Top cop holds media responsible for tarnishing image of peace-loving Mangaluru

coastaldigest.com news network

March 8, 2018

Mangaluru: Police Commissioner T R Suresh has reiterated that constant negative portrayal by mass media and social media has tarnished the image of the coastal city of Mangaluru in spite of the fact that people of this city are peace-loving and friendly.

Speaking at an interactive session organised by Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Wednesday (March 7), the top cop said that though crimes in Mangaluru are no different from those in other parts of the State or country, the city is getting a negative image because of their unnecessary glorification.

Stating that Mangaluru is not communally sensitive city as it is being projected, he said: “I have worked in communally sensitive regions in the State. Having worked here for nine months, I do not see any reason to call Mangaluru communally sensitive,” he said.

Mr. Suresh said that like any other city, there are clashes among communities in Mangaluru too. “But the incidents here get highlighted, while far serious ones reported in other parts are largely ignored. The same is the case with regard to incidents of moral policing,” he said.

Citing an instance, Mr. Suresh said while cases of assault were registered under Sections 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) of the Indian Penal Code in other parts of the State, the same were registered under Section 307 (attempt to murder) in Mangaluru. “Complaints are given in a way that they attract Section 307 of the IPC. If we do not register under Section 307, allegations are made that we are suppressing the case,” he said.

While 83 cases under Section 307 were registered in 2016, 69 were registered in 2017. In all, 5,420 cases, including 24 murders, were registered in 2016, and 5,824 cases, including 16 murders, were registered last year. “If we compare these numbers with other districts, they are not huge,” Mr. Suresh said.

KCCI president Vathika Pai submitted a memorandum to the Police Commissioner on the occasion, requesting him to solve traffic related issues in the city.

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Udupi’s Kamini Island set for eco-friendly development to boost tourism

News Network

November 15,2024

Udupi: The Tourism Department is planning a major eco-friendly development initiative for Kamini Island, located near the Blue Flag-certified Padubidri End Point beach, aiming to attract more visitors while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Assistant Director Kumar CU emphasized that, given the island’s proximity to the Blue Flag beach, all development efforts will center around eco-friendly practices. “We are looking to enhance the Kamini River and the island’s surroundings by adding a hanging bridge, nature trails, and eco-friendly food courts offering traditional cuisine. Visitors will also be able to reach the island by pedal boats or kayaking,” he said.

The development project is estimated to cost between Rs 3 crore and Rs 4 crore. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag beach, Padubidri, continues to see a steady flow of visitors. Vijay Shetty, manager of the beach, shared that tenders for food courts and water sports have been awarded to private parties. Recently, three new coracles have been introduced, which are proving to be a hit with visitors. Additionally, three more shelters are expected to be ready by November 20.

Shetty mentioned that the beach can now accommodate between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors daily, although footfall remains lower than other district beaches due to user fees and activity restrictions. “Initially, most visitors were from Mangaluru, but now nearly 40% come from other districts, showing a shift in the visitor demographics,” Shetty noted.

To further boost tourism and promote a healthy lifestyle, a Beach Carnival is set to take place on November 23-24, featuring the National Sea Swimming Championship and a sea marathon in collaboration with the Padubidri JCI, which is celebrating its golden jubilee. Cultural events will be held at the main beach, with some sports events taking place at the Blue Flag beach. Emphasis will be placed on making all activities environmentally friendly.

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