Dr Heggade to pull up Saujanya's family to Court for baseless allegations

safia@coastaldigest.com (CD Network)
October 12, 2013

Belthangady, Oct 12: With Saujanya's family directing attacking Sri Kshethra Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade and family of hushing up the rape and murder case because of his nephew's alleged role in the same, Dr Heggade has said that he will pull up the victim's family to Court for its baseless allegations.

verendra_heggade

“While I am for a CBI probe in this case, it is wrong on the part of the family to make baseless allegations against me and my nephew Nishchal,” he said stating that when the incident occurred, Nishchal was in New York.

Suspecting vested interests at work behind family's claims, he said that some elements which have not been able to tolerate the services done by his family have made attempts to tarnish their image.

“In fact, when I came to know about Saujanya's death, I had called the then home minister right in front of her parents and urged him for an unbiased inquiry into the case. We have documents with regard to the struggle we have made to seek justice for Saujanya but, may be, we have not been able to give media statements every time,” he said, also stating that the'D' number that Mr Timarodi was talking about in an interview was given to local auto drivers because the pilgrims coming to the area had been complaining of drivers overcharging them.

“It was done keeping convenience of the pilgrims in mind,” he said lamenting that it has backfired against him and his family.

It may be recalled that family of Saujanya, a student of SDM College, Ujire who was raped and murdered a year ago, has now come out in open and pointed finger at Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade of having played a role in pushing the case under the carpet.

In an interview to a private channel Saujanya's parents have said that Dr Heggade's brother Harshendra Kumar's son Nishcal was involved in the crime and hence Dr Heggade had gone out of his way to hush up the matter.

Resort of rape

Vittal Gowda, Saujanya's uncle has said that a resort is functioning in Dharmasthala where rape and murder is executed fearlessly.

He said that a resort run by Chandan Kamat at Nidle is the den of such people. “Nobody can question them because there is someone supreme taking care of them,” he said adding that that some days ago, even Saujanya's family was warned of dire consequences if they participated in the protests for Saujanya.

He said that a worker from Mr Heggade's plantation had come to them and said that'Kavandaru' (as locals address Mr Heggade) has warned you to stay away from the protest.”

Not sure of surviving

Hindu leader Mahesh Shetty Timarodi addressing the interview on Friday has said that they had changed three vehicles to reach the TV studio in Bangalore.

“Several steps were taken to prevent us from reaching this place. There are several persons waiting to get us killed,” he said adding that the ones standing for Saujanya are not sure of surviving the threats.

“That does not mean that we are scared. We do not fear death. We want justice for a young girl who died an untimely death,” Mr Shetty said adding that Belthangady SI Yogesh had worked very hard to close the case.

He lamented that even when COD officials came to investigate the matter they left the place because of the pressure from higher-ups. “They knew the truth but they could not open their mouth. Former home minister R Ashok, during his visit to this place had not met Saujanya's parents. Instead, he went to the temple and left to Bangalore,” he said.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
Agencies
March 28,2025

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
April 7,2025

nitin.jpg

Mangaluru, Apr 7: In a chilling and heart-wrenching turn of events from Nadugallu in Nalakuru village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada, a mother and son’s desperate act to end their lives has left a community in disbelief. The duo allegedly consumed rodent poison in a joint suicide attempt, resulting in the son’s death and leaving the mother in a critical condition.

The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Nithin, son of Kushalappa Gowda of Derappajjanamane, Nalakuru. His mother, Sulochana, is currently battling for her life in a hospital. According to sources, the incident took place three days ago, with both victims falling severely ill by the morning of April 6.

Nithin, an ITI diploma holder, had been managing his family's agricultural land. He had married Deeksha, a guest lecturer at a local college, about a year ago. At the time of the tragic incident, Deeksha was reportedly staying at her parental home. During her absence, Nithin and Sulochana allegedly consumed poison in what is believed to be a premeditated act.

Well-known in the village for his kind demeanor and strong social ties, Nithin’s untimely death has cast a shadow of grief and shock across the local community. His father, Kushalappa Gowda, is also said to be ailing.

The Subrahmanya police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to this devastating event.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
April 7,2025

Mangaluru, Apr 7: A price storm is brewing in Mangaluru’s hotel and restaurant industry. Faced with skyrocketing raw material costs and mounting overheads, hoteliers are preparing to hike food prices by up to 10% within a month — a move that could hit the pockets of thousands of diners across Dakshina Kannada.

From milk and oil to LPG and staples like rice and toor dal, prices have surged, pushing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian establishments to the brink. Over 65% of hotels operate in rented spaces, and labour shortages are adding fuel to the fire.

Swarna Sunder of Dinki Dine says running a hotel without burdening customers is becoming near-impossible. “Costs are rising daily. We’re trying to strike a balance, but a hike is inevitable,” he said, calling Mangaluru a highly price-sensitive market.

Industry leaders, including the Dakshina Kannada Hotel Owners Association, are expected to meet soon to formalize the revision.

Meanwhile, hoteliers blame "unhealthy competition" for further disrupting the sector. “Some serve unlimited fish meals under ₹60 — it’s unsustainable and unfair,” said a hotelier, adding that such practices are forcing smaller eateries to shut shop.

Chandrahas Shetty, president of the district association, confirmed that rising input costs have left them with little choice but to revise menus.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.