Tension grips Mangalore as minor accident triggers communal clashes in sensitive Ullal

April 21, 2013

Mangalore, Apr 21: A tense atmosphere prevailed in Ullal and surrounding areas after a minor accident led to communal clash and vandalism on Sunday evening.

The town falls under Mangalore Assembly Constituency, which includes many communally sensitive places. The incident has triggered fear among the public, amidst the ongoing political campaign for looming Karnataka Assembly polls.

The trouble broke out after a car returning from Ullal Beach hit a middle aged woman, who was walking along the beach road with her two little children.

The woman identified as Khatheejamma (42) sustained minor injuries in the incident. According to local sources, when the locals waylaid the Indica car, its driver identified as Ganesh, a resident of Masthikatte justified his rash driving and abused the woman.

Enraged over the attitude of driver, a group of local residents thrashed him on the road.

However, the issue led to a clash between two groups belonging to separate communities after Ganesh reportedly informed about the incident to his friends over phone.

Meanwhile, a group of 10 miscreants surrounded one Habeeb (27) a resident of Mukkacheri area and thrashed him brutally. He was later rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Subsequently, around seven men, stopped a 44A bus — from Someshwar to Mangalore — at Ombatukere around 6.30 p.m and threw at least five stones at it, said Loknath Shetty, the driver of the bus who suffered cuts on his arm.

At 7.20 p.m., another bus, route 44D, travelling from Mangalore to Ullal, was pelted with stones by two people, and the driver, Iqbal was injured.

In the meantime, people belonging to two groups gathered in front of Ullal Police Station shouting slogans and demanding action against each other. The police resorted to baton charge to disperse the mob, wherein a few people sustained injuries. They also took two persons identified as Mustafa and Haneef, residents of Belma, into custody on charges of interrupting police personnel while videotaping the mob.

Security has been beefed up in the area following the incident. Additional police personnel and Border Security Force members have been deployed in the area.

The car driver Ganesh was later arrested at a check-post as he entered Mangalore city.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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