Cinepolis' takes Mangalore by surprise

naeem@coastaldigest.com (CD Network)
December 8, 2012
Mangalore, December 8: Shrouded by controversy, the much-awaited and hyped 'Cinepolis' multiplex at City Centre, here finally opened its doors to the public on Saturday.

After allegations of lobbying for the launch of the multiplex, ex-Deputy Commissioner N S Channappa Gowda had rejected the application for its license two months ago, citing that clearance from the Fire and Emergency Service Department (FESD) had not been obtained.

Mr Gowda had denied authorisation to the multiplex in September after having received a strict warning from the Regional Commissioner (in Mysore) against lobbying for the multiplex.

However, on his final day as DC of Dakshina Kannada, Mr Gowda granted the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Cinepolis. According to him, the Fire NOC had not been granted to the entire building previously, which had caused the district administration to deny permission/license to the multiplex. He said that the permission was granted once the building authorities obtained the fire NOC to the entire building.

The mall's marketing manager Sunil K S told 'Coastaldigest.com' that as instructed by the fire department, a minor project was undertaken on the seventh floor in which an extension of the road had been constructed, as to make way for fire and emergency services in case of emergencies. “Thereafter, we received notification that the NOC had been granted to the multiplex and it was opened today,” he said.

However, there was “something fishy”, according to Vidya Dinker of Citizen Forum, who had earlier objected to Mr Gowda's alleged lobbying. “Since the DC agreed to grant the certificate on the last day of being in-charge, it certainly looks like he was kept back (as DC of Dakshina Kannada) just to file his NOC. We don't think the government officials can play with the safety of the citizens. Over a period of five years from 2007 till now, nothing has changed so far in the structure, which the fire department had termed as 'unworthy'. So what has prompted them to suddenly hand over the No Objection Certificate? We will take up the matter with the Lokayukta Police, and the DC as well as the DGP will be accountable and answerable. We don't want another Upahaar-like tragedy in Mangalore,” she told 'Coastaldigest.com'.

Cinepolis is the first five-screen digital multiplex in Mangalore, which has a seating capacity of 1200, together with Real D, the world's best 3D technology, Hollywood standard 2k digital screens and 7.1 Dolby digital audio. After Bangalore, this is the second Cinepolis multiplex in Karnataka.

Currently four screens of Cinepolis are open to the public, while the fifth VIP screen is expected to open soon.

Business Head of Exhibition at Cinépolis Ashish Shukla said, “After an overwhelming response to our international product quality in Bengaluru, we are extremely happy to introduce the same at Mangalore. Along with a truly international movie watching experience through audio and video, the multiplex will offer an indulging experience at our VIP Cinemas. Another added attraction at Cinepolis is 'Coffee tree', an in-house coffee shop which will feature a wide range of freshly prepared gourmet food and beverages.”

“For the first few weeks, we invite all cinema lovers in Mangalore and neighboring towns of Manipal, Udipi and Kasargod to try out the unique Cinepolis experience with our special introductory prices starting at Rs.80 for normal seats and Rs.130 for VIP seats,” informed Head of Strategy at Cinépolis India Devang Sampat.

Cinépolis currently operates at Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Patna, Surat, Ludhiana, and Bhopal. Starting in 2012 with 32 screens, Cinépolis has added 17 more screens until now, making it one of the fastest growing multiplex chains in the country. With the addition of Cinépolis Mangalore, it now stands at a total of 49 screens across all four geographic zones.

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News Network
January 23,2025

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Mangaluru, Jan 23: A unisex salon in the city was targeted by miscreants belonging to a Hindutva organization, who accused the salon of unethical activities. 

The activists vandalized the salon named 'Colors' near KSRTC in Bejai, Mangaluru, causing extensive damage by destroying furniture and shattering glass.

The group demanded the immediate closure of all massage centers within Mangaluru city, alleging improper conduct at such establishments. 

Following home minister G Parameshwara’s direction to immediately take action against those who are responsible for the attack, the City Crime Branch (CCB) police arrested Prasad Attavar, the leader of the Rama Sene.

Authorities have charged Attavar and are investigating the incident further. This event has raised concerns about the increase in vigilante actions, with local authorities urging the public to respect legal processes and maintain calm. The salon owner has filed a complaint seeking justice for the damages incurred.

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News Network
January 22,2025

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Yellapura: A devastating accident occurred early Wednesday morning in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, leaving at least 10 people dead and several others critically injured. The tragedy unfolded near the Kageri petrol station in Yellapur when a truck carrying fruits and vegetables plunged into a valley and overturned.

The truck, which was transporting over 40 traders, was en route from Savanuru in Haveri district to Kumta market in Uttara Kannada. Among the passengers were fruit vendors heading to the Yellapura fair to sell their produce. The accident occurred on the Savanur-Hubballi road, as confirmed by M. Narayana, the Superintendent of Police of Uttara Kannada.

“At approximately 5:30 a.m., the truck driver attempted to give way to another vehicle and veered too far to the left, causing the truck to fall into a valley approximately 50 meters deep,” said SP Narayana.

Victims have been identified as:

Fayaz Imam Saab Jamkhandi (45)

Wasim Virullah Mudageri (35)

Ijaz Mustak Mulla (20)

Sadiq Bhasha Farash (30)

Ghulam Hussain Jawali (40)

Imtiaz Mamajafar Mulakeri (36)

Alfaaz Jafar Mandakki (25)

Jilani Abdul Jakhati (25)

Aslam Babuli Benny (24)

Immediate Response

Upon receiving information about the accident, police rushed to the scene and coordinated the rescue operations. The injured were swiftly transported to KIMS Hospital in Hubballi for treatment. Tragically, eight individuals died on the spot, while another succumbed to critical injuries shortly after. The absence of a protective wall on the road in the valley has been highlighted as a contributing factor.

“Many passengers sustained serious injuries, and the death toll could rise,” said police officials. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Community in Mourning

This tragic incident has left the local community in shock, as families and friends mourn the loss of lives. Authorities are urging caution and have reiterated the need for safety measures on roads in vulnerable areas. Further updates on the condition of the injured are awaited.

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News Network
January 24,2025

Bengaluru, Jan 24: Following several reported suicides allegedly caused by harassment from Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday acknowledged that the current laws are insufficient in dealing with the highhandedness of these institutions in the state.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Parameshwara confirmed widespread complaints of MFI-related harassment, stating that existing laws were ineffective in curbing the issue. The Congress government plans to amend the law to ensure stricter regulations for MFIs.

"The reports from our department indicate that current laws are inadequate, and they lack the necessary strength to curb this menace," Parameshwara said. He added that new, stringent laws would be framed to regulate the MFIs, with the Congress government taking steps in that direction. In the meantime, officials have been instructed to take immediate action regarding ongoing harassment cases.

Explaining the situation, Parameshwara highlighted that MFIs often demand multiple signatures from loan recipients, which they might not fully understand. "This leads to forced raids, seizures of properties, and other actions," he noted, adding that such practices need to be addressed under law.

Law Minister H.K. Patil and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have also taken note of the issue. Siddaramaiah has called for a meeting on January 25 to discuss the alarming rise in cases and the ineffectiveness of current laws.

The issue has sparked public outcry, with victims’ families, including the wife of a suicide victim, sending symbolic protests such as mangalsutras to Parameshwara, demanding action against the MFI staff involved. Numerous petitions have been filed in Deputy Commissioners' offices across the state, urging government intervention to stop MFI harassment.

In response, opposition leaders, including Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, BJP’s R. Ashoka, and Basavaraj Bommai, have accused the Congress government of losing control over MFIs, enabling the widespread exploitation of vulnerable citizens.

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