Karnataka spends Rs. 5 crore on luxury SUVs for ministers

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July 23, 2013
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Bangalore, Jul 23: The taxpayer has just paid Rs. 5 crore for 30 luxury SUVs for Karnataka ministers; each costs about Rs. 14 lakh, except for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Toyota Fortuner, which has been bought for Rs. 22 lakhs.

Garaged meanwhile at a government guest house in Bangalore, are cars in perfectly good condition, bought for the BJP ministers of the previous Jagadish Shettar regime.

Those cars are clearly not good enough for the Congress ministers who won power in May this year. It is said that among them eight Toyota Innovas, nine Toyota Corolla Altis, a Renault Fluence and a Chevloret Forester. The lal battis or red beacons of power and VIP number plates have been stripped off and dumped on the car seats.The state's Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, which is in charge of issuing cars, says it is policy to allot new cars every time the government changes. "All ministers ordered similar cars this time. Only Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has got a Toyota Fortuner SUV worth Rs. 22 lakh," shared Mr BV Kulkarni, Additional secretary, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.

In Karnataka, ministers can also ask for new cars if theirs has run for three years or over one lakh kilometres. The BJP's ministers had a budget of 10 lakh rupees; the Congress ministers can buy cars for 16 lakhs.

The BJP had three CMs in five years, which meant a new car was bought every time the party was forced by political upheaval to appoint a new Chief Minister. BS Yeddyurappa and his successor Sadananda Gowda preferred Honda CRVs. Only Mr Shettar, who took over from Mr Gowda, did not ask for a new car.

And why only ministers? In January this year, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda said he wanted a "tall and heavily built" vehicle. Promptly, a Toyota Fortuner was bought.

So what happens to the used cars, most of them in mint condition? The protocol department says these are pressed into government work or sent to districts where they are used to pick up and drop VIPs. The many cars parked at the Kumara Krupa Guest House in Bangalore suggest there is a surplus.

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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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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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