MP Brijesh Chowta writes to centre urges to retain Mangaluru as Air India Express crew base
Mangaluru: Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta has written to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, seeking urgent intervention to prevent the closure of Air India Express’ crew base in Mangaluru.
In his letter, Chowta emphasized the strategic importance of Mangaluru International Airport, which has been operational since 1951 and serves as a key aviation hub for Coastal Malnad and North Kerala.
Highlighting the potential effects, Chowta stated that shutting down the crew base would significantly impact both airline employees and travelers.
He noted that over 100 crew members and ancillary workers would be displaced, causing strain on the region’s workforce. Furthermore, he pointed out that the airport's high operational efficiency which is boasting a 90.43% on-time performance (OTP) and handling over 1,300 tons of cargo highlights its necessity.
The MP also stressed that local crew members’ familiarity with the airport enables efficient operations, which would be disrupted by the closure.
He also urged the DGCA to explore decentralized approaches to crew bases, which he believes would improve India’s overall aviation network.
Pleased to have met Union Minister of Civil Aviation Sri Ram Mohan Naidu @RamMNK
— Captain Brijesh Chowta ಕ್ಯಾಪ್ಟನ್ ಬ್ರಿಜೇಶ್ ಚೌಟ (@CaptBrijesh) April 4, 2025
at his office in the Parliament premises today.
Discussed various issues including the ongoing land acquisition of the Mangalore International Airport for expansion and security purposes, which I… pic.twitter.com/56CEpOBQvC
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Belagavi youth’s murder case projected as road accident, cracked in Uttara Kannada; Three arrested
Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.
Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.
The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.
However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.
Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.
The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.
Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.
SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.
