KOZHIKODE (KERALA): Police have registered a case against Manaf, a lorry owner, and others based on a defamatory complaint lodged by the sister of Arjun, who was driving Manaf's lorry when he died in a landslide in Shirur, Karnataka.

In her complaint, Anju alleged that Manaf, capitalising on the emotional state of Arjun's family, carried out propaganda and started a YouTube channel using her deceased brother's photo, thereby defaming the family.

The case was registered by the Chevayur police. They have also booked those who carried out defamatory propaganda against the family on social media.

It further alleged that after the family disclosed these matters to the media, Manaf used that to create a situation to carry out a cyber attack against Anju and her family in a manner that incites communal hatred.

Manaf has been charged under sections BNS 192 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot, if rioting is committed) and 120 (O) of the Kerala Police Act (Penalty for causing nuisance and violation of public order).

The family of Arjun had accused Manaf of using their emotions for his personal gain, an allegation denied by him.

Arjun's family held a press conference at their residence here on Wednesday and told reporters that Manaf, who was initially with them, was now using their emotions for his personal gain, including collecting funds from various sources.

They had also claimed that he was characterising them as destitute, which was hurtful as many of the family members have jobs.

Reacting to the allegations, Manaf said he did not want to create a controversy and he was someone who approaches things emotionally.

He also apologised to Arjun's family if things had gone wrong.

On September 25, after Arjun’s remains were recovered along with the lorry from the Gangawali river near Shirur village, Manaf said that his efforts to get Arjun back to his family had been vindicated.

He had also said that he fulfilled the promise to Arjun’s family, especially his father and infant son, that he would be brought back to them.

The July 16 landslide on National Highway 66 claimed the lives of nine people, including that of Arjun.

Manaf had stayed in Karnataka for more than two months till Arjun’s remains were recovered from the river.

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New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.

The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.

The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.

"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.

Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.

"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.

It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.

It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.

"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.

It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.