I have surrendered my son as I respect law,' says ex-mayor Ashraf

January 16, 2012

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Mangalore, January 16: “My son is innocent. He has been made a scapegoat by my political adversaries. Since I have enormous respect for law, I have asked him to surrender before the police. But I am hopeful that justice will prevail,” said K. Ashraf, former mayor, reacting to the 15-day judicial remand given to his son Araf in a drug-related case.

Araf, 17, has been named a key accused in the case of alleged drugging following which a teenaged girl was hospitalized for nearly two months in Mangalore six months ago.

In response to the complaints lodged by the girl's father Arjun, separate FIRs had been filed by Kadri and Kankanady police. Araf and his friends were also accused of threatening the girl and her parents while undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Araf had evaded arrest and was said to be staying in his relative's place in Mumbai. The police had even gone to Mumbai looking for him, but had to return empty handed.

“Although the police had filed booked cases against several people, only my son was being chased like a criminal,” Mr. Ashraf said, but insisted the justice will prevail. He also wondered how did the police book a case against his son of threatening the girl on the hospital premises, where there had not been any complaint from the concerned hospital.

“This is a clear case of vendetta. There are people both inside my party and outside, who want to finish me politically, they have foisted a case against my son. They cannot take me on politically,” Mr. Ashraf, who is also the president of the Congress City Block.

The former mayor had a couple of months ago threatened to resign from the party for leaving him in the lurch when he had been unnecessarily harassed by the police. But following assurances from the Congress leaders including Veerappa Moily and Oscar Fernandes he had backed out. In fact, he had convened a press meet to announce his resignation and called off the briefing at the last minute, without citing any reasons.

The Hindutva organisations had supported the cause of Arjun's daughter and had demanded action against the accused. They had also given memoranda to the city police several times and had accused them of yielding to political pressure when the “drug mafia was gaining strength”.

The outfits had also warned of Hindu girls being lured into drug abuse as part of “Love Jihad”, and being converted to Islam in places like Ponnani.

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Agencies
March 28,2025

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

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News Network
March 27,2025

nandini.jpg

The Karnataka government has announced that Nandini milk will become ₹4 costlier per litre starting April 1, 2025. This is the second price hike this year.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna and Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh said the increase is meant to support dairy farmers by covering the rising costs of producing and processing milk.

Officials also said that:

>> The extra money from the price hike will go directly to the milk producers.

>> The earlier ₹2 price hike (announced on June 26, 2024) will be withdrawn.

>> The new price hike of ₹4 will apply to both 500 ml and 1-litre packets.

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News Network
April 7,2025

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Mangaluru, Apr 7: In a chilling and heart-wrenching turn of events from Nadugallu in Nalakuru village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada, a mother and son’s desperate act to end their lives has left a community in disbelief. The duo allegedly consumed rodent poison in a joint suicide attempt, resulting in the son’s death and leaving the mother in a critical condition.

The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Nithin, son of Kushalappa Gowda of Derappajjanamane, Nalakuru. His mother, Sulochana, is currently battling for her life in a hospital. According to sources, the incident took place three days ago, with both victims falling severely ill by the morning of April 6.

Nithin, an ITI diploma holder, had been managing his family's agricultural land. He had married Deeksha, a guest lecturer at a local college, about a year ago. At the time of the tragic incident, Deeksha was reportedly staying at her parental home. During her absence, Nithin and Sulochana allegedly consumed poison in what is believed to be a premeditated act.

Well-known in the village for his kind demeanor and strong social ties, Nithin’s untimely death has cast a shadow of grief and shock across the local community. His father, Kushalappa Gowda, is also said to be ailing.

The Subrahmanya police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to this devastating event.

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