Love triumphs as Ashita-Shakeel Ahmed wedding unites Hindu-Muslim families

coastaldigest.com news network
April 18, 2016

Mysuru, Apr 18: The Nikah and other wedding rituals of the Hindu-Muslim couple from Mandya, whose alliance was opposed by the Hindutva extremists, were held peacefully amidst tight security in spite of threats from the anti-social elements on Sunday.

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The wedding reception was held in a grand manner at a convention hall in Mysuru on Sunday evening amid tight police security. There was no untoward incident during the ceremony. Hundreds of relatives and well-wishers prayed for the eternal bond between Shakeel Ahmed and Ashita alias Shaista Sultana, whose 12 years of love culminated in wedding.

The couple, both MBA graduates, took part in bale shastra', the pre-wedding bangle ritual, at the bride's house in Mandya on Saturday. The same day, the couple and their families left for Mysuru. Ashitha and her family stayed with a relative in the City of Palaces.

It's unclear when and where the Nikah (the Muslim ceremony which entails the groom making an offer and the bride accepting it) was held.

The police escorted members of both the families to the venue of the reception, Taj Convention Hall in Bannimantap locality. The newly-married couple reached the venue at 7.20 pm in separate vehicles and the reception began 10 minutes later.

The reception was attended by dignitaries like writer K S Bhagwan, journalist Gowri Lankesh, former minister M S Athmananda, women's rights activist K S Vimala and former MLA G B Shivakumar. JD(S) MLA B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan is said to have visited the couple in Mandya and wished them.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar described the marriage as special. “Generational and cultural progress and education have brought about this change. The parents consented to the marriage. I have come here to wish the couple,” he said.

Though no protests were held against the marriage, entry into the marriage hall was restricted due to security reasons.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) HT Shekar said that the marriage was held peacefully. “We provided adequate security,” he said, adding that the marriage ceremony was conducted without any disruption.

Also Read:

Hindu-Muslim wedding: Radicals try to impose bandh despite nod denial

Hindu-Muslim wedding: Communal groups call for bandh; several booked

Hindu-Muslim wedding; families agree but Hindutva extremists stage protest

I will marry my Muslim friend; it's my wish: Hindu girl shames saffron groups

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Comments

Anubhav
 - 
Wednesday, 4 May 2016

It is stupidity to call it hindu-muslim marriage as the girl converted to Islam a few days back from the marriage. She has the right to do whatever she wants but conversions as condition for marriage does not account for true love. Only hypocrites can justify conversion and can call it love triumph. It is a shame that a person has to change religion for marriage and lovers in interreligious religions (be it of any religion) should be able to defend faith of each others that for me is true love. Fanatics use Indian laws to marry girls of other religions and show their religious hypocricy by making the girl to convert for marriage which for me is a cheap ideology. Progressive laws are being used by bigots to show their true color. Which is a shame, in any religions if a partner is made to change religion the party who forces other to change religion is cheap and fanatic. Not a secular trend..

DR SUNIL J RAO
 - 
Sunday, 24 Apr 2016

Wishing the couple a happy married life...I have only one query..In an inter-religious marriage such as this one...the woman has to compulsorily convert to Isalm is it ?? What is the Isalmic law inthis regards...Wat if te booy ocnverts to Hinduism through arya Samaj ?
I have heard of several inter-religious marriages where there is no conversion---husband hindu/mother catholic etc...Why conversion here ?

shaji
 - 
Thursday, 21 Apr 2016

Dear Prakash, you are like a frog in the well and have no knowledge about islam and muslims. dont read books written by prabhakar b hat / Mutalik / Karnik etc. Read books written by authenticated people. Half knowledge is not good for health. Talk to Mr. Jain, a shiv sena activist who was against Muslims / Islams till recently and have reverted to Islam for the reason he changed his belief. May be you will get correct answer to your question. dont judge on yourself. dont trust the hate mongers. May God bless you with right way of thinking and keep you on right path.

musaib baig
 - 
Thursday, 21 Apr 2016

Happy married life may Allah fullfil all your dream and I pray all your dream come true .. I pray Allah to give you more strength to fight this saffron menace...!!!!

Irfan
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

Wish you Happy married life and wish you happy and prosperous married life.

Rikaz
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

Prakash...in your religion why lower cast girl or boy cant marry upper cast girl or boy...as per Islam if a boy wants to marry a Hindu girl, he can but she has to convert to Islam religion....because in Hinduism, Hindus pray 100's of gods which is forbidden in Islam....and children born out of that marriage will follow mother's tradition or religion...to avoid that she should convert to Islam...one thing is nobody can force anyone to marry to someone...here girl and boy loved each other and married...she willingly converted to Islam.

hIjab, burka will give security and safety to girls while they are venturing outside of their home....you know most of rapes and molestation of girls happening around India....reason behind it is girls dont cover their body parts properly, whereas burkha and hijab will protect them from it....

Muslims can marry up to 4 girls....it is not compulsory but it is a provision...if you can't make justification and satisfy their requirements then you are not eligible for it at all....

KhasaiKhaane
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

@Prakash

Coz Muslim Girls are not allowed to marry the disbelievers or the polytheists as per Shariah law. Neither is a Muslim man allowed to marry a Disbeliever/Polytheist. The only option here is the man or the woman must revert to Islam for

SK
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

It is surprising to note the greetings from the readers to the so called Muslim boy.... Do not forget this boy was in love with the non muslim girl since 12 years, just imagine the amount of SIN he has earned by having contacts with the girl without marriage..... we are nothing but hypocrites to greet the so called muslim boy....

THINKERS
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

Dear Prakash R...

One reason is U guys are worshiping the Man made gods. U make saints as gods, u make idols as gods, u make animals as gods, u make MONKEYs as God, U make URINE as God's blessing...

SICK... When Ur own VEDA says NA TASYA PRATIMA ASTI... Y dont U use your intellect and find out WHO is GOD and who is WORTHY of WORSHIP...
U will get all the answers if U start using your intellect honestly on recognising our CREATOR who created U & ME and all that exists.

sadiq
 - 
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2016

Dear Prakash Answer :bcz Muslim Girl believe in Allah & they want to die as Muslim .they dont want to go to hell forever Mr prakash i invite you to
Islam Believe in One god and Prophet muhmmed(saw) is the Messenger of Allah so Accept islam it will benefit in both world. you will have no fear in hearafter May allah guide us all Ameen

Prakash R
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Question: Why not Muslim girls marry other religion boys?

Prakash R
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

The religion should not poke its nose in any way. If the boy was really brave, he should have suggested for a non-religious marriage. In the boy's religion, there is no freedom for women, men can marry 4 wives, pray 5 times a day. In each and everything, religion comes first, burkha, hijab are symbols of slavery. She does not know that she is getting into an unknown jail...
People of religion bring the name of non-existing god unnecessarily.. that's the problem, otherwise, it is ok..

Abraham
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Shaistha weds Shakeel.....how the hell is this a Hindu- Muslim wedding ??
The heading should read
\Girl discards Hinduism and embraces Islam to get married to the love of her life \""

Abraham
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Shaistha WEDS Shakeel.....how the hell is this a Hindu- Muslim wedding ??
The headlines should read \Girls discards Hinduism and embraces Islam to get married to the love of her life \""

SYED
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

ONLY LOVE NO JIHAD.....

WISH YOU VERY HAPPY MARRIED LIFE...

MAY ALLAH SWT BLESS YOU BOTH ..AMEEN.

Mohammed SS
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

I really congratulate the noble parents and the brave couples, may almighty Allah bless you with all the happiness, you proved your true love you will be the roll model for others

KhasaiKhaane
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

She is a well educated girl. The Boy seems promising too. They will take very good care of eachother and lead a happy life , InShaAllah!
Allah gives her hidayah, Alhamdulillah. We pray to Allah to give her knowledge and keep her steadfast upon Islam.

#Burnol_Moment_For Sanghis

Jamal Kazi
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Qareeb itna raho ke rishtey mei pyar rahe,
Door bhi itna raho ke aane ka intezar rahe,
rakho ummed rishtaon ke darmiyan itni,
Ke toot jaaye ummeed magar rishtey BARQARAAR rahen.

Wish you a very very very happy married and contended life.

sadiq
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

The Prophet (SAW) said A Women May be married for four Reason for her property, her status, her Beauty and her Religion ;so try to get Religious, May you Blessed But Nowadays some Men they choose one who has no Imaan .Thats why it will become a big Fitnah for this ummah May Allah guide us

Prem Prasad
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

India requires bold women like Rifqa Bary, Wafa Sultan, Nonie Darwish. Malaika Arrora is no more Khan now. Hrithik Roshan is free from the bondage of her wife's religion. Non-Muslim Girls are unaware of divorces in Islam. Innocent girls are deceived.

mohdalthaf
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Tight Slap to chaddis..

Humans Ponder
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

When People read the QURAN...
They will realize the TRUTH & DIVINE CONNECTION.
The TRUTH about who is worthy of WORSHIP.
When U know that then
U will depend on the one who CREATED us all.
When U depend, U are in the safe hands of the CREATOR, unless it is decreed by the CREATOR.
U will come to know who is behind EVIL
U will come to know what is cheddi agenda.
U will come to know previous nations who ruled with Evil agenda are PERISHED.
U will come to know the ARROGANT leaders who made themselves GOD and when the time of death came, they realised they are not GODs .
U will come to know the ARROGANT who will never be satisfied even if they have mountains of Gold in their possession.... They are still GREEDY. (We see many of them today)
U will come to know the oppressor like Pharoah, Haman, Abu jahl.. how their life came to end. (Read QURAN).
U will come to know How the CREATOR will assist those who have FAITH in HIM..

DEAR all.... Read QURAN, U will understand What is LIFE, What is the PURPOSE of LIFE. NO need any babas in between.. U & Ur maker...
LOOK for this, U will be successful.

Rikaz
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Wish you happy married life!

Mohandas
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

All the best for the new couple. live your life happily

Srikanth
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Haati Chale Bazar kutte Bokhe Hazaar...!

Sonakshi
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Both families are really great. Triumph of humanity

Nijaguna
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Am really proud of you Ashita. Finally love defeated hatred. This wedding was a blend of Hindu Muslim culture. This wedding not only united couples from two different families but also united families from two different religions and crushed communalism.

Human
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

What was the need of conversion and change of name if the love was genuine?

Srikanth
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Wish You a Happy Wedding Gud Luck For Your Future..Really This is an Achievement..Well Done..

Curious
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

baarakallahu lakum wa baraka alaikum wa jamaha bainakumaa fil kair

Rinku
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

All the best and go ahead....its your life....enjoy....

Zaheer
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

very good news for all the hate mongers...
nice answer by the girl right on hate mongers face...May Allah protect the couple and destroy those who come on their way......

Muzamil
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Very good sister. I pray allah to give you more strength to fight this saffron menace

Khader Mohammed
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

good luck dont bother about threat call ,threat call treat as miss call.

zakir khan
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Wish u happy married life. you won. Need not to be afraid of rss chaddi goons. they cant do anything. they only know to bark like dogs.

Prem Rathan
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Hearty congratulation to parents of this boy and girl who supported this union.

Priyanka
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

happy married life. all the best for your future life

Sima Sinha
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Happy married life to the new couple. dont worry about anything. enjoy your life and be happy always

Ramya
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Happy married life, all the best.

Aslam Sheikh
 - 
Monday, 18 Apr 2016

Wish you both a very happy married life!!

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News Network
April 29,2025

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Newcastle (Washington) / Mysuru: In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked both the tech world and local communities in India and the U.S., a Mysuru-based entrepreneur allegedly shot and killed his wife and one of their sons before turning the gun on himself at their residence in Newcastle, Washington. 

The couple’s younger son, aged seven, survived, having stepped out of the house shortly before the tragedy unfolded.

The accused, Harsha Kikkeri (57)—also known as Harshavardhan—was the founder and CEO of HoloWorld, a Mysuru-based robotics company. His wife Shwetha and one of their sons were found dead at the scene along with Harsha, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). Authorities responded to a 911 call at a townhouse in the 7000 block of 129th Street on Thursday night (U.S. time). Upon arrival, deputies found three bodies and confirmed that the scene posed no further threat to public safety.

While investigators are treating it as a murder-suicide, the exact motive remains unknown. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to release the names or ages of the deceased children. The case remains under active investigation.

A Life of Innovation and Ambition

Hailing from Kikkeri village in Karnataka’s Mandya district, Harsha was an engineering graduate from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), Mysuru. He went on to work with Microsoft in the United States, where he was involved in cutting-edge robotics development.

In 2017, Harsha and Shwetha returned to India and co-founded HoloWorld, a robotics startup that soon made headlines for its product HoloSuit—a bi-directional, wireless full-body motion capture suit. Touted as the world’s first of its kind at an affordable price, the suit was designed for applications across healthcare, sports, education, and skill development.

HoloWorld's products were exported to multiple countries, including the US, UK, and Israel. Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh served as the brand ambassador. Harsha even met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss deploying robotic soldiers along India's borders. As a respected member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) network, he frequently spoke at tech and innovation forums.

Despite his professional achievements, the recent tragedy has left many in the tech and entrepreneurial communities grappling for answers.

Community in Mourning

Neighbours in the Newcastle suburb described the family as kind, quiet, and largely private.

“We would exchange greetings. I often saw the mother walking her children to school—she was very warm,” said Alex Gumina, President of the local Homeowners Association.

Another neighbour recalled, “She was always smiling, and her younger son was especially affectionate. We’re devastated—this is unimaginable.”

Residents are planning a community gathering over the weekend to honor the family and support the surviving child.

Business Winds Down After Pandemic

HoloWorld’s corporate headquarters in India was located in Vijayanagar Third Stage, Mysuru, specifically housing its division HoloEducation. The company operated actively from 2018 until it scaled down in 2022 amid the pandemic. The premises have since remained vacant.

“I haven’t been in touch with them in years,” said the building owner. “They shut down during COVID, and I only heard about the tragedy yesterday.”

The incident has sent shockwaves through Mysuru’s business circles. Bhaskar Kalale, Chairman of EqualizeRCM India and President of TiE Mysuru Chapter, expressed deep condolences, calling the event “heartbreaking beyond words.”

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coastaldigest.com news network
April 30,2025

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Mangaluru, April 30: The Netravati bridge at Jeppinamogaru, which had been closed for repair works since March 19, is set to reopen for vehicular traffic from May 2, police commissioner Anupam Agrawal announced.

Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed that the bridge repairs are now complete. A new bearing has been installed in one of the bridge’s pillars, and all necessary structural maintenance has been carried out. Currently, the concrete curing process is in its final stages and is expected to conclude within the next two days, paving the way for the bridge to reopen as scheduled.

The closure of the old Netravati bridge had led to severe daily traffic congestion, as vehicles were diverted to the newly constructed parallel bridge on National Highway 66, where two-way traffic was temporarily permitted. Traffic jams were especially intense during peak morning and evening hours, causing vehicle queues that often stretched from Pumpwell and Kallapu to the Thokkottu flyover. Even emergency vehicles faced difficulties navigating through the gridlock.

To manage the situation, light vehicles heading towards Deralakatte and Konaje — or traveling towards Mangaluru from these areas — were diverted via the Harekala-Pavoor bridge. However, this alternate route also witnessed significant congestion during rush hours. As a result, many commuters, especially those traveling from Thokkottu, Talapady, and Kerala, were forced to start their journeys at least an hour earlier than usual.

The public had been urging authorities to expedite the repair works to ease traffic woes. With the bridge now ready to reopen, commuters can expect a significant improvement in traffic flow along the busy corridor from May 2 onward.

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News Network
April 29,2025

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Mangaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara has expressed concern over the mob lynching of an unidentified man in Mangaluru, in which several Hindutva activists have been arrested. The incident took place on April 27 near Bhatra Kallurti Temple in the Kudupu area on the outskirts of the city.

“Even if someone uttered offensive slogans, violence is not acceptable. The law must take its own course — taking matters into one’s own hands is completely wrong,” the Home Minister said, calling the act "deeply concerning."

He also urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation. “We still don’t know if the victim was a local or from outside Karnataka. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and communal harmony.”

What Happened

The incident occurred around 3 PM on Sunday, during a cricket tournament that involved ten teams and more than 100 players. The accused have reportedly told the police that the victim shouted "Pakistan Zindabad" — a claim now central to the investigation. A physical altercation began between the man and a local youth named Sachin (26), which quickly escalated into a violent group assault.

Eyewitnesses said while some bystanders tried to intervene, others in the crowd beat the man with sticks and kicked him repeatedly. The body was discovered near the temple later in the day, around 5:30 PM, prompting a police alert.

Post-Mortem Reveals Brutality

Initially, police did not observe major visible injuries and suspected a natural death. However, further investigation and a post-mortem at Wenlock District Hospital revealed that the man had died from internal bleeding and shock due to multiple blunt-force injuries, especially to the back, limbs, genitals, and buttocks. The injuries were consistent with an assault using wooden logs.

“This was a brutal and unprecedented case,” said Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal. “We have not seen anything of this nature in the city before. The victim received no medical attention, and that proved fatal.”

Arrests and Legal Action

As of now, 15 individuals — including Sachin — have been arrested, all from Kudupu, Neermarga, Vamanjoor, and surrounding areas. The First Information Report (FIR), filed by local resident Deepak Kumar (33), names 19 individuals, with police expecting the number of accused to grow as they analyze CCTV footage and mobile data.

Authorities estimate that around 25 people were involved in the lynching. Given the number of attackers, the case has been registered under Section 103(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which specifically addresses mob lynching. The section allows for life imprisonment or death penalty for those found guilty.

“Everyone involved will be brought to justice. We will apply the strictest legal provisions,” Commissioner Agarwal stated.

Motive Under Investigation

While some arrested individuals claim the lynching was triggered by the man shouting pro-Pakistan slogans, the authorities have not yet confirmed the authenticity or context of those claims. The identity of the victim remains unknown, and forensic teams are working to establish his background and possible connections to the local area.

Police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to refrain from circulating misinformation or communal narratives.

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