Shankar Poojary is innocent; we are trying for his acquittal - Mubarak Ali of Udupi clarifies
Udupi, Sept 01: Mubarak Ali of Udupi informed that they were putting every possible effort for the acquittal of Shankar Poojary of Kundapur Taluk Aangalli Kalanje, who was arrested by Kuwait police for allegedly carrying drugs containing prohibited molecules while flying to Kuwait from his native place.
Addressing a press conference here, Mubarak Ali admitted that he had sent three types of medicines with Shankar on the basis of a prescription issued by KMC's doctor for his cousin Tasleem Fatima.
Besides giving the medicines prescribed by the doctor after purchasing them from the city's medical shop to Shankar Poojary, he had also sent homemade desserts, he informed.
I had given medical prescription and bills along with the medicines. But Shankara Poojary did not carry the bills. The Kuwait police arrested Shankar at the Kuwait airport on June 13 due to lack of proper documents for taking the medicines. After 20 days we learned from Shankar's wife Jyoti about his arrest, Mubarak Ali said.
Then we went to Kundapur police station and discussed with the inspector there. He then introduced us to Gopal Kalanje, general secretary of the BJP’s SC District Morcha, who is the neighbor of Shankar Poojary.
Later, as per his instruction, I submitted doctor's certificate, MRICD to Udupi MP Shobha Karandlaje and Mangaluru MP Nalin Kumar Kateel along with his letters. Also contacted the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait in Kuwait and making every effort to get Shankar released.
Shankar Poojary is innocent.
But Jyoti and Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President Ansar Ahmed are giving false statements without knowing the truth. But we have continued our struggle to get Shankar without paying heed to their statements. Shankar Poojary is innocent, and the problem was that the drugs we sent are banned in Kuwait. We were unaware of it. We will continue to put all our efforts and help him to get released," Mubarak Ali said.
Gopal Kalanje was present at the press conference.
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Siddaramaiah unveils world's second largest khadi national flag at Belagavi
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday unveiled the world's second-largest khadi national flag at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here, stating that the Indian tricolour is not merely a khadi cloth but a symbol of the nation's pride and self-respect.
The state government said this was the "second largest" khadi national flag. The largest such tricolour was reportedly displayed in Leh in 2021.
Addressing the gathering after unveiling the flag here, Siddaramaiah recalled that the tricolour was adopted during the freedom movement.
"It is not just khadi fabric, but a symbol of India's pride and dignity. The flag contains three colours and the Ashoka Chakra. The saffron, white and green colours convey messages of national pride, economy, sacrifice and peace, while inspiring patriotism among Indians," Siddaramaiah said.
He added that white represents peace and truth, green symbolises prosperity, and the Ashoka Chakra signifies the country's continuous economic progress and equal opportunities for all.
"We must respect the national flag and view it with pride. Everyone should nurture patriotism," he said.
He congratulated Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader and the family members of Vinod Kumar Revappa Bammanna of Kamalapur in Kalaburagi district, who donated the flag.
On this occasion, the chief minister said it was important to remember those who fought and sacrificed for the nation.
"Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the freedom struggle was waged. Gandhi had presided over the Congress session in Belagavi. As it completes 100 years, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed next to the Suvarna Soudha," he noted.
He said humans must love one another and not hate, adding that only then can an equitable society be built; otherwise, building a secular nation becomes difficult.
"We must all be patriots. India is home to many castes and religions, and it is essential that we all uphold secularism," he said.
Noting that it has been over 75 years since Independence, the chief minister stressed the need to introspect on how far the country has achieved fraternity, patriotism and a humane society.
"Without these values, it is impossible to live as human beings. This mindset must grow among students and youth," he said, adding that his government is ensuring that the Preamble of the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar is read in schools and colleges.
