Mangaluru: The first batch of holy Haj pilgrims leaving from Mangaluru International Airport through Haj Committee of India has got flagged off today. State Haj and Wakf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan flagged off the first batch at the Bajpe Ansar School Hall.

Udupi District Federation Khazi PM Ibrahim Musliyar Bekal offered prayers.

The chief guest Urban Development and Housing Minister UT Khader, Mangaluru Haj Management Committee President Y. Mohammed Kunhi, Legislative Council member BM Farook, former MLA BA Moidin Bawa, Haj Committee Member Abubakar Siddique Montugoli, Chairman of the Central Committee Mohammad Masood, former police chief GA BAVA, DK Chairman of District Wakf Advisory Council Kanchur Monu, Former President Haji SM Rasheed Haji, Former President Ibrahim Kodijal, Businessman Haji Zakaria Bajpe, Secretary of Haj and Wakf Mohammed Mohsin, Mangalore Taluk Panchayat President Muhammad Monu and others were present.

Haj Committee Executive Officer Sarfraz Khan Sardar welcomed the gathering.

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Melbourne (PTI): Three Indian students were among 40 people injured in the terrorist attack on Sydney's Bondi Beach in Australia, according to a media report on Tuesday.

Two out of these three students are believed to be receiving treatment in the hospital, The Australia Today news portal reported. 

The names of the Indian students injured during Sunday's attack have not been disclosed yet.

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The Indian students sustained injuries during the shooting, and their exact condition has not been formally confirmed yet, it said. 

Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, 50, opened fire on a gathering during the Jewish festival Hanukkah by the Sea celebration.

At least 15 people were killed in the attack, including a 10-year-old child. Five of the injured remain in critical condition, while two injured police officers are in serious but stable condition, it added.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the investigation is expanding as new information emerges, including international travel by the alleged attackers and the discovery of extremist material, the report said.