PUCL, KKSV, KSSS pledge to intensify struggle for Naveen Soorinje

[email protected] (CD Network)
November 10, 2012

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Mangalore, November 10: Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike (KKSV) and Karavali Sauharda Sangharsha Samithi (KSSS) have pledged to intensify their efforts to ensure that justice would be done in the case of arrested telivison journalist Naveen Soorinje, in 'homestay' attack.

 

Addressing media persons here on Saturday, PUCL state president P B D'Sa said that it was not necessary for the police to have arrested the journalist when his anticipatory bail application was still pending in the court. He alleged that the intention of police in arresting Mr Soorinje was only to deny him chances of getting bail.

 

Stating that the additional case of dacoity also slapped on him was absurd, he urged the authorities to immediately withdraw the false cases.

 

“People ought to unitedly stand up and support this cause. If the case is not taken back, the only option would be to apply for relief in the High Court. As a legal advisor of the Vedike, Justice M F Saldanha would write a letter to the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court and appeal for relief,” he said.

 

Ali Hasan of PUCL said that they would oppose any instances of so-called moral policing, and alleged that the arrest of Mr Soorinje was just a cover-up by the police department of their failure to check moral policing.

 

Alwyn Colaco of KKSV opined that the entire debacle had been devised by the politicians to curb the constitutional liberties such as secularism and freedom. “These are attempts by the RSS who have a strategy and hidden agenda to promote Hindutva in the state. It is a full-fledged conspiracy of the Sangh Parivar to control the freedom of the people at every step, and the police are just victims in their hands. Now they are trying to exercise their control on the media as well,” he opined.

 

Members of KKSV Mohammed Kabeer and Imtiaz were present.

 

In a separate media conference convened by KSSS president and Bantwal MLA B Ramanath Rai said that Mr Soorinje's name removed from the list of accused in homestay attack. A journalist being arrested for doing his job hurts the sentiments of the people. KSSS will take up a protest against his arrest and appeal to the government to look into the matter, he said.

 

He said that the organisation will hold a protest on November 13 in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office at 3.30 pm.

 

Replying to a query, he said that the KSSS had not anticipated Mr Soorinje's arrest and hence had not taken action so far. “Even in spite of giving assurances, the police went on to arrest him, making it inevitable for us to take up struggle. While we condemn all instances of moral policing done in the city, the homestay case is a serious one. We will press the state government to reconsider the arrest,” he said.

 

B Madhava, District Secretary, CPI (M), and General Secretary of the KSSS, said that protecting communal harmony was their responsibility and that such an act went against the civil rule.

 

He hoped that the case against Mr Soorinje would be taken back, as in the case of Anna Hazare's arrest during his hunger strike wherein the case against him was taken back.

 

He went on to condemn the instance of moral policing that occurred a couple of days ago on a member of the Padubidri gram Panchayat and her companions travelling in a car in Bajpe.

 

KSSS Vice-presidents Ivan D'Souza and P Sanjeeva, Secretary PV Mohan, treasurer K Yadav Shetty, Muneer Katipalla, T K Sudhir, Shashiraj Kavoor, Krishnappa Poojari, and others were present.


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coastaldigest.com news network
September 7,2024

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Mangaluru: In a tragic case that shocked the city, the principal district and sessions judge Ravindra M Joshi sentenced Sandeep Rathod of Sindagi, Vijayapura, to life imprisonment for the murder of 22-year-old college student Anjana Vashishta.

According to public prosecutor Judith OM Crasta, the gruesome crime occurred on June 7, 2019, when Anjana's body was discovered at Pais Cottage in Attavar. The victim was found with cable wires wrapped around her neck, her head wedged between the cot's rods, painting a chilling picture of her final moments.

Anjana, an MSc student in Ujire, had met Rathod, then 23, through Facebook in July 2018. Rathod, posing as a constable-in-training, developed a relationship with her, even securing a place at the Royal Academy Coaching Centre in Mangaluru. However, things took a dark turn when Anjana informed Rathod that her family had arranged a marriage proposal for her, which she planned to accept.

Devastated by her decision to end their relationship, Rathod called Anjana to his room. In a fit of rage, he strangled her. After the murder, he stole her phone, withdrew Rs 15,000 from her account using her ATM card, and fled to Sindagi, where he stayed at Sangam Lodge.

The Mangaluru South police investigated the case and filed charges under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 380 (theft), and 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property). The court's thorough investigation included testimony from 45 witnesses and the review of 100 documents.

The court ultimately sentenced Rathod to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000. He was also sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for the theft and misappropriation charges, along with fines totaling Rs 1,500. Additionally, the court directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide compensation to Anjana’s parents for their immense loss.

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News Network
September 19,2024

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In a grand celebration of patriotism and local pride, Karnataka’s second tallest flagpole, and the tallest in Dakshina Kannada, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, September 18, at the iconic Kadri Park in Mangaluru.

The event, a significant milestone in the city's Smart City journey, was graced by several prominent leaders. MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, a distinguished guest at the inauguration, spoke passionately about the symbolic importance of the flag. "This towering structure, made possible through the Smart City initiative, elevates the pride of every Indian. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, national sentiment has deepened. The national flag is not just a symbol, it embodies our self-respect and unity as a nation."

MLA Vedavyas Kamath shared his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its importance beyond mere construction. "The flagpole at Kadri Park, funded under the Smart City project, will not only serve as a beacon of patriotism but will also become a significant attraction, enhancing the city's tourism appeal."

Adding to the sense of occasion, Mayor Sudhir Shetty proudly highlighted the monument's grandeur. "Standing at an impressive 75 meters, second only to Belagavi's 110-meter flagpole, this new landmark is a testament to Mangaluru's growth and aspirations. The project, which cost Rs 75 lakh, will feature an advanced lighting system, ensuring it shines brightly, day and night, as a symbol of our national pride."

The ceremony saw the attendance of key dignitaries, including Deputy Mayor Sunita, Standing Committee President Bharath Kumar, Varun Chowta, Ganesh Kulal, MCC opposition leader Praveen Chandra Alva, MCC member Shakeela Kava, former Mayor Jayananda Anchan, Bhaskar K, and former MUDA president Ravishankar Mijar, each contributing to the significance of the occasion.

This towering flagpole, nestled amidst the serene beauty of Kadri Park, is set to become a new emblem of Mangaluru's spirit, uniting both locals and visitors in shared pride and patriotism.

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September 20,2024

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Mandya: The Deputy Superintendent of Police of Nagamangala town in Mandya district has been suspended for "negligence and dereliction of duty" in connection with the clashes that broke out between two groups during a Lord Ganesh idol procession, police said on Friday.

This is the second suspension of a police officer over the clashes on September 11 following which mobs went on a rampage targeting several shops and vehicles leading to tension here.

The situation in the town has since returned to normalcy and most of the shops have started operating. However, adequate security forces continued to be stationed here as a precautionary measure, according to police.

Sumeeth A R, DySP (Nagamangala), was suspended on Thursday for negligence and dereliction of duty, Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baldandi told PTI.

"He (Sumeeth) was not present at the spot nor was he at the police headquarters when the incident occurred. He arrived late at the spot despite the sensitive nature of events," he said.

Earlier, Police Inspector Ashok Kumar posted at Nagamangala town police station was suspended for dereliction of duty in connection with the violence.

A total of 55 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to police, an argument broke out between two groups, when the Ganesh idol procession by devotees from Badarikoppalu village reached a place of worship on September 11, and some miscreants hurled stones, which escalated the situation.

The police had used mild force to disperse the crowd to control the situation.

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