Mangaluru: Lorry owners who transport coal from Navamangaluru port (NMP) to steel, sugar and paper industries in different parts of the state have decided to go on indefinite strike from September 25 demanding hike in transport cost and other demands.

There are 2000 trucks supplying coal from NMP to steel industries in Bellary and Koppal and to sugar and paper industries in Shivamogga, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts. On an average, 300 coal-laden trucks leave the port every day.

“Our operational cost has doubled in the last five years, coal buyers have increased the transportation cost by only Rs 100-150 per tonne, which is causing loss to the truck owners,” said Sushant Shetty, president of Dakshina Kannada Lorry Owners Association.

“In the last five years, the price of a truck (14-wheeler) has gone up from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh, tire from Rs 16,000 to Rs 28,000, road tax to Rs 2,000. But the cost of fuel and spare parts has doubled. But only coal buyers have increased their freight cost by Rs 100. He accused.

1,300 per tonne of coal supply to Koppal. And the Lorry Owners’ Association has urged the government to allocate Rs 1,400 to Bellary. A fortnight ago, the association had appealed to the district administration to resolve their grievances. But as there was no response, the lorry owners decided to go on strike.

Mangaluru: Authorities in Dakshina Kannada district’s Dharamsthala have taken action following a recent case of moral policing, leading to the arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in assaulting a Muslim auto driver. The incident occurred when the victim was accused of transporting a Hindu woman in their vehicle, prompting a confrontation with right-wing activists.

The three arrested suspects have been identified as Avinash (26) from Dharamsthala, Sandeep (20) and Akshat (22) from Uppinangadi. They were subsequently presented before the court and have now been remanded in judicial custody. Police are actively searching for another individual believed to be involved in the incident.

According to police sources, the unfortunate event took place on August 2 at approximately 9 pm, shortly after the auto-rickshaw driver, Mohammad Ashiq (22), had dropped off the Hindu girl at a nearby bus stop.

The incident unfolded when a young woman, who is a student at a private college in Ujira, hailed an auto-rickshaw to reach a nearby bus stand. Upon his return from dropping off the young woman, Ashiq was accosted and subjected to assault and threats by a group of four men.

Ashiq, a resident of Ujire in Belthangadi taluk, was subsequently admitted to the Belthangadi government hospital for medical attention. A formal complaint was lodged with the police, leading to the prompt apprehension of the three suspects involved.

The authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the fourth individual in connection with the incident, ensuring that all those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.

Mangaluru: Two persons who were selling chocolate laced with drugs targeting students and youth have been arrested in Mangaluru city of Dakshina Kannada district, police said on Friday.

The arrested have been identified as Bechan Sonar (45) from Uttar Pradesh and Manohar Seth (49) from Mangaluru . Mangaluru South Police have arrested the accused. Police said that Sonar, who ran a small shop, was selling drug-laced chocolate.

‘Ananda Churna’ Mahashakti Munakka, Bum Bum Munakka Vaati and others were sold at around Rs. He informed that 5,500 worth of chocolates were seized. While Sonar kept a shop near Highland Junction in Mangaluru , another accused, Manohar, was selling chocolates in Karu Street under Mangaluru North Police Station. The police have seized chocolate worth Rs.48,000, which was stored in three bags. 

The samples are sent to the laboratory. The accused used to sell them to college students and youth workers. Police are investigating to crack the network of transporters. Further investigation is underway.