Mangaluru : Popular Kannada actor Harshi Rai has passed away after a long battle with thyroid cancer. The actor reportedly ended his life on Thursday.

Harshi Rai had been active in the Kannada film industry for over two decades. Known for his strong screen presence and acting skills, he won the hearts of audiences through his memorable performances, especially in villain roles.

He appeared in several well-known movies, including Om, Nalla, Jodi Hakki, and Thaayi Nanna Kanase. However, he gained even more fame for his role as Chacha in the blockbuster film KGF.

Rai had been suffering from thyroid cancer for quite some time, and many fans and celebrities had extended their support during his illness. Despite their efforts, the actor’s health continued to deteriorate.

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On Thursday, Harshi Rai’s life journey came to an end, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and heartfelt memories in the Kannada film industry.

Fans and colleagues have expressed deep sorrow over his untimely demise.

Mangaluru : The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is planning to build three new flyovers along the Mangaluru–Goa National Highway (NH-66) to reduce heavy traffic congestion. The proposed locations are Kottara Chowki, Kuloor, and Surathkal.

Mangaluru North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty confirmed that he has submitted a proposal to the ministry seeking approval for these projects. He said the existing flyovers at the three junctions allow only one-way traffic movement. Since all three areas lie within the city limits, additional flyovers are needed to ensure smoother two-way traffic.

According to the MLA, the lack of two-way flyovers forces all vehicles, including heavy trucks, to move in one direction through city roads. This causes frequent traffic jams and delays.

He also mentioned that Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta has raised the same demand with the Union Minister for Road Transport. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already begun working on the detailed project report (DPR).

NHAI officials said a feasibility study will be conducted soon to prepare the DPR. Funds will be sanctioned based on the study’s findings.

“This project is very important for the city. I will continue to follow it up and meet the minister along with our MP to ensure the DPR is completed quickly,” Shetty said.

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At present, the Kottara Chowki flyover allows one-way traffic towards Goa, while the flyovers at Kuloor and Surathkal handle vehicles moving towards Mangaluru. This one-way system has been creating bottlenecks at all three busy points on NH-66.

Once approved, the new flyovers are expected to significantly ease congestion and improve travel conditions between Mangaluru and Surathkal.

Mangaluru: The timely action and coordination of police officers saved two lives at Tannirbavi Beach on Monday evening. A 35-year-old man and his four-year-old daughter were rescued before they could end their lives.

The man, identified as Rajesh from Ambika Nagar, Kavoor, had gone to Panambur Beach with the intention of committing suicide. He recorded a video with his daughter saying, “Let’s both die,” and shared it on a family WhatsApp group.

The video quickly spread among relatives and reached the Panambur Police around 7 p.m. Acting immediately, the police suspected that Rajesh might be near Panambur Beach and began a search operation. When they could not find him there, they extended the search to Tannirbavi Beach, but he was still missing.

With help from the Cyber Crime Police, they traced Rajesh’s mobile location to Shantinagar in Kavoor. The information was then passed to the Kavoor Police.

Panambur Police personnel Fakirappa Sharanappa and Rakesh rushed to Rajesh’s house. They found the door locked and received no response despite repeated knocking. Finally, they broke open the door and entered.

Inside, Rajesh was preparing to hang himself along with his young daughter. The officers acted quickly and rescued both. They were taken to the Kavoor Police Station for counseling.

Later, police called Rajesh and his wife for a discussion and helped them resolve their differences.

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Police said Rajesh had been married for seven years but was facing family issues. Following an argument with his wife, he had decided to end his life along with his daughter.

In the video he recorded at the beach, his daughter can be seen pleading tearfully, saying, “Don’t die, Papa.” The scene is heartbreaking.

No criminal case has been filed in connection with the incident. Police officers have received wide appreciation for their swift and sensitive response.