ZP resolves to dissolve Hirebandadi GP

August 19, 2011

zp-meet

Mangalore, August 19: The Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat in its third general body meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat Hall on Thursday, took a major decision to dissolve Hirebandadi Gram Panchayat in Puttur taluk for failing to hold any meetings in the last one year.

Amidst heavy opposition from the Congress party members and support of the BJP members to dissolve Hirebandadi Gram Panchayat, ZP President Shailaja Bhat made an advance by handing over the power to the ZP Chief Executive Officer to take up further action in this regard. The issue was discussed on the floor after the zero hour where the Congress and the BJP members went against each other on the issue. It was M S Mohammad from the Congress party who raised the issue saying that dissolving Gram Panchayat would be against the Panchayat Raj system.

While another Congress member Mamatha Gatti insisted upon opting for no-confidence motion against the Gram Panchayat President rather than dissolving an elected system.

Bantwal MLA Ramanth Rai too came down heavily against the decision to dissolve the GP, as he said the BJP led State government is playing politics in the Panchayat Raj system.

Approach SC

The ZP also unanimously decided to approach the Supreme Court seeking not to grant bail to S R Patalappa, the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) officer, who was caught in Rs 86 lakh fraud. Patalappa had sought anticipatory bail in the local Court but the request was denied.

Later, the High Court granted him the bail. Understanding the severity of his fraud, the ZP decided to seek the Supreme Court not to grant bail to the officer.

President Shailaja Bhat informed the general body that after taking the suggestions of top advocates from Bangalore, the Zilla Panchayat has decided to move Supreme Court.

Later, speaking to media persons, CEO Dr K N Vijayprakash said that as there are chances of Patalappa trying to damage the documents, he would not be allowed to gain entry into Zilla Panchayat office any cost.

Teachers ratio

Earlier during the zero hour, Mamatha Gatti urged the ZP to maintain 30:1 students-teachers ratio in aided schools on the lines of the government schools.

“The government schools have 30:1 students-teachers ratio while it is 40:1 in aided schools. This discrimination should be stopped and same teachers ratio should be provided to aided schools too,” he said. Responding to it, ZP President said that she has discussed the issue with the Primary and Secondary Education Minister.

ZP member Santhosh Kumar Rai raised a question on land acquisition for Kochi-Bangalore pipeline in Kavoor, Mudipu and other places. He said though the actual land required for laying one and a half feet pipeline is four to five feet, 66 feet of land has been acquired in Mudipu and surrounding places.

“The villagers are ready to give the land if the pipeline is for a good purpose, but by acquiring 66 feet land, the locals are wonderstruck,” he said and sought a study on the same.

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News Network
November 16,2024

Mangaluru: The Kavoor police in Mangaluru, Karnataka, have arrested three individuals from Kerala in connection with two separate cybercrime cases, including one involving extortion under the guise of a "digital arrest."

City Commissioner of Police Anupam Agrawal reported that one of the arrested individuals, Nisar, a resident of Ernakulam district, posed as a CBI officer. He allegedly threatened the complainant with arrest and extorted Rs 68 lakh. A case has been filed under sections 66 (C) and 66 (D) of the IT Act, and sections 308 (2) and 381 (4) of BNS.

In another case, the Kavoor police arrested two men, Sahil K P of Thiruvannur, Kozhikode, and Muhammad Nashath of Mappila Koyilandy, Kerala, in connection with a share trade fraud. The accused are alleged to have deceived the complainant by promising substantial profits from an investment in the stock market. Trusting the fraudsters, the complainant invested Rs 90 lakh, which was subsequently lost. A case has been registered under sections 66 (C) and 66 (D) of the IT Act, and sections 318 (4) and 3 (5) of BNS.

The accused were arrested in Koyilandi and presented before the court. The operation was carried out under the guidance of City Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal, led by Mangaluru North Sub-Division ACP Srikanth K, Kavoor Inspector Raghavendra Byndoor, Kavoor PSI Mallikarjuna Biradara, and staff members Ramanna Shetty, Bhuvaneshwari, Rajappa Kashibai, Praveen N, and Malatesh. 

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News Network
November 19,2024

vikramgowda.jpg

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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News Network
November 15,2024

Udupi: The Tourism Department is planning a major eco-friendly development initiative for Kamini Island, located near the Blue Flag-certified Padubidri End Point beach, aiming to attract more visitors while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Assistant Director Kumar CU emphasized that, given the island’s proximity to the Blue Flag beach, all development efforts will center around eco-friendly practices. “We are looking to enhance the Kamini River and the island’s surroundings by adding a hanging bridge, nature trails, and eco-friendly food courts offering traditional cuisine. Visitors will also be able to reach the island by pedal boats or kayaking,” he said.

The development project is estimated to cost between Rs 3 crore and Rs 4 crore. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag beach, Padubidri, continues to see a steady flow of visitors. Vijay Shetty, manager of the beach, shared that tenders for food courts and water sports have been awarded to private parties. Recently, three new coracles have been introduced, which are proving to be a hit with visitors. Additionally, three more shelters are expected to be ready by November 20.

Shetty mentioned that the beach can now accommodate between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors daily, although footfall remains lower than other district beaches due to user fees and activity restrictions. “Initially, most visitors were from Mangaluru, but now nearly 40% come from other districts, showing a shift in the visitor demographics,” Shetty noted.

To further boost tourism and promote a healthy lifestyle, a Beach Carnival is set to take place on November 23-24, featuring the National Sea Swimming Championship and a sea marathon in collaboration with the Padubidri JCI, which is celebrating its golden jubilee. Cultural events will be held at the main beach, with some sports events taking place at the Blue Flag beach. Emphasis will be placed on making all activities environmentally friendly.

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