Kerala Police file kidnapping case against Muslim youngster after bike ride with girl
Sessions Court grants bail
Kasaragod: In a case that highlights concerns over moral policing and communal bias, a Kasaragod sessions court granted anticipatory bail to 23-year-old Sayyid Hiban Muhammed, a theatre technician from Lakshadweep, accused of kidnapping a 17-year-old girl. The court found no evidence of criminal intent and questioned the police's suo motu action in filing the case.
The alleged incident occurred on the night of September 13, during an Onam celebration at a private hospital where Muhammed worked. At the request of the girl, identified as Nandana P R*, Muhammed took her on a two-hour motorcycle ride. Both returned without incident. Nandana’s mother, Sreelakshmi R*, later stated she had no complaint against Muhammed and clarified that the outing was consensual.
Despite this, the Vanitha Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under s.137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alleging that Muhammed intended to abuse the girl. According to the girl's mother, local BJP leaders and police officials pressured her to implicate Muhammed, but she refused to change her stance.
The hospital management had initially requested a discreet inquiry, noting communal tensions within the staff but made no allegations of sexual misconduct. However, the police proceeded with the case, citing a potential POCSO violation, despite the girl's confidential statement to a magistrate confirming her consent and a medical examination ruling out abuse.
During the bail hearing, the public prosecutor argued that granting bail could stoke communal tensions. Sessions Judge Sanu S Panicker rejected the argument, observing that taking someone out without intent to commit an offence does not constitute a crime.
Advocate Shajjid Kammadam, representing Muhammed, criticised the case as being driven by prejudice rather than evidence. He confirmed that Muhammed plans to approach the Kerala High Court to quash the FIR.
"I hope today's order ensures that Muhammed and my family are left in peace," Sreelakshmi said, expressing relief over the court’s decision.
(*Names changed to protect identities.)
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KMES Institutions shine in SSLC result, continue four-decade legacy of education in rural Karkala
Karkala: KMES Institutions of Education at Kukkundooru in Karkala taluk has recorded outstanding results in the 2025-26 SSLC and PUC examinations, continuing a four-decade educational journey that began with just 22 kindergarten students and no building of its own.
The institution secured a 100 per cent result in the SSLC examinations, with all 43 students passing the examination this year.
Muhammad Arman Shahid emerged as the school topper by scoring 619 marks out of 625, securing 99 per cent and also ranking sixth at the state level. He scored full marks in Kannada, Hindi, Mathematics and Social Science.
Krithika V. Nayak secured the second position in the school with 607 marks and 97.12 per cent, while Arhan stood third with 605 marks and 96.8 per cent.
Out of the 43 students, 21 passed with distinction, 19 secured first class, two students obtained second class and one student passed in third class. Fourteen students scored above 90 per cent.
The institution also performed strongly in the PUC examinations. The Science stream recorded a 100 per cent result, with all 44 students passing, while Commerce secured a 98 per cent pass percentage.
Twelve students scored full marks in different subjects, including Mathematics.
In Commerce, Deeksha Acharya topped the college with 588 marks, while Harshitha H. Kini secured the second position with 581 marks.
In Science, Naveen B. Nayak emerged as topper with 586 marks, followed closely by Sameeksha Moily and Aifa Nidha, who both secured 585 marks.
Speaking about the achievement, High School head teacher Shrimati Patkar said the institution has always focused on supporting academically weak students through affordable education and free special classes.
“Our ambition is to provide quality education even to students who struggle in studies. The fees are very low, and free coaching classes are conducted. I have worked here for 28 years and have always found the atmosphere supportive of education,” she said.
Primary School head teacher Lolita Zeena D’Silva appreciated the dedication of the teaching staff and said the school encourages students not only to achieve high marks but also to become role models.
PU College Principal Balakrishna Rao said the institution focuses on value-based education and overall personality development.
“The aim is to help students succeed not only academically but also in cultural activities, sports and leadership. We encourage qualities such as patience, tolerance and discipline,” he said.
Rao also credited the institution’s growth to the support of founders K.S. Mohammed Masood and K.S. Nissar Ahmed, along with President K.S. Imtiaz Ahmed.
Speaking on the occasion, Imtiaz Ahmed said the institution was built on the dream of making quality education accessible to financially backward families in rural areas.
He said the guidance and encouragement of his elder brothers, Mohammed Masood and Nissar Ahmed, along with the contribution of teachers, students and parents, helped transform the institution into a model educational centre.
The KMES Institutions trace their roots back to 1984, when they were founded by senior social activists Haji P.M. Khan, K.S. Nazeer Ahmed and Haji A.S. Rashid Haider.
The institution initially functioned from the Government Urdu School premises as it did not have a building of its own. Classes began with only 22 students in lower kindergarten and two teachers.
Later, under the leadership of K.S. Mohammed Masood and with continuous financial and moral support from non-resident businessman K.S. Nissar Ahmed, the institution gradually expanded.
In 1993, the school shifted to its own building and began conducting classes from LKG to Class 5.
As student admissions increased, Nissar Ahmed personally funded the construction of three additional classrooms to address infrastructure shortages.
The institution’s new school building was completed in 1997, while the PU College building was constructed in 2001.
From humble beginnings in a borrowed building to producing state-level rank holders and consistent academic results, the KMES Institutions have grown into one of the prominent educational centres in the Karkala region.
