Soujanya murder case: SFI demands CBI probe

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Suresh )

January 9, 2013

Mangalore, Jan 9: Members of Students Federation of India (SFI) held a demonstration in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office in the city on Wednesday demanding CBI investigation in the Soujanya rape and murder case.

Dakshina Kannada district president of SFI Nithin Kuthar said that the police department has still not been able to provide safety to students in the district. “It is still unsafe for students to walk home after classes in the evening. Over 50 cases of students being sexually harassed or assaulted have been reported in the district,” he said adding that the carelessness and inefficiency of the police is apparent in the case of Soujanya, which is still awaiting justice.

“It has been two months since Soujanya was murdered, and yet all that the police have done so far is an arrest of a mentally ill person. This shows how the police department is shying away from dispensing its duty,” he said, urging handing over of the case CBI for a thorough investigation.

Student leader Dhanalakshmi called for appropriate measures and security for young girls studying in colleges. “Today, there is no safety for a girl walking home from college. Female students are continuously subjected to sexual harassment within and outside colleges. What kind of a freedom is this, if there are over 50 cases of sexual harassment on girls in the district,” she said adding that real freedom could only be achieved when girls are given protection in the city.

District secretary Razak Montepadavu also demanded for a re-investigation in Soujanya case, and that the real culprits should be caught, failing which he warned of intensified demonstrations in the coming weeks.

Over 10,000 signatures will be collected from students and sent to higher authorities, he said.

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Flight cancellations strand passengers overnight at Mangaluru Airport

News Network

December 4,2025

Mangaluru: Chaos erupted at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) after IndiGo flight 6E 5150, bound for Mumbai, was repeatedly delayed and ultimately cancelled, leaving around 100 passengers stranded overnight. The incident highlights the ongoing country-wide operational disruptions affecting the airline, largely due to the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for crew.

The flight was initially scheduled for 9:25 PM on Tuesday but was first postponed to 11:40 PM, then midnight, before being cancelled around 3:00 AM. Passengers expressed frustration over last-minute communication and the lack of clarity, with elderly and ailing travellers particularly affected. “Though the airline arranged food, there was no proper communication, leaving us confused,” said one family member.

An IndiGo executive at MIA cited the FDTL rules, designed to prevent pilot fatigue by limiting crew working hours, as the cause of the cancellation. While alternative arrangements, including hotel stays, were offered, about 100 passengers chose to remain at the airport, creating tension. A replacement flight was arranged but also faced delays due to the same constraints, finally departing for Mumbai around 1:45 PM on Wednesday. Passengers either flew, requested refunds, or postponed their travel.

The Mangaluru delay is part of a broader crisis for IndiGo. The airline has been forced to make “calibrated schedule adjustments”—a euphemism for widespread cancellations and delays—after stricter FDTL norms came into effect on November 1.

While an IndiGo spokesperson acknowledged unavoidable flight disruptions due to technology issues, operational requirements, and the updated crew rostering rules, the DGCA has intervened, summoning senior airline officials to explain the chaos and outline corrective measures.

The ripple effect has been felt across the country, with major hubs like Bengaluru and Mumbai reporting numerous cancellations. The Mangaluru incident underscores the systemic operational strain currently confronting India’s largest carrier, leaving passengers nationwide grappling with uncertainty and delays.

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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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