DYFI accuses Mangaluru MLA Vedavyasa Kamath of TDR scam
Mangaluru: On Monday, Muneer Katipalla, the state president of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), leveled allegations against Mangaluru MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, accusing him of involvement in a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) scam. Katipalla called upon the state government to halt the proceedings and initiate an investigation into the matter.
Katipalla highlighted concerns regarding the TDR process, stating that under normal circumstances, land transactions must involve the direct participation of the legitimate landowner. However, he questioned the Mangaluru Municipality's acquisition of 10.8 acres of land adjacent to the Pachanadi waste dump through an agreement holder named Giridhar Shetty.
Allegations surfaced suggesting that Shetty had entered into an agreement with the actual landowner to purchase the property for a total sum of 7 crores, with an initial advance payment of 1 crore already made. However, Katipalla revealed discrepancies in the TDR land sale agreement, indicating an inflated valuation of 50 crores. This, according to him, implied an intent to invest a nominal amount while unlawfully profiting from a significant margin.
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Katipalla further implicated Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner Mansoor Ali, alleging that Ali, upon recognizing the technical irregularities in the deal, refused to endorse the agreement and pledged to inform the government. However, purportedly under pressure from MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, Ali was coerced into signing the document. Subsequently, Ali's resistance reportedly triggered an investigation by the Lokayukta against him.
Demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, Katipalla urged the government to probe the alleged malpractice and bring those responsible to justice.
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Vartha Bharati awarded St Paul’s National Media Award for Excellence in Digital Journalism
Bengaluru: Vartha Bharati was honored with the St Paul’s National Media Award (SPNMA) 2025 for Excellence in Digital Journalism at a ceremony held on March 14, 2025, at St Pauls College, Bengaluru.
The award was presented to Abdussalam Puthige, Chief Editor of Vartha Bharati, in recognition of the media house’s contribution to digital journalism.
The event was attended by Prof. B K Ravi, Vice-Chancellor of Koppala University, Dr. Mamatha B R, retired IAS officer and State Information Commissioner, Ayesha Khanum, Chairperson of Karnataka Media Academy, Rev. Fr. Dr. Thomas M J, Chairman of the SPNMA Awards Committee and Principal of St Pauls College, and Dr. Prashanth Venugopal, Award Committee Coordinator and Head of Journalism & Mass Communication at St Pauls College.
