Channagiri: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the investigation into the custodial death of Adil (33), which occurred on Friday, May 24. The incident has sparked significant unrest in the town, leading to an attack on the local police station by a mob, resulting in injuries to officers and damage to property.

Adil, a resident of Tipu Nagar in Channagiri, was detained by police for questioning in connection with a gambling case. Shortly after his detention, he reportedly developed a health complication. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Adil was declared dead upon arrival.

Following news of his death, a mob of at least 25 men besieged the Channagiri police station, vandalizing property and injuring 11 police officers. The protesters damaged vehicles and other station assets in their anger over Adil's alleged murder.

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Adil's family claims he was tortured by police while in custody, accusing them of causing his death. Contrarily, the police have stated that Adil died from a seizure. A post-mortem examination was conducted on Saturday, and the results are awaited to determine the exact cause of death.

In response to the violent protest, 25 individuals have been arrested. They face charges under Sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and have been remanded to judicial custody.

The situation in Channagiri remains tense but has stabilized, according to the police. Reinforcements from Chitradurga, Davanagere, and Shivamogga have been deployed to maintain order in the town. Five police teams have been formed to investigate the incident thoroughly.

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Bengaluru: A recent study commissioned by the Karnataka government has revealed that 28% of the state's 328.55-km coastline is experiencing high levels of erosion. The report, submitted by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management to the Environment Department, shows that the length of eroding stretches has more than doubled, from 43.7 km in 1990 to 91.6 km in 2024.

Titled Shoreline Management Plan Along Karnataka Coast, the report highlights the impact of increased sediment barriers and upstream activities on coastal erosion. It also calls for the adoption of nature-based solutions to counter the effects of climate change and human activities.

District-wise findings

The coastline of Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada spans 328.55 km, with varying levels of erosion across the districts:

Uttara Kannada: Although 28% of its 193-km coastline is eroded, the district accounts for 39% of the state’s total erosion due to increased coastal development.

Udupi: Despite 43% of the coastline being protected by seawalls, 38% remains affected by erosion, contributing to 32% of Karnataka's overall erosion.

Dakshina Kannada: The district’s 37-km coastline faces “critical” erosion, with 39% of its stretches severely impacted, including areas such as Uchil and Batapady.

The report warns that coastal erosion threatens habitations, estuarine environments, mangroves, mudflats, and fish landing areas.

Recommendations

Identifying 44 critical erosion zones, the report suggests:
1. Beach nourishment through sand replenishment.
2. Rehabilitation of sand dunes and bioshields.
3. Mangrove afforestation to stabilise coastlines and support fisheries.

The findings will inform the Karnataka-Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy (K-SHORE) project, which prioritises nature-based solutions over hard approaches like seawalls. R Gokul, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, stated that the Rs 840-crore project will focus on mangrove planting, beach nourishment, and tackling plastic pollution. These measures aim to protect the coastline and boost the blue economy.

The report will also guide the Karnataka State Coastal Zone Management Authority in reviewing coastal development proposals.