Under-trial rape accused from Sullia found hanging in Mangaluru jail

Belgaum, Jan 1: Police detained a group of around eight people who were allegedly trying to hoist 'Uttara Karnataka flag' in Hire Bagewadi area here on Wednesday.

This comes amid tensions between Karnataka and neighbouring Maharashtra over the border issue with protests on both sides, which have also led to the cancellation of bus services between the two states.

Protesters in Belagavi burnt an effigy of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, following which Shiv Sena workers had launched a protest near the Kolhapur bus stand on Sunday, and burnt an effigy of Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.

The long-standing border dispute between the two states over is pending before the Supreme Court for several years.

On December 7, Thackeray had chaired a high-level meeting over the border dispute between two states. It was decided in the meeting that attempts will be made to get fast track hearing in Supreme Court on the issue.

Mangaluru, Jan 10: A gang of smugglers, who were planning to illegally export 4,000 kg of red sandalwood worth Rs 2 crore through New Mangalore Port, were nabbed in a joint operation by the anti-rowdy squad of Mangaluru North sub-division and sleuths of Panambur police station.

The arrested have been identified as Tabrez (36), Lohith (35), Rakesh Shetty (44), Hussain kunhimonu (45) and Farooq (45).

Commissioner of Police Dr P S Harsha said that red sandalwood worth Rs 2 crore were seized from the accused.

The other seized properties from the arrested include a Maruti Brezza, Renault Pulse, Tata Ace, two plywood boxes and seven mobile phones valued Rs 19 lakh.

Based on a tip off, the police raided a godown on the road leading to Jokatte from Baikamlady Industrial Area and seized 4,000 kg of red sanders worth  Rs 2 crore.

A case has been registered under Sections 50, 62, 80, 104 of Karnataka Forest Act and 144, 165 of Karnataka Forest Rules at the Panambur police station.

Bengaluru, May 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Yediyurappa on Wednesday said that his government will re-open temples, mosques and churches in the state after May 31.

"We are going to open temples, mosques and churches in the state after May 31, he said while speaking to media in Bengaluru.

The Chief Minister added that the "guidelines will be followed" as suggested by experts for opening the worship places.

"We have no objections to open malls and cinema halls, but we are waiting for the guidelines of the central government, Prime Minister will take decisions to allow malls and cinemas to open," he added.

Yediyurappa has said that people from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu will not be allowed in the state till May 31.