Four arrested in Koppal murder case: Primary suspect confesses to killing over love affair, says SP
Koppal: Superintendent of Police Ram Arasiddi has said that four suspects have been arrested and being questioned in relation to the murder of Gavisiddappa Naik, a resident of Kurubara Oni in the city, on Sunday night over a love affair.
The SP has told reporters that the arrested men had killed Naik, who belonged to the Valmiki community, using lethal weapons on Sunday night. The primary suspect, Sadiq Hussain Kolkar had surrendered to the police on the same night, while the other suspects, identified as Gesudaraj Patel, Nizamuddin and Mehboob Sikkalgar, have now been arrested by the police, the officer added.
Two swords, one motorbike and clothes have been confiscated from the arrested men, who are being questioned, the SP has said.
Attributing the crime to matters of love and urging people not to pay attention to rumours, Arasiddi said that Sadiq has confessed during questioning that he murdered Naik as he was upset that Naik loved the girl he was in love with. As the girl had also responded to Naik’s attention, the senior members of their respective communities intervened and advised them on the matter, after which, the girl started loving Sadiq, the arrested man is learned to have told the police.
The SP has said that Sadiq is reported to have recorded a video clip of himself holding a sword on the day of the crime and police are investigating the matter. A blood test of the arrested suspects was conducted and it has been confirmed that they were not under the influence of narcotics during the crime, the officer added.
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Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.
Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.
Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".
At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.
Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.
In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.
The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".
Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.
BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.
• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.
• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.
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BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.
• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.
• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.
