Mangaluru is a peaceful city; media focusing only on negative things: Top cop

coastaldigest.com news network
January 20, 2018

Mangaluru, Jan 20: Though the crime rate in Mangaluru is very less compared to other prominent cities of India, the coastal Karnataka’s port city is being defamed by certain vested interests through mass media and social media for reasons better known to themselves, said T R Suresh, the Commissioner of Mangaluru City Police.

Speaking at an interaction programme organized by the Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) at Hotel Ocean Pearl in the city on Friday, the top cop said the reaction of Hindu and Muslim communities in general following the recent coldblooded murders Deepak Rao and Ahmed Basheer – two innocent members of respective communities – has once again proved that Mangalureans are peace lovers and not communals.

Reiterating that Mangaluru is one of the best places to live in India, he said that the contributions of coastal district of Dakshina Kannada district towards education, banking and tourism sectors are remarkable. “People from across the state, country and other parts of the world come here seeking better education and health care. There are over two lakh students in the city. Almost half of Kerala is dependent on this city for various reasons,” he pointed.

“In spite of all these positive aspects, mass media and social media are focusing only on negative things and blowing the trivial issues and sporadic untoward incidents out of proportion,” Mr Suresh added.

He said that 99% of people in Mangaluru are peace lovers while very small number of people are indulging in anti-social activities. The police have been relentlessly trying to make Mangaluru a peaceful city by curbing rowdysim and drug menace. However, false rumours being spread through social media including WhatsApp groups destroying peace, he lamented.

He also warned stringent action against those who spread inflammatory messages and rumors on social media. “Some WhatsApp group admis that post provocative messages are not in the county. They operate from abroad. It is not easy to catch them immediately. Hence, we take immediate action against those who circulate such messages here,” he said.

Y Abdulla Kunhi, Vice Chancellor of Yenepoya University, speaking on the occasion, pointed out that Mangaluru had ranked as 48th best city in the world in terms of quality of life and ranked 12th in terms of health care in a recent international survey. However, recent untoward incidents and communal clashes have dented the image of the city. This has also affected business in the region. Hence, there is a need to put an end to communal goondaism in the region, he said.

BCCI president S M Rasheed Haji welcomed and presided over the function. BCCI vice president Abdul Rauoof Puthige read out the memorandum that was handed over to the city police chief. DK Wakf Advisory Committee chief Kanchur Monu, DK and Udupi Muslim Central Committee chief KS Mohammed Masood, BCCI general secretary Mohammed Imthiyaz were present among others.

Comments

Vinod
 - 
Saturday, 20 Jan 2018

Recently I saw one article, which says one lady sit middle of public without any reaction and provoded many object (includes soft flower to sharp edged knife) and ask public to do whatever they want. First people hesitated. People started with flower and later many people enjoyed her nudity. Some other tortured with knife and some people torned her cloth and touched evrywhere. She told she felt like brutally raping during that.
The point is - It is not the probelm with media. Problems with people only. They are too negative and if they are getting chances, they will utilise maximum. 

George
 - 
Saturday, 20 Jan 2018

I agree with Danish. 100% truth. Everything is business and they all have to survive.. so people' mentality should change

Danish
 - 
Saturday, 20 Jan 2018

Why media giving more importance to crimes..?

 

Media feeding whatever people want. Actually its not the problem with media. Its with people. If media giving coverage to only development things and good news, then the readership becomes less. and it end up in closing of that particular media org.

 

Mohan
 - 
Saturday, 20 Jan 2018

True.. Well said sir. Should control some media

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News Network
November 21,2024

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Prominent NRI community leader SM Syed Khalilur Rehman, fondly known as CA Khalil, passed away in Dubai on Thursday at the age of 86 after a brief illness.

Khalil had been admitted to Aster Hospital in Mankhool on Tuesday after experiencing severe leg weakness. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to a double heart attack that worsened his condition, his son Rais Ahmed confirmed.

The news of his passing has sent waves of grief across communities, particularly in his hometown of Bhatkal, Karnataka, where he was a celebrated figure. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, highlighting his significant contributions to international trade, social service, and education.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

A chartered accountant by profession, Khalil was a founding member of the Dubai chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), where he served as chairman from 1987 to 1994. His illustrious career included key leadership roles, such as general manager of Khaleej Times, group executive director of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, and vice-chairman of the Jashanmal Group of Companies.

He also chaired Maadhyama Communications and Sahil Online, a web-based news platform, and was a director and trustee of several media companies and charitable organisations in Dubai and India.

A Champion for Education and Philanthropy

Khalil’s impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. As president and general secretary of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, he played a pivotal role in the development of educational institutions, including schools and colleges in Bhatkal and surrounding areas. His dedication to social upliftment earned him recognition from the Government of Karnataka, which honoured him with a prestigious award for his philanthropic contributions.

A Life Celebrated

The Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (BMKC) recently released a documentary celebrating Khalil’s remarkable life and service to the community—a testament to his enduring legacy.

CA Khalil is survived by his family and countless admirers across the globe. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian expatriates in the UAE and beyond, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and commitment to community service.

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News Network
November 19,2024

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In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

  • Clearly displaying pool depths.
  • Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
  • Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
  • Establishing clear pool operating hours.
  • Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

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News Network
November 19,2024

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The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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