DRUNKARD WHO BROKE A GODS STATUE;

Madikeri April 3, 2006

In an incident that could have triggered communal unrest in the district, a drunkard broke the statue of Lord Aiyappa and had disappeared from the district only to be caught by police with a delay.

The incident was reported from Chennagolli near Gonicoppa on March 6.

A statue of Lord Aiyappa situated inside the forest was found broken into three pieces on March 6. This created flutter in the communal circles suspecting it to be the handiwork of some miscreants trying to create unrest. Police took up the investigation.

The investigation led to a person by name Mani, living near the temple.

According to police, Mani had a drunken brawl with his wife on the night of sixth march. Enraged by his daily disturbance the wife threatened to commit suicide and rushed out of the house with her children in darkness. Fazed by the sudden turn of event, mani rushed to the open worship place where lord Aiyappas statue was situated. Out of anger, he lifted the statue and threw it on the floor. It broke into three pieces. He did this shouting at Lord that he has no mercy on him though he was worshipping him since nine years.

On his way back home, he saw his wife and children he explained what he did. The wife forced him to return and set right the statue. Both of them, together set the pieces of the statue right and returned. However, fearing the consequences mani rushed to Kerala and stayed there till Gonicoppal police nabbed him.

A case is registered against him.

DISTRICT GEARED UP FOR CENTENARY CELEBRATION;

The Kodava Okkoota and other committees organizing the centenary celebration of general K.S.Thimmaiah told in a press conference today that elaborate arrangements are on to receive the president of India and other galaxy of officials and Chief minister of Karnataka on seventh of this month.

Kodava Okkuta office bearers matanda Monnappa, B.A.Nanaiah, M.M.Belliappa, Kodira Appaiah, Maj.GeneralB.A.cariappa, Maj general K.P.Nanjappa, Kodava Academy president Dotty Poovaiah told that the state government has agreed to convert the house of the late general Thimmaiah into a heritage house and display his bvelongings in the museum. The government is also asked to recommend his name for the posthumous “Field Marshal” title in recognition of his service.

Federation of Kodava samajas, District administration and retired Army generals jointly handles the event of seventh.

As per the programme Air chief commander S.P.Tyagi will arrive at 10.50 on the said day. President Dr.Abdul kalam will arrive at 12.35. Governor chaturvedi, Chief Minister Kumar Swamy, deputy Chief Minister yediyurappa, Governor S.M.krishna will also take part in the function.

Army groups will display bike show, sky diving and band show.

Deputy commissioner and police department have said that audience have to be present in the area by ten in the morning. High security arrangements have been done from different agencies.