Yeddyurappa hits out at Karnataka’s Anti Corruption Bureau

Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 7: The Managing Director of Muthoot Finance company was injured after miscreants allegedly pelted his car with stones here on Tuesday morning following which one person was reportedly taken into custody.

George Alexander Muthoot, who suffered head injury has been admitted to a private hospital, police said.

A section of employees have been agitating against the Muthoot management over dismissal of 160 staff from the company's 43 branches across the state in December.

The protest is being held under the aegis of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).

While the Muthoot management alleged that "CITU goons" were behind the attack that occurred at around 9 am in front of IG office here, the union leaders have maintained that they have no role in the incident.

Reacting to the incident, Labour Minister T P Ramakrishnan said he does not think any of the Muthoot employees were behind the attack.

"The employees were protesting peacefully. Violence is not part of their protest. Even now, in today's incident, I don't think any of the Muthoot employees attacked the MD.

However, it was the management of the company which had always provoked them by not implementing the decisions taken at conciliatory meetings," the Minister said.

If the management was prepared to change its stance, all the issues would be resolved, he said.

CITU leader Ananthavattom Anandan told reporters that they do not believe in such type of violent mode of agitation.

An official of the Confederation of Indian Industries Kerala chapter condemned the incident, saying "it is a matter of great concern".

Well known businessman and founder chairman and CEO of V-Guard Industries, Kochouseph Chittilappilly condemned the attack and said it was unfortunate that such incidents still continue in the state.

“Earlier also such incidents have taken palace. It's highly condemnable. The union leaders will now claim that the incident took place without their knowledge. But without the backing of union, such incidents will never happen,” he said.

Kerala-headquartered Muthoot Finance is the largest gold financing company in India.

St. Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, which is celebrating its centenary year, celebrated 99th college day and merit programme of the academic year 2019-20 in P.U College Auditorium on February 11.

Ms. Philomina Lobo, Retired Director, Secondary Education department of public instructions, Government of India was the chief guest of the programme. The programme began by evoking the blessings of God. Sr Dr M Jeswina A.C, Principal, St Agnes College, Sr Dr M Maria Roopa A.C, the Joint Secretary, Mr. Ronald Pereira PTA Vice President, Mr Charles Pais the Controller of Examinations ,Dr Subha Rao were  present.

Ms. Seemanthini, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Applications presented the annual college report digitally, highlighting the achievements of the institution, staff and students for the academic year.

Addressing the students, Ms Philomina Lobo advised, “You have knowledge and intelligence but you need to pray for wisdom. Use your talents in the right way.” She also mentioned that the companies today are looking forward for skilful youngsters and asked the students to “be skilful” in order to achieve success in life.

Students received Principal's role of honour, various scholarships and merit certificates for their excellence in academics. The cabinet members of the current academic year were also awarded on the occasion. The Principal gave a token of gratitude to Ms Philomena Lobo, who is also an alumna of the college. Mrs Meera, HOD, Department of History proposed the vote of thanks.

Belagavi, Feb 11: Tension prevailed for sometime here after a few villagers spotted four country-made pistols disposed in the garbage site by the road between Markandey Nagar – Waghavade village on Sunday. Police rushed to the spot and seized the arms which are believed to be of Portugal era.

Sources said some villagers noticed a pistol lying along with heaps of refuse. They informed Bhavakanna Patil, the owner of the agricultural field adjacent to the garbage site. Patil and the villagers checked the garbage and found three more pistols totalling four.

Police said the pistols are about 50 to 60 years old. Going by their condition, all rusted, it is believed that they were left unused for a long time. The Belagavi rural police who have filed a suo motu case related to the incident are getting into the skin of case to trace the owners and those who disposed them in the garbage pit. 

According to preliminary investigation, it is learnt that such pistols were in vogue during Portugal rule in Goa. There are chances that those who inherited the arms may have disposed it for the fear of possessing weapon illegally. The chances of some notorious people who reside in the vicinity near Waghavade and surrounding areas, where burglaries and dacoity are frequently reported, disposing the arms due to the fear of police also cannot be ignored. Police Commissioner Lokesh Kumar was not available for comments.