyball team in China

coastaldigest.com news network

December 2,2025

Udupi, Dec 2: A wave of regional pride is sweeping through Udupi district as Shagun S Verma Hegde, a talented Class 9 student from Christ King English Medium High School, Karkala, has been named the captain of the Indian National Team for the Under-15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship.

Shagun holds the unique distinction of being the sole player from Karnataka selected to represent the country in the prestigious international tournament. The championship, organized by the School Games Federation, is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, China, from December 3 to 13, where Shagun will lead the national squad.

A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Shagun’s selection is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill on the court. Her journey included several rigorous rounds of selection:

• She was the only player from Udupi district to qualify for the state-level selection camp.

• Out of eight players from Karnataka who advanced to the national selection camp in Pune, Maharashtra, Shagun was the only one to secure a place in the final national squad.

• The national camp saw participation from approximately 200 players, which was shortlisted to 23. Shagun not only made the final cut but was also ranked as the second-best player overall, solidifying her leadership role.

Shagun, who is the daughter of Sandesh Verma and Shruthiraj of Kallotte, Karkala, has trained under experienced coaches Santosh D’Souza, Jeevan D’Silva, Jairaj Poojary, and Ramesh. Her selection as the team captain has brought profound honour to her family, school, the Udupi district, and the entire state of Karnataka.

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