Bhatkal community distributed over 1.2 lakh kilos of rice to needy families ahead of Eid
Bhatkal: Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, residents of Bhatkal and surrounding areas had distributed over 1.2 lakh kilograms of rice to economically disadvantaged families. The distribution formed part of the annual Fitra initiative coordinated by the Central Fitra Committee, which has been overseeing this programme for the past four decades.
In 2025, the campaign covered 1,859 families across towns and villages including Bhatkal, Honnavar, Kumta, Ankola, and Shirur. According to Maulana Mohammed Ilyas Jakati Nadwi, convener of the committee, 58 distribution zones were established to manage the process efficiently.
The initiative was supported by contributions from the Bhatkali diaspora in Gulf countries, who have regularly sent Fitra donations during Ramadan.
Most families received approximately 50 kilograms of rice, while larger households and those with disabled members were provided up to 100 kilograms. For the fourth year, the distribution included five kilograms of Basmati rice per family.
The campaign also reached the Sharavathi region, covering villages such as Gersuppa, Herangadi, and Saralgi, which have been included in recent years.
Local volunteers, youth groups, and religious organisations facilitated the distribution, which aimed to address essential needs and encourage community support.
Following the distribution, a review meeting was held at Mohkama Shariah Hall, organised by Cosmos Sports Center. The meeting was attended by representatives from Gulf-based Bhatkali Jamaats, local NGOs, scholars, and members of religious and educational institutions. Discussions focused on improving logistics, expanding outreach, and maintaining transparency in future campaigns.
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Bengaluru: Four arrested for housebreaking, threats, extortion; fake PSI among accused
Bengaluru: Vidyaranyapura police have arrested four persons, including a man posing as a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), for allegedly breaking into a house, threatening the occupants, and extorting money while wearing police uniforms.
The arrested accused have been identified as Mallikarjuna, Pramod, Vinay, and Hrithik.
Police said the accused had hatched a plan to pose as police personnel, conduct fake raids, and extort money from residents by intimidation.
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According to the police, Mallikarjuna had failed the PSI examination twice and later falsely projected himself as a PSI. He allegedly conducted photo shoots in his hometown, Siraguppa, wearing a police uniform, baton, cap, and shoes, claiming to be serving as a PSI in Bengaluru.
On December 7, the four accused allegedly went to the house of Naveen in the Vidyaranyapura limits, threatened him with a stick and an iron rod, and claimed they had information that he was selling ganja. Under the pretext of searching, they allegedly extorted ₹87,000 through bank transfer, ₹53,000 in cash kept in the house, and ₹2,000 from his wallet.
Following Naveen’s complaint, Vidyaranyapura police registered a case and launched an operation, leading to the arrest of all four accused. Police have seized ₹45,000 in cash and the car used to commit the crime.
Further investigation is underway.
