Stop misusing NIA to target pro-people activists, SDPI tells govt after arrest of its leaders

News Network
December 22, 2020

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Bengaluru, Dec 22: The Social Democratic Party of India has urged the BJP government to immediately stop the continuous “misuse of NIA and other investigating agencies against the pro-people activists and organizations”.

Addressing a press conference here Afsar Kodlipate, Karnataka State General Secretary, of SDPI accused the government of targeting innocents after a protest against the blasphemous remarks against the Prophet Muhammad took a violent turn in August 2020 in Bengaluru’s D G Halli & K G Halli.

“This violence was used for the political agenda. First the investigation was done by state police and later by the National Investigation Agency. Thousands of men were called for inquiry and more than 180 have been arrested in this case. Under this, the attempt by the central government to get the SDPI party under the direction of political leaders is politically motivated. At one side State Police accuse Congress leaders and its hand in this rioting and on the other side, Central BJP Govt misusing NIA and is been tasked to fix SDPI in this case,” he said.

“Yesterday, SDPI Bengaluru district president Mohammed Sharif and some members were arrested by the NIA. From the beginning, SDPI leaders and its members are regularly visiting the NIA office and giving 100% cooperation in this investigation. 
Mobile phones of our leaders and few of our party offices were also checked. But, they could not find any role of SDPI in this incident. Yet the SDPI is being targeted by the NIA as directed by the BJP leaders,” he said.

He said: “Local people were furious after seeing the blasphemous remarks against the Prophet by Naveen who is a BJP supporter who regularly support’s BJP ideology on the social media. Just because he is a BJP supporter, in spite of him being the mail culprit in this case has been put few simple IPC sections and now he is free on bail. But, where as hundreds of Muslim youths from the locality have been arrested under UAPA sections. Discrimination policies are being followed and bail is been denied just because they belong to Muslim community. Hundreds of families of these innocent youths are miserable & are in distrust.”

“Amidst covid-19 pandemic, SDPI is serving regularly the victims of corona in various ways and was hailed by all religions across the country, has held a series of all-round meetings in the Bangalore city district to continue these services and celebrate upcoming Independence Day in August. However, there is an attempt to create false evidence that these meeting by SDPI was part of the conspiracy to do violence in the DJ halli & KG Halli area which is false narrative.”

“The real perpetrators should be investigated impartially and without discrimination with respect to any party or organization or any religion. The innocent should be released immediately. Black laws such as the UPA should not be abused. We request that investigation officers should not be subjected to any political pressure.”

“We are seeing that BJP government in the name of Bhima Koregaon protests, CAA-NRC protest, the Delhi riots and now in the DJ Halli violence has consistently attacked social activists & political opposition. These kind of false cases should be stopped immediately. Real culprits whoever they are should be booked and arrested, even if they are supporters or leaders of BJP/RSS,” he said.

Abdul Majeed Khan, SDPI State Vice President, Mujahid Pasha, State General Secretary, Akram Hassan and Fayyaz  Bengaluru, SWC members, H M Gangappa, Bengaluru District Vice President and Salim Ahmed, Bengaluru were present at the press meet.

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News Network
January 8,2025

Bengaluru: In a sweeping anti-corruption operation, the Karnataka Lokayukta conducted simultaneous raids on the properties of eight government officials across eight districts on Wednesday. The raids, part of ongoing investigations into disproportionate assets cases, targeted over 20 locations linked to these officials.

According to Lokayukta sources, the coordinated operation spanned Bengaluru, Mandya, Bidar, Belagavi, Tumakuru, Gadag, Ballari, and Raichur. Properties of the following officials were under scrutiny:

Shobha – Joint Commissioner, Bengaluru Transport Department

S. N. Umesh – Health and Family Welfare Officer, Kadur

Ravindra – Inspector, Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Sub-Division, Bidar

Prakash Sridhar Gaikwad – Tahsildar, Khanapur

S. Raju – Retired RTO Officer, Tumakuru

Huchesh alias Huchappa – Assistant Executive Engineer, Gadag Municipality

R. H. Lokesh – Welfare Officer, Backward Class Department, Ballari

Huliraja – Junior Engineer (Electric), Raichur

Lokayukta officials are thoroughly examining documents, assets, cash, and other valuables found during the raids.

This operation is the Lokayukta’s first major crackdown in 2025. Notably, on December 12, the watchdog had unearthed disproportionate assets worth Rs 48.55 crore in raids on properties belonging to 10 government officials.

The Lokayukta’s intensified efforts signal its commitment to curbing corruption and ensuring accountability among government officials.

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News Network
January 8,2025

Mangaluru: Air India Express (AIE) has postponed its much-anticipated direct flight service between Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and Singapore, citing low bookings. Passengers who had booked tickets for the inaugural flight scheduled for January 21 and subsequent dates have been notified of the cancellation through email.

In its email, AIE assured passengers of alternative travel arrangements, including connecting flight options between MIA and Singapore. However, the decision to delay the direct service has left travelers and travel agents disappointed.

An AIE official attributed the postponement to operational challenges but clarified that the airline has not abandoned plans for the route. “We are committed to starting the service, but there is no immediate confirmation on the new launch date,” the official stated. He further explained that sustaining a route requires consistent demand, and seasonal travel alone is insufficient to justify operations.

Another AIE representative admitted that the number of bookings for the inaugural flight was below expectations but declined to disclose specific figures.

Rajesh H Acharya, director of HQ Connections Pte Ltd in Singapore and coordinator of the Singapore Tuluver community, expressed his disappointment. Acharya, who has been advocating for a direct flight between Mangaluru and Singapore since 2017, said, “After years of effort, we finally convinced the airline to start this service, but it has now been deferred.”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Acharya posted: "Did not expect such behavior from @AirIndiaX, now owned by @TataCompanies & @SIAirlines. If there are issues, travelers deserve to be informed well in advance. This decision needs investigation at the highest level."

The delay has raised questions among the travel community, with many hoping the airline will address these concerns and provide a clear timeline for the launch of the Mangaluru-Singapore direct flight.

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News Network
January 8,2025

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Mangaluru: The Tannirbhavi beach stretch up to the forest department's Tree Park is on the brink of a remarkable transformation under the ‘One Beach, One Destination’ initiative. This ambitious project aims to elevate the beach into a top-tier tourist hotspot through comprehensive upgrades and strategic developments.

Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP shared updates during a press briefing on Tuesday, revealing that fresh tenders have been floated for maintaining the main beach. The technical evaluation of tenders for the Tannir Bhavi Blue Flag Beach is nearing completion, with the financial bids set to open shortly. “We are pleased to see major players participating in the tender process,” the DC remarked.

For the main beach, the maintenance contract will span 10 years. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag Beach’s successful bidder will face a progressive financial model—starting with a Rs 50 lakh payment in the first year, escalating to Rs 2 crore by the 10th year, alongside a minimum 5% revenue share for the administration. “Upon completion of the development, the beach will feature continuous activities to enhance its appeal,” he added.

Approximately 90% of the beach’s development work is already complete. Eco-friendly initiatives such as waste management systems and solar installations are operational at the Blue Flag Beach. While entrance work by Mangaluru Smart City Limited is ongoing, the beach remains accessible to the public. Entry fees, set in accordance with Blue Flag guidelines, aim to support sustainable maintenance efforts.

The ‘Blue Flag’ certification represents a global standard in eco-tourism, ensuring clean bathing water, state-of-the-art amenities, safety measures, and sustainable development. Karnataka’s Padubidri and Kasarkod beaches are among the few in India to hold this prestigious certification.

Mangaluru Smart City Limited is spearheading the development of the 1.8-acre area, with an investment of approximately Rs 16 crore. Once completed, the Tannirbhavi Beach is expected to stand out as a vibrant and eco-friendly destination, drawing tourists and locals alike.

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