Kasaragod: Shock, grief grip family of accident victims

May 15, 2017

Kasaragod, May 15: Benjamin Montero, 80, and his 75-year-old wife Mary C. Almeda, residents of Mandekkappu locality close to Bandiyode, near the northern border town of Uppala in the district, are virtually shattered and destined to face the worst patch in their lives as the couple lost seven close family members, including three sons, in the car-truck collision near the Tamil Nadu town of Karur early on Saturday.

Delcin Montero, son of the elderly couple, who lives in his newly built house near his parents’ residence, was also seen unable to bear the tragic end of his wife Reema and three brothers in the accident at K. Pettai near Kulithalai.

The two houses witnessed a steady stream of people from various walks of life.

The tragedy occurred as the 11 family members were returning home after paying obeisance at the Velankanni church in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district as their Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), bearing a Maharashtra registration number, collided with the truck in the early hours of Saturday.

Pilgrimage

The family members had left for the pilgrimage on Thursday last after the marriage of Mr. Benjamin’s son Alwin, 32, with Preema, 22, who hails from nearby Dharmathadukka, solemnised at the Kayyar church near Bandiyode on May 7.

The elderly couple lost their son Herald Montero, 50, his wife Praseela, 47, and their son Rohit, 22, who had come home in their SUV from Ahmednagar in Maharashtra to attend the wedding.

Others who died are Mr. Benjamin’s son Sathorin, 37, his five-year-old daughter Sharona, Mr. Delcin’s wife Reema, 32, and Alwin.

His wife Preema is battling for life in a Karur hospital. Herald’s son Roshan, 22, Sathorin’s wife Joshma, 28, and their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter Shanwi are undergoing treatment at the hospital, sources said.

Meanwhile, bodies of the ill-fated family members were taken to the Father Muller Hospital in Mangaluru in three ambulances early on Sunday and the mortal remains would be kept in the hospital for the day.

The mass funeral ceremonies are scheduled to be held at the Kayyar church on Monday afternoon, sources added.

Also Read: 7 of a family from Kasaragod, including newlywed couple, killed in mishap

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Fusion-2K25: Melkar Women’s College Celebrates 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony

News Network

December 17,2025

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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