Suratkal: A rare and visually appealing fish known as the 'Spotted Moray Eels' was discovered dead near Suratkal Beach. Scientifically named Gymnothorax moringa, it is locally referred to as the Aroli fish. With its distinctive black spots, this fish resembles a mirrored snake and is considered highly attractive.

The Spotted Moray Eels typically exhibit a red coloration. However, the presence of this spotted variation is uncommon in the local area. These fish are usually found in habitats such as coral reefs near islands.

Rajesh KM, a scientist from the Mangalore Regional Center of the Mangalore Marine Fisheries Research Institute, suggested that the fish may have washed ashore due to the turbulent sea waves.

Typically, this species of fish can grow up to 60cm in length and weigh a maximum of 2.51 kg. Spotted Moray Eels are known to live solitary lives and inhabit tropical waters, often migrating to lay their eggs.

In the Tulu language, this fish is known as Marancha fish. It is seldom caught in rocky areas and possesses sharp teeth. Local fishermen have stated that the fish is not commonly consumed by locals.

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Bengaluru, Jul 25 (PTI): The Karnataka High Court has quashed a First Information Report (FIR) filed against three Muslim men who were accused of "preaching Islam" and distributing religious pamphlets near a Hindu temple in Jamkhandi, Bagalkot district.

The complaint had alleged that the men attempted religious conversion by making promises of employment and passed derogatory remarks about Hinduism.

However, the High Court held that there was no substantial evidence of coercion, fraud, or inducement--criteria necessary for prosecution under the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022.

The court made it clear that mere expression or distribution of religious literature does not amount to an offence unless accompanied by forceful or deceitful attempts to convert.

"The essence of a free society lies in the freedom to express, discuss, and propagate beliefs," the bench observed.

It further stated that peaceful preaching, in the absence of coercion or allurement, is protected under Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freely profess and propagate one's religion.

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Additionally, the bench noted that the complainant in the case was neither the alleged victim nor a relative of one. As per Section 4 of the 2022 Act, only an aggrieved individual or their close relatives are permitted to lodge such complaints--making the FIR procedurally invalid.