Margao blast suspects complain against investigators; demand protection from State Govt

naeem@coastaldigest.com (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar)
February 22, 2012

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Mangalore, February 22: Two local members of Sanatan Sanstha, a right wing Hindutva organization, which had allegedly involved in many terrorist activities across the country including Margao blast, have accused the officers of National Investigation Agency of violating their human rights under the pretext of interrogation.

Udaya Kumar and Vinaya Kumar, the brothers from Aniyooru under the limits of Neriya Garam Panchayat in Belthangady taluk on Wednesday appeared before media in the city accusing the two NIA officers - Seturam and Manu N K - of consistently harassing them since last four days.

The NIA team is in the district in connection with the ongoing probe into 2009 Goa blast. On October 16, 2009, a bomb blast rocked Margao town of Goa killing at least two persons and causing huge loss of property. CBI had revealed that it had found vital clues indicating Sanatan Sanstha's involvement in the blasts. Senior member of Sanatan Sanstha Jaiprakash, who hails from Kadaba in Puttur taluk was later named as one of the main accused in the case. Highly placed sources have confirmed that NIA had questioned Udaya and Vinaya, who are not only the activists of Sanatan Sanstha, but also close relatives of Jaiprakash, who is absconding. It is also suspected that the duo used to live with Jaiprakash in Goa in the past.

Addressing media persons the Kumar brothers said the two NIA officers were misusing their power to investigate the terrors suspects. “On February 20 the officers called us for investigation and made us remove all our clothes. They also sent police to our house and confiscated our driving license, election card, adhar card, our sister's marriage album, ration card, school certificates without giving them receipt of any kind”, they said.

The brothers complained that the officers threatened their father demanding all information and documents. “Out of fear our father handed over all documents asked by them”, they said.

They said that the officers demanded information regarding the terror suspect Jaiprakash and accused us that we too had a hand in the 2008 blast”, revealed the duo.

They alleged that during interrogation the officers pulled their hair hard and inhumanly beat them with fists and kicked, despite getting 'honest' answers. “We were not allowed to go to the toilet for nearly two and a half hours”, they said.

The duo also alleged the interrogators that on Tuesday they threatened to harass formers' sister. “After hearing their vulgar language, we are worried about the threats given by them. We have got the impression that these officers can go to any extent by misusing the law”, they said.

“We were threatened by these officers that we should not go out of the house. The government and private dispensaries denied treatment to us and refused to give us a medical certificate as proof to torture inflicted on us. We had to bear the agony of pain day and night”, they said. However, they failed to show any sign of torture on their body.

Fight Back

The brothers said that they would file complaint against the NIA officers Seturam and Manu with Central and State Human Rights Commission, for physical atrocities meted out to them and for mentally harassing their parents. “We also have decided to complain against them with the senior officers of NIA”

The Sanatan Sanstha members also said that it was the responsibility of the BJP led Karnataka state government to protect them from the hands of anti-terror investigators. “Due to the atrocities committed and threats given by the NIA officials our life is no more secure. Since we are the citizens of Karnataka the responsibility of protecting us lies with the state government”, they said.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti activists Ramesh Nayak, Anil Kamath were also present in the press meet.

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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
April 7,2025

Mangaluru, Apr 7: The long-standing demand for a separate Beary Development Corporation has hit a wall — the Karnataka government has officially stated that no such proposal is currently under consideration.

Beary-speaking people, mainly settled across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and parts of Kodagu, have been urging the government to set up a dedicated body for the welfare of their community and the promotion of their unique 1,200-year-old language. But during the recent legislative session, Minority Affairs Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan confirmed that his department has not received any proposal on this matter.

The clarification came in response to a question by MLC Ivan D’Souza, who highlighted the community’s cultural richness and a population of over 25 lakh. “The community has raised this demand several times to support education and social upliftment, but the government hasn’t taken any concrete steps,” he said.

In his reply, the minister pointed out that the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC) already runs various welfare schemes for Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, and Parsi communities. Since Beary speakers are considered part of the Muslim community, they are eligible for benefits under these existing programs, he added.

Still, many in the Beary community feel that without a separate development body, their identity, language, and specific needs risk being overlooked.

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coastaldigest.com news network
April 8,2025

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Mangaluru: Scoring an almost perfect 599 out of 600, Amoolya Kamath, a brilliant student of Expert PU College, has topped the Science stream in the PU 2 exams. Calm, composed, and quietly confident, Amoolya says the mock tests at her college were the game changer in overcoming her exam fear.

Coming from a family of doctors — Dr Dinesh Kamath and Dr Anuradha Kamath — Amoolya is charting her own path: “I want to become an engineer,” she said with determination.

Her success mantra? “I revised every day whatever was taught in class. I would reach home by 7 pm and then study till 10:30 pm. But honestly, I never expected the first rank!”

Apart from academics, Amoolya is a trained artist — having cleared the Bharatanatyam senior exam and Carnatic music junior exam. “Music kept my mind calm,” she smiled.

A graceful blend of intellect and art, Amoolya Kamath is an inspiration for students aiming to balance ambition with serenity.

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