Rickshaw driver assaulted with deadly weapon in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: A rickshaw driver fell victim to a violent assault on Panambur Beach Road, yesterday. Identified as Arafat (30), a resident of Bunder was attacked while he parked near Panambur beach awaiting passengers.
Reports indicate that Arafat, a rickshaw driver from Mangalore city, had arrived at the beach area. However, tensions escalated when he encountered resistance from four rickshaw drivers already stationed there, allegedly upset over Mangaluru city drivers encroaching on their territory. The confrontation turned violent, with Arafat sustaining injuries to his hand.
Following the incident, Panambur police registered a case and initiated further investigation.
The incident has sparked outrage among rickshaw drivers in Mangaluru, who staged a protest outside Wenlock Hospital. They termed the attack as yet another instance of hooliganism at the Panambur rickshaw park, calling for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators. Rickshaw drivers demanded an end to such acts of violence, and demanded for urban permit rickshaws to have the freedom to operate within the city limits without fear of reprisal.
Arafat stated that while parked near the beach, he was attacked by a fellow rickshaw driver. Amidst the confrontation, another individual appeared, striking him on the head with a spanner before wielding a sharp weapon.
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Sexual harassment allegations rock Italian cricket
New Delhi (PTI): Days after making a historic debut at the T20 World Cup, Italy cricket has been rocked by sexual harassment allegations by a women's team player against women's cricket co-ordinator Prabath Ekneligoda, who has been suspended by the nation's cricket board, the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) informed.
According to a statement released by FCRI, the allegations are the subject of an investigation by the federal prosecutor.
"The Federation confirms that, during 2025, the President of the federation acting within her institutional responsibilities and with the full safeguarding of the athletes and other parties involved in mind, ordered the immediate precautionary suspension of the individual concerned from all federal duties and activities," ESPN Cricinfo quoted the the board as saying in a statement.
"This measure was adopted pending a thorough and definitive assessment of the circumstances. The decision was taken as a prudent and responsible step, aimed at preventing any undue speculation, preserving the integrity of the sporting environment, and ensuring that any fact-finding takes place in the appropriate forums, with full respect for personal dignity, due process and the presumption of innocence."
According to reports, Ekneligoda's lawyer has denied the allegations, claiming "ulterior motives" were behind them.
FCRI media manager Rakbir Hasan confirmed to the website that Ekneligoda had travelled with the board president Maria Lorena Haz Paz at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka but didn't have any official duties.
"It is further noted that proceedings are currently under way before the Federal Prosecutor's Office, which is responsible for carrying out the assessments and investigations provided under sporting regulations," the FCRI said.
