Mangaluru: A two-day chocolate festival will be organised by Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO) on March 30 and 31 at the city’s Forum Fiza Mall here.

The second edition of the festival ‘NICO’s Chocolate Street’ is part of an initiative to bring together the home bakers, and other entrepreneurs who specialise in chocolates in the city of Mangaluru and surrounding areas, and provide them with a platform to showcase their chocolate based products. The one-of-its-kind festival in the city is annually organised by the final year students of NICO.

“The city of Mangaluru has long possessed a sweet tooth, including the presence of home-grown ice cream brands such as Ideal, and Hangyo; and the cocoa cooperative Campco. A chocolate festival in Mangaluru is therefore an ideal platform to bring together upcoming entrepreneurs who can dazzle the denizens of the city with a wide assortment of chocolate items. The products on display and sale will range from a wide variety of home-made chocolates, pastries, cupcakes, cookies, shakes, and even chocolate based lip-balms and moisturizers” a press release from NICO informed.

20 home bakers and entrepreneurs will present their chocolate products during the festival.

Chef Thirugnanasambantham K, Principal of Welcome group Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), run by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) will inaugurate the event on Saturday 11. am.

Manish B, a junior chef at the Lalit Bekal, will also be a part of the event and will conduct classes on baking chocolate dishes on Sunday 4.pm at the atrium of Forum Fiza Mall. The entry to his class sessions will be free and open for all where the chef will also have an interactive session with the audience.

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Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.

According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.

She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.

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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.

She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.

Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."

Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.