Udupi: Two motorcycle riders were injured after two bikes collided near Diana–Bhagyamandir in Kukkikatte on Tuesday night.

The injured riders were identified as Sangappa and Naveen. They were found in a helpless condition following the accident.

Social worker Nityananda Olakadu immediately reached the spot and shifted both injured men to the District Hospital in Ajjarkad for treatment.

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One of the injured riders is reportedly in serious condition. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained.

Police have initiated the necessary action and are looking into the incident.

Udupi: MLC and KPCC Vice-President Ivan D’Souza has alleged that the BJP-led Central government is using the Election Commission as a political tool to remove genuine voters from electoral rolls under the pretext of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Addressing a press conference at the Udupi Congress Bhavan on Tuesday, D’Souza accused the government of attempting to take away the voting rights of genuine voters with the aim of gaining electoral advantage.

He alleged that BLOs and other officials were being pressured to remove the names of eligible voters from the electoral rolls. He claimed that pressure was particularly being applied to exclude voters belonging to minority communities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections.

D’Souza further alleged that Form 7 was being misused to challenge the names of eligible voters and make them ineligible to vote.

He criticised the BJP for allegedly turning a constitutional institution like the Election Commission into a political weapon. He said the Congress would oppose any move that affects the voting rights of genuine citizens.

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Congress leaders Kishan Hegde Kolkebailu, Ashok Kumar Kodavoor and Abdul Rauf, among others, were present at the press conference.

Udupi: Yakshagana Kalaranga has handed over its 104th house to a student under its housing support initiative.

The house, named ‘Shanti Nilaya’, was built at a cost of Rs. 7 lakh at Mudrangadi in Kaup taluk for Vinay Acharya, a second PUC student supported by Yakshagana Kalaranga Vidyaposhak. He is the son of Latha and Gopal Acharya.

The house was sponsored by Dr. Harikrishna Bhat of Alevoor, a director at Nitte University in Japan, and his wife Yasuko Sato. The couple inaugurated the house by lighting the traditional lamp on October 3, 2026.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harikrishna Bhat recalled the difficulties he faced during his childhood. He said that he was able to achieve success with the support of others and wanted to help young people in his native place.

He encouraged Vinay to score good marks, pursue higher education at Nitte University and seek employment in Japan.

Yasuko Sato conveyed her best wishes to Vinay in Kannada.

Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, who presided over the programme, appreciated the work of Yakshagana Kalaranga. He said the organisation’s programmes always carry a social message. He also praised its efforts to support poor students.

Senior member A. Raghupathi Bhat said he had introduced the activities of Yakshagana Kalaranga to many people. He said he was very happy about the social service undertaken by his younger brother.

Dr. Gopal Mugeraya, Vice-Chairman of the Goa State Higher Education Council, said education helps students build a better future. He said Dr. Harikrishna Bhat, his teacher, was helping young people from the region find employment opportunities in Japan. He added that his love for his native place had inspired him to undertake such noble initiatives.

Dr. Raghavendra Pai, Assistant Professor at Nitte University, spoke about Dr. Harikrishna Bhat’s achievements.

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The engineer who constructed the house, Mubarak, was also honoured during the programme.

Raja Rao and Vatsala, Shobha Gopal Mugeraya and several members of Yakshagana Kalaranga were present.

Yakshagana Kalaranga President M. Gangadhara Rao welcomed the gathering. Narayana M. Hegde proposed the vote of thanks. Secretary Murali Kadekar introduced the programme and compered the event.