Terror suspect from Bhatkal gets 5-year rigorous imprisonment in counterfeit notes case

November 23, 2011

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Pune, November 23: Additional sessions judge SD Darne on Tuesday sentenced Bangalore serial blast suspect, Hussain Shabbir Meheruddin Gangavali (32), of Bhatkal village in Karnataka, to five years rigorous imprisonment for the seizure of 250 counterfeit currency notes of Rs 100 denomination from him in 2008.

Gangavali was sentenced under section 489 (c) (possessing counterfeit notes) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and was fined Rs 5,000. He will have to serve an additional six months in jail as he did not deposit the fine.

Additional public prosecutor Subhash Kalbhor, on the point of sentence, argued that maximum punishment be given to Gangavali, saying that he was involved in a serious crime and had abused his position as a Maulana (religious leader). The prosecution had relied on the evidence of seven witnesses to prove the charges against Gangavali.

Defence lawyers Vidhyadhar Koshe and Vinod Shete had pleaded that a lenient view be taken as the accused was young and had been lodged in the high security 'anda' cell at the Yerawada jail since his arrest on December 30, 2008.

Koshe contended that his client was in the custody of the state Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) a day before he was shown as officially having been arrested. They said the charges that he was nabbed and fake notes were seized from him were baseless.

Koshe examined six defence witnesses, including mediapersons, to prove that Gangavali had been falsely implicated in the case.

Koshe told TOI that he would challenge the conviction in the Bombay High Court after receiving a certified copy of the judgment.

According to ATS officials, Gangvali is involved in two more cases -- possessing jehadi (religious radicalism) literature in Pune and in the serial bomb blasts case in Bangalore.

This is the first conviction in a case handled by the Pune ATS, which was set up here in 2007.

The ATS had picked up Gangavali from the Janwadi mosque, located off Senapati Bapat road, in connection with the July 2008 serial bomb blasts in Bangalore in December 2008. The case against him for fake currency notes was filed under sections 489 (a), (b) and (c) of the IPC.

According to a complaint filed by ATS assistant sub-inspector Rajendra Thorve, he had received a tip-off that Gangavali would arrive at Yevat and also visit his sister's residence at Janwadi. The complaint says that Thorve also got information that Gangavali was planning to hand over the fake currency notes to a person at Arun Kadam chowk near the Janwadi mosque.

An ATS team picked up Gangavali from the mosque while he was sleeping at around 3 am on Tuesday and recovered 250 fake notes of Rs 100 denomination from his bag, the complaint says. An examination of the notes revealed that there was a difference in the watermark and colour, and the paper quality of the notes was found to be poor, the complaint states.


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November 22,2024

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Bengaluru, Nov 22: For the second day running, the Karnataka BJP on Friday staged a statewide protest condemning the government’s alleged move to notify land of farmers as Waqf property.

The BJP staged a protest before the offices of Deputy Commissioners at district headquarters.

The BJP leaders are vehemently demanding that the state government cancel a 1974 Gazette notification in this regard.

The agitators are also demanding scrapping of the Waqf Board and the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister for Waqf and Housing Zameer Ahmad Khan.

The BJP MLAs, MLCs, MPs gathered in the premises of Freedom Park and staged a protest under the leadership of Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka and slammed the state government.

MLA T.S. Srivatsa led the protest in Mysuru and hundreds of party workers and farmers staged the protest under the leadership of former MP Pratap Simha in Kodagu.

Former MP Sumalatha Ambareesh led the agitation in Mandya.

This was the first time that Sumalatha took part in the party’s programme after the Lok Sabha elections.

State President B.Y. Vijayendra claimed, “The Congress government in Karnataka is issuing notices to farmers claiming the ownership of their lands to the Waqf Board and pushing them on the streets overnight.”

In the first week of December, three teams formed by the BJP will travel across the state and record the grievances of farmers.

“The state government is attempting to snatch away the lands belonging to temples as well,” Vijayendra alleged and added that the teams would comprise all senior leaders of the BJP.

Meanwhile, the police have taken Sri Ram Sena chief Pramod Muthalik into custody while staging a protest march to the office of Zameer Ahmad Khan in Bengaluru.

Muthalik along with Hindutva activists was planning to lay siege to Zameer’s office over the Waqf row.

The police stopped Muthalik and requested him to submit the memorandum by reaching the minister’s office in a vehicle. However, Muthalik refused to go with the police and continued his footmarch. The police took him into custody following arguments.

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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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November 25,2024

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Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed the Hindu Religious Endowment Department to submit a proposal for constructing a gold chariot for the presiding deity of the state, Chamundeshwari, official sources said on Monday.

The directive follows a request from Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Dinesh Gooligowda, who highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill in Mysuru, which dates back to the 12th century AD.

Gooligowda noted that the existing wooden chariot, donated by devotees from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, has deteriorated over time.

“Devotees have expressed their desire to organise a ‘rathotsava’ using a gold chariot for Goddess Chamundeshwari. This proposal has been under consideration for some time, with an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore,” the MLC said.

He emphasised that the government’s financial involvement would not be required, as devotees are willing to contribute towards making the chariot a reality.

Gooligowda proposed a deadline for the 2025 Dasara festival for the completion of the chariot, ensuring it is ready for the grand procession featuring the idol of Chamundeshwari.

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