Two NRI women from Karnataka being tortured by sponsor in Saudi Arabia; official intervention sought

coastaldigest.com news network
May 27, 2021

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Riyadh, May 27: Two NRI women from Karnataka, who are reportedly being exploited by their sponsor in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for over a couple of years, are looking for help from the authorities.

Davanagere’s Fairoza Banu and Tumakuru’s Sabiha were duped by Sikandar and Nayaz Ahmed of their localities respectively who sent them to Saudi Arabia through a Mumbai based agent after promising attractive salaries. While Fairoza reached the Kingdom two years ago, Sabiha had landed there three years ago. Both the women hail from financially poor background and to support their families they had been doing menial jobs before were tricked to leave the country.

After the plight of these two women, who are being treated as bonded labourers, came to light, a couple of NRI activists are trying to help them to return home.  

Saudi-based social worker and pro bono advocate P.A.Hameed Padubidri has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia besides approaching the India Embassy to exert pressure on the authorities concerned to intervene in the issue. Yaseen Gulbrga, a social worker based in Dammam, is also striving to help the stranded women. It was he who managed to trace the women in the remote area in the Kingdom as they had been literally cut off from the rest of the world.  

In his letter to the rights panel, Mr Padubidri said Fairoza and Sabiha were brought on visit visa (with the validity of 90 days not allowed to work) to Saudi Arabia by one Sa'ad Rahil Mukhlef Al-Anazi, a Saudi, holding National ID No.1-0197-7522-8-1. He is presently residing at Al-Qurayat on King Faisal-8521area and his contact No. 0557521451.

“Al-Anazi compelled Fairoza to go to Sakakah to work as a housemaid for a Saudi family while Sabiha was retained at his house to work as a housemaid though she was sent for another family for sometimes. When they were reluctant to go to other places to work, he behaved harshly with them by giving torture and beating with sticks. Till now, he continued to harass them mentally and physically and kept them illegally by violating the visa rules of the KSA,” he said. 

“They have no Iqama nor any valid document nor their own passports. Both are not given salaries for 7 and 9 months respectively. Their passports are taken by him. He kept them unlawfully against their wills and wishes without sending them to India despite of their continuous requests and cries. Fairoza's mother also passed away around four months ago, but all their cries went in vain.”

“When they asked for their salaries, he is used abusive words and pushed Sabiha to the wall. As Fairoza is working for others, she is physically free from his harassment, but he is giving her tortures over phones very often. He completely violated their basic human rights and dignities and keeping them under constant threats and misbehavior,” revealed Mr Padubidri. 

Mr Padubidri urged the authorities to take appropriate action as per the Saudi Arabian law against the accused and free the two women.

Comments

Khan
 - 
Saturday, 26 Jun 2021

Hi.. Can I get the contact number of the advocate Mr. P. A. Hameed Padubidri.?? Very urgent..
Thank you

P A MOHIDDIN
 - 
Thursday, 27 May 2021

Very noble cause done by Mr Hamid Padubidri in getting proper justice to the harassed women. The culprits should be booked as per the law of the land and the victims should be freed from their clutches.

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News Network
November 19,2024

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The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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News Network
November 13,2024

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In the heart of Mangaluru, where rising air pollution is spurring public health worries, voices are calling for a greener, cleaner shift in the city’s public transport. Leading this call is APD Foundation, a Mangaluru-based environmental NGO, which has urged Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre to mandate electric vehicle (EV) adoption in public transport.

Abdullah A Rehman, CEO of APD Foundation, emphasized in a formal letter to the minister that Mangaluru’s public transportation system—efficient and organized with both government and private players—could transition smoothly to EVs in stages. He suggested that government-backed financial incentives, partnerships with EV manufacturers, and collaborations with environmental groups could streamline the switch.

Rehman stressed the potential of EVs to cut down emissions, enhance air quality, and reduce noise levels, noting the quieter operation of electric buses. He confirmed that a copy of his letter was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner as well.

However, Dilraj Alva from the Dakshina Kannada City Bus Association noted potential challenges, explaining that the shift might take up to two years due to infrastructure and budget hurdles. Most EV buses, he explained, are procured through aggregators, not directly by individual operators. The addition of charging stations and other essential infrastructure further complicates the transition.

Alva also raised the economic concern: while diesel buses are priced between ₹30-40 lakh, electric buses can cost up to ₹1 crore. Reflecting on recent meetings with companies, including one in Manipal, he questioned the assumption that EVs are an absolute solution to pollution. “EVs aren’t entirely eco-friendly, especially when considering battery disposal,” he cautioned.

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News Network
November 21,2024

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Prominent NRI community leader SM Syed Khalilur Rehman, fondly known as CA Khalil, passed away in Dubai on Thursday at the age of 86 after a brief illness.

Khalil had been admitted to Aster Hospital in Mankhool on Tuesday after experiencing severe leg weakness. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to a double heart attack that worsened his condition, his son Rais Ahmed confirmed.

The news of his passing has sent waves of grief across communities, particularly in his hometown of Bhatkal, Karnataka, where he was a celebrated figure. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, highlighting his significant contributions to international trade, social service, and education.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

A chartered accountant by profession, Khalil was a founding member of the Dubai chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), where he served as chairman from 1987 to 1994. His illustrious career included key leadership roles, such as general manager of Khaleej Times, group executive director of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, and vice-chairman of the Jashanmal Group of Companies.

He also chaired Maadhyama Communications and Sahil Online, a web-based news platform, and was a director and trustee of several media companies and charitable organisations in Dubai and India.

A Champion for Education and Philanthropy

Khalil’s impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. As president and general secretary of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, he played a pivotal role in the development of educational institutions, including schools and colleges in Bhatkal and surrounding areas. His dedication to social upliftment earned him recognition from the Government of Karnataka, which honoured him with a prestigious award for his philanthropic contributions.

A Life Celebrated

The Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (BMKC) recently released a documentary celebrating Khalil’s remarkable life and service to the community—a testament to his enduring legacy.

CA Khalil is survived by his family and countless admirers across the globe. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian expatriates in the UAE and beyond, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and commitment to community service.

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