Attack on Republic TV Journalists at Jadavpur University Sparks Outrage; Press Club of Bangalore Condemns Incident

Bangalore, March 14: The Press Club of Bangalore has strongly condemned the recent attack on journalists from Republic TV at Jadavpur University, Kolkata. The incident, where media personnel were reportedly heckled, locked inside the registrar’s office, and subjected to intimidation while performing their journalistic duties, has sparked widespread concern over press freedom in the country.

In a statement released by Sridhar R, President of the Press Club of Bangalore, the organization termed the attack a “blatant assault on democratic values” and called for immediate government intervention.

“Journalists play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in our society. Any attempt to intimidate or silence them is an attack on democracy itself. Such acts of violence against the press are unacceptable and must be dealt with swiftly,” the statement read.

The Press Club of Bangalore has urged the government to take the following actions:

1. Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the attack to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable.


2. Ensure the safety and security of journalists, especially in sensitive locations like university campuses.


3. Implement strong measures to prevent similar incidents and reaffirm its commitment to press freedom.



The attack at Jadavpur University is not an isolated event but reflects the increasing challenges faced by journalists in carrying out their duties without fear or interference. Media organizations and press bodies have called for stringent action to ensure that the fundamental right to freedom of the press is upheld.

This incident raises serious concerns about the security of journalists and the shrinking space for independent reporting in India. The Press Club of Bangalore has urged authorities to take a firm stand against such attacks to protect media professionals and uphold the democratic ethos of the nation.

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Sri Satyanarayana Vrata Puja on the Occasion of Holi Purnima at Jayanagar Raghavendra Math

Bengaluru: As per the directive of Paramapujya Sri Sri Subudhendra Tirtha Swamiji, a special Sri Satyanarayana Vrata Puja was conducted at the Nanjanagudu Sri Raghavendra Swamy Math in Jayanagar 5th Block on the occasion of Purnima.

Under the leadership of the senior administrator of the math, Sri R.K. Vadeendra Acharya, the event began with a Panchamrita Abhisheka and a special alankara for the Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy in the morning. The Sri Satyanarayana Vrata Puja was performed collectively by priests Sri Nandkishore Acharya and Raghavendra Katti Acharya, followed by a Mahamangalarati to the sacred image of the deity.

A large number of devotees participated in the ceremony, received teertha prasada, and offered prayers to Sri Satyanarayana Swamy and Sri Raghavendra Swamy, seeking divine blessings.

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Protest Against Former Bishop N.L. Karkare by Methodist Church Devotees

Bengaluru, March 14: Devotees of the Methodist Church staged a protest at Freedom Park against former Bishop N.L. Karkare, who previously headed the Methodist Church and the Baldwin School institutions. The protesters accused him of misusing church administration and funds.

The protest was attended by retired IAS officer Shanthakumari, Indian Welfare Association State President Sanjay Jagirdar, and Christian Maha Sabha’s Prajwal Swamy, among others. Addressing the gathering, they alleged that “N.L. Karkare is highly corrupt and has misused the entire administration of the Methodist Church. Despite a restraining order from the High Court, he is still trying to continue as Bishop. There are over 210 criminal cases registered against him.”

Further, the protesters claimed that “Karkare has allegedly misappropriated around ₹300-400 crore. His actions have caused significant losses to both the church and the educational institutions. While previous bishops have retired with dignity, Karkare refuses to step down and continues to hold on to power. We will not allow such misconduct in the future.”

The demonstration was also attended by newly appointed Methodist Bishop Anil Kumar, Baldwin Institutions Society’s Dr. Sebastian Ravikumar, and several church clergy members.

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AILU Challenges BCI’s ‘Illegal’ Nomination of Karnataka Bar Council Chairman

Bengaluru, March 14: The All India Lawyers Union (AILU) has strongly opposed the nomination of Mittalakod Shidlingappa Shekharappa as the Chairman of the Karnataka State Bar Council, calling it illegal and arbitrary. The Bar Council of India (BCI) appointed Shekharappa to replace Vishalaraghu H.L., a move AILU claims violates the Advocates Act, 1961, and BCI Rules.

Addressing the media at the Press Club of Bengaluru, AILU Karnataka State Committee President Sri Harendra, alongside Muralidhara Peshwa and Koteshwar Rao, condemned the decision and demanded its immediate revocation.

BCI Oversteps Legal Boundaries?

According to the BCI, its decision was based on powers conferred under Section 48B of the Advocates Act, 1961, along with Sections 7(1)(g) and 7(1)(m), and Rule 32 of the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015. However, AILU argues that:

BCI does not have the authority to directly appoint a State Bar Council Chairman, as per Rule 7(g)(m) of the BCI Rules.

Rule 32 permits the formation of an ad-hoc committee but does not allow for direct Chairman nominations.

The reasons cited by the BCI—including the resignation of Vishalaraghu and the expiry of elected members’ tenure—do not justify a unilateral appointment.


AILU Warns of Legal Action

AILU has called on the BCI to immediately revoke the appointment, stating that the move undermines the transparency and fairness expected in the legal profession.

“If the BCI fails to withdraw this illegal decision, AILU Karnataka State Committee will be compelled to take legal steps to challenge and cancel the nomination,” said Sri Harendra.

The development has sparked concerns over the governance and regulatory practices within the legal fraternity, with AILU warning of further protests and legal action if the decision is not reversed.

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ಮಾಜಿ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಎನ್.ಎಲ್. ಕರ್ಕರೆ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಮೆಥೋಡಿಸ್ಟ್ ಭಕ್ತರಿಂದ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆ

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಮಾ. 14: ಮೆಥೋಡಿಸ್ಟ್ ಚರ್ಚ್ ಮತ್ತು ಬಾಲ್ಡ್ ವಿನ್ ಶಾಲಾ ವಿದ್ಯಾಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಮಾಜಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥ ಎನ್.ಎಲ್. ಕರ್ಕರೆ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಭಕ್ತರು ತೀವ್ರವಾಗಿ ಆಕ್ರೋಶ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದ್ದು, ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆ ನಡೆಸಿದರು.

ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತ ಐಎಎಸ್ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಶಾಂತಕುಮಾರಿ, ಇಂಡಿಯನ್ ವೆಲ್ಫೇರ್ ಅಸೋಸಿಯೇಶನ್ ರಾಜ್ಯಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಸಂಜಯ್ ಜಗೀರ್‌ದಾರ್, ಕ್ರೈಸ್ತ ಮಹಾ ಸಭಾದ ಪ್ರಜ್ವಲ್ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಸೇರಿ ಅನೇಕರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದರು. ಅವರ ಮಾತಿನಲ್ಲಿ, “ಎನ್.ಎಲ್. ಕರ್ಕರೆ ಅವರು ಚರ್ಚ್ ಮತ್ತು ಬಾಲ್ಡ್ ವಿನ್ ವಿದ್ಯಾಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ಆಡಳಿತವನ್ನು ದುರುಪಯೋಗಪಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಹೈಕೋರ್ಟ್ ತಡೆಯಾಜ್ಞೆ ಇದ್ದರೂ ಕೂಡ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಆಗಿ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯಲು ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅವರ ವಿರುದ್ಧ 210ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಕ್ರಿಮಿನಲ್ ಮೊಕದ್ದಮೆಗಳು ದಾಖಲಾಗಿವೆ” ಎಂದು ಆರೋಪಿಸಿದರು.

ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಮೇರಾಗಿ, “ಎಲ್.ಎನ್. ಕರ್ಕರೆ ಅವರು ಸುಮಾರು 300-400 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ದುರುಪಯೋಗ ಮಾಡಿರುವ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಲಭ್ಯವಾಗಿದೆ. ಅವರ ನಡವಳಿಕೆಯಿಂದ ಚರ್ಚ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಭಾರಿ ನಷ್ಟ ಉಂಟಾಗಿದೆ. ಮೆಥೋಡಿಸ್ಟ್ ಚರ್ಚ್‌ನ ಇತರ ಬಿಷಪ್‌ಗಳು ಗೌರವಯುತವಾಗಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತರಾಗಿದ್ದರೆ, ಕರ್ಕರೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಹುದ್ದೆಯನ್ನು ಬಿಡಲು ನಿರಾಕರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಭವಿಷ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂತಹ ಘಟನೆಗಳು ಮರುಕಳಿಸದಂತೆ ನಾವು ಶಕ್ತಿಯಾಗಿ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ” ಎಂದು ಭಕ್ತರು ಘೋಷಿಸಿದರು.

ಈ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮೆಥೋಡಿಸ್ಟ್ ಚರ್ಚ್‌ನ ನೂತನ ಬಿಷಪ್ ಅನಿಲ್ ಕುಮಾರ್, ಬಾಲ್ಡ್ ವಿನ್ ವಿದ್ಯಾಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ಸೊಸೈಟಿಯ ಡಾ. ಸೆಬಾಸ್ಟಿಯನ್ ರವಿಕುಮಾರ್ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಹಲವಾರು ಮತ ಬೋದಕರು ಹಾಗೂ ಭಕ್ತರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ್ದರು.

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