Karnataka: Obscene videos found in Hindu leader's mobile phone
Mangaluru (PTI): Moodbidri police have reportedly found over 50 obscene video clips from the mobile phone of Hindu Jagarana Vedike's Dakshina Kannada district co-convenor Samith Raj Dharegudde.
Dharegudde is currently out on bail in connection with a stone-pelting case involving a private bus.
Police during the investigation found the data from the leader's device.
Police, having secured permission from the court and senior officers, conducted a forensic data extraction at Mangaluru's CEN Lab.
During the process, officers were reportedly startled to find video content showing sexually explicit scenes involving both men and women.
Among the retrieved clips, one video is alleged to feature a prominent coastal politician.
In response to the findings, Moodbidri Inspector Sandesh has registered a separate FIR concerning the obscene content under relevant provisions.
Officials cited the potential risk of these videos being shared or circulated, which could harm public decency and social harmony.
Police are currently working to trace the origin of the videos and verify the identities of those depicted.
Officials confirmed that a fresh notice will be issued to summon Dharegudde for questioning with regard to the obscene video content.
Dhargegudde could not be reached to comment on the videos.
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Mount Carmel College dress code faces criticism from students, sparks debate
Bengaluru: A campaign opposing the dress code at Mount Carmel College has led to discussions over whether such regulations amount to moral policing and restrict students’ freedom of expression.
The campaign, shared on Instagram by Collective Bangalore, referred to the code as “new”. The college principal said the rules have existed for years, and the guidelines bar students from wearing flip-flops, cargo pants, round or V-neck T-shirts and sporting coloured hair. Male students are also required to maintain short and well-groomed hair.
Students have raised concerns not only about the dress code but also about restrictions on movement within the campus and the cancellation of student elections. Three students told Metrolife that they faced uncomfortable checks at the college gate. A first-year female student said she was once sent home for wearing pants with pockets and, on another occasion, for a sleeveless blouse despite a shirt worn over it. A male student said the rules created “unwanted fear among girls” and added that he has been repeatedly asked to cut his long hair.
Opinions from faculty and administrators across other institutions remain divided. Joshua Samuel, principal of Baldwin Methodist College, said dress codes ensure decency and equality. He added that his students generally accept them. Y C Kamala, associate professor at Government First Grade College, Malleswaram, said a dress code was “necessary” during college hours to keep the focus on academics. She also acknowledged that the idea of “decency” is subjective.
Venugopal K R, former principal of University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, supporting uniforms said that they help reduce visible disparities among students from different economic backgrounds. He compared moderate attire in classrooms to lab coats, which he said promote discipline and concentration.
In contrast, S Japhet, former vice-chancellor of Bengaluru Central University, opposed mandatory dress codes, particularly in women’s colleges. He said dress is “a form of self-expression.” He also argued that restrictions in the name of decency amount to moral policing. According to him such decision, should be made in consultation with students, parents and alumni.
Some academics described dress codes as a form of surveillance. A journalism professor said rules rooted in vague ideas of decency often lead to micromanagement, while Rolla Das, assistant professor at a private university, said arbitrary restrictions tend to reinforce veiled patriarchy and have a greater impact on students from marginalised groups.
Drawing parallels with the hijab ban controversy, critics of strict dress codes have warned that such rules could infringe on fundamental freedoms. Supporters of the dress code argue that the step encourage discipline, equality and academic focus.
