Spectacular formation of UAE Human Flag at the KSCC Fitness Challenge Grand Closing Ceremony
Dubai: As part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30X30, the Karnataka Sports and Cultural Club (KSCC) held its Grand Closing Ceremony of Fitness Activities on Friday, 29th of November at the Al Mamzar Park.
The event was a conclusion of a consecutive four Fitness Activity programs held as part of the month long DFC 30x30 challenge.
The event started with the formation of the UAE human flag, after which the event was inaugurated by Mr. Muhammad Mustafa from Emsquare Engineering Consultant, who also released a bouquet of balloons bearing the colors of the UAE National Flag.
A short marathon was held by the participants, forming the UAE human flag at the Al Mamzar Park. A martial arts display by Karate enthusiasts Ayaan, Adaan and Afaan was held at the event, which was then followed by an hour long fitness session by Captain Raducu Dovganiuc, who is a fitness trainer with the Dubai Police Academy. Mr. Raducu conducted a series of exercises and later highlighted the importance of making physical fitness a part of our daily routine in order to lead healthy and more fulfilling lives.
The Chief guest Mr. Mustafa, himself and ardent fitness enthusiast, appreciated the efforts of all the participants and officials and reiterated on the need to be fit and healthy. Other guests and officials included Mr. Hafeez, KSSC Vice President Mr. Ziaduddin, KSCC Manager Mr. Shafi, Event Coordinator Nasir and other event officials.
Mr. Tanveer hosted the closing ceremony program.
The KSCC is a platform for the Indian community in the UAE to exhibit their sports and cultural talents and be part of an active and healthy lifestyle. The KSCC is authorized by the Cultural Development Authority, Government of Dubai. The event was supported by the Community Development Authority, Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Municipality.
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Malayalam film director Ranjith remanded in sexual assault case; FEFKA takes action
Kochi (PTI): A court here on Wednesday sent noted Malayalam film director Ranjith to judicial custody after he was arrested late last night in connection with an attempted sexual assault case.
Following his remand, the director claimed that the accusations against him were "false" and that he would be able to prove it.
He made the claim before reporters while being taken inside the sub-jail here.
Even as the director claimed innocence, state Culture Minister Saji Cherian indicated that the government and the police were with the victim, and the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) recommended suspension of Ranjith's membership from the directors and writers unions.
The police said that the victim was "traumatised" by the incident and had to undergo counselling and psychiatric treatment before she could come forward with the complaint.
Kochi City Police Commissioner S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said that a Special Investigation Team was formed after recording the victim's statement, and then the allegations were discreetly verified before moving forward with the arrest.
"It should not happen to any woman, especially at the workplace," he told reporters here.
The officer also said that the director had attempted to remove himself from the area.
Kumar also said that the biggest challenge before the police was to maintain the confidentiality of the case and protect the identity of the victim.
He also said that there were several witnesses to the alleged sexual assault, as the incident happened on a shooting set.
The officer said that the evidence collection was progressing, and the director's custody will be sought when required.
FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan told reporters here that there was no complaint made to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in connection with the incident.
FEFKA is an association of several craft unions in the Malayalam film industry.
Ranjith was taken into custody from the Idukki district on Tuesday evening, and subsequently, his arrest was recorded.
He was produced at the residence of a magistrate here in the morning and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.
The case against Ranjith was registered by Kochi City Police a few days ago based on the victim's complaint.
Earlier in the day, Cherian told reporters that "such acts will not be accepted by the government or the society" and that the government and the police were with the victim.
Ranjith was appointed as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy in 2022 and resigned from the post in 2024.
The minister said that the director was appointed to the post because he was qualified for it, and at that time, there were no such allegations against him.
"He carried forward the academy in a good way. When such allegations came up earlier, he had left the position. We are viewing the repetition of the same allegations against him seriously. Neither the police nor the government is protecting him," he said.
He said that the quick action taken against the director is an outcome of the recent changes in the movie sector, including holding of the cinema conclave and the state film policy.
"Let the investigation take its course," he added.
The minister also said that anyone in the film sector having similar bad experiences can come forward with a complaint and stand firm on it, as the government will be with them.
According to the police, the woman actor alleged that the director had invited her to a caravan during the shooting of a film and attempted to sexually assault her.
Ranjith had earlier faced allegations of sexual harassment following revelations in the Justice K Hema Committee report on harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry.
In 2024, a case was registered against Ranjith after a Bengali actress filed a complaint with the Kochi City Police Commissioner.
The complaint, sent via email, alleged that Ranjith had touched her inappropriately with sexual intent after inviting her to act in the film Paleri Manikyam in 2009.
