Mangaluru: Asking Sikh man to wear helmet – community complains to DC

Thu, Dec 28 2017 04:49:50 PM

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Dec 28: Members of Sikh community in city complained to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sasikanth Senthil here on Thursday, December 28 that one of their members was subjected to humiliation for not wearing helmet during a driving test in city.

Members of Guru Singh Sabha Society, a registered association of Sikh community, were the complainants.

Karmendra Singh Rathour had gone to the Regional Transport Authority (RTO) at Vamanjoor for his two-wheeler driving test on December 19. Karmendra was asked by duty inspector Nagaraj Bhat to wear helmet for the test. Karmendra referred to the letter issued by Karnataka State Minority Commission dated November 22 this year exempting Sikhs from wearing helmet. Nagaraja Bhat allegedly refused to see the letter and humiliated Karmendra. “You should wear helmet, if you have head,” Bhat allegedly told Karmendra in Kannada.

Balvinder Singh Virdi, uncle of Karmendra took the matter to RTO commissioner and the commissioner in turn instructed his subordinates to resolve the matter. He reminded them though 129 of Motor Vehicle Act 1988 (C A 59 of 1988) makes helmet compulsory in the state it exempts members of Sikh community with turbans from wearing the same.

The community members, who met the DC, asked him to take stringent action against Nagaraja Bhat and make sure that the community is not humiliated on the basis of their religion in the future.

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Sowmya, Mulky
Fri, Dec 29 2017
@Alwin Canada,
During my visit to Calgary Canada i had seen kids riding bicycles were wearing helmets and howcome sikhs exempted from wearing helmets. I had seeen Canada as pretty tough country when it comes to safety. Who bears the cost if a sikh got head injuries or dies without helmet in Canada? Whose insurance? Or sikh should give in writing saying he himself responsible just wondering.

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Sowmya, Mulky
Fri, Dec 29 2017
@Alwin Canada,
During my visit to Calgary Canada i had seen kids riding bicycles were wearing helmets and howcome sikhs exempted from wearing helmets. I had seeen Canada as pretty tough country when it comes to safety. Who bears the cost if a sikh got head injuries or dies without helmet in Canada? Whose insurance? Or sikh should give in writing saying he himself responsible just wondering.

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shan, dubai
Fri, Dec 29 2017
In Dubai Insurance companies charge double insurance premium for the drivers who are below 25 years. Insurance companies must make a rule that if anyone makes accident without helmet than No. claim clause. Here anyone drives consuming liquor than No claim is entertained.... Why can't they make rule in the Insurance company.... ???? Than driver whoever drives any vehicles than he knows his responsibility.

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Kumari, Karkala
Fri, Dec 29 2017
V true. There was a sikh guy made lots of noise when they ask him to remove the turban at Maxico airport. But Airline officials didnot negotiate they said they cannot put 300 passengers life at risk and a million dollar aircraft just for some religion belief.

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Jagjit, Uae
Sun, Jun 02 2019
Where is technology if they can find anything over passenger clothes by stick then why not from turban. If not than everything should be remove from body.

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Af,,, Mangalore
Fri, Dec 29 2017
One nation several rules or one nation one rule Let Modi saab clarify or the most clever and intelligent person in India ARNOB. lets hav debate today nation wants to know.

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Monty Dotor, Mangalore
Fri, Dec 29 2017
Helmets cause decrease in the field of vision, they cause more damage to the brain also, that is why helmets have been banned in Commonwealth Boxing games. These are based on latest scientific studies , why not ban helmets for 2 wheelers. Even in India in 4 out of 5 deaths in 2 wheeler accidents, the person WAS wearing a helmet!! So hemets cause more harm than good as far as safety is concerned.

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Bengalurian, Bengaluru
Fri, Dec 29 2017
If the helmets are banned in Commonwealth boxing games then why are they not banned in Cricket?
If death occurred in 4 out of 5 people while wearing helmet, then it could be cheap quality helmets.
Why are the people in western countries still wearing helmets for two wheeler & games?
How can someone justify decreased vision & more damage to the brain due to use of helmets?

DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse
Rob Stan, Udupi / US
Fri, Dec 29 2017
1. Since Karnataka makes it compulsory to wear helmet, who would be responsible if someone gives driving/riding test on motor bike on turban without helmet & gets injured & sues RTO & files a case on them for compensation & pay the hospital bills & damage to the motor bike.
2. If Sikhs can wear helmet on top of patka/dastar while playing cricket which has lots of money involved then why not wear it while riding a bike.
3. Why don't they recommend the Indian govt., to change the Motor Vehicles Act to make Helmet compulsory and make guidelines to wear patka/dastar while wearing helmet until the new turban cum helmet is invented. Food for thought for some innovator to make turban which can withstand the force of impact from accidents.

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alwyn, canada
Thu, Dec 28 2017
hello let the sikh man ride or drive whatever ways he likes without helmet. They fight for the same everywhere so its not new. Let them live the way they like and let them ride with their pagdi. why bother them.

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Nicholas, Canada
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Prashant Karkera, Hejamady/Mumbai
Please refer to this site about turban in Canada
http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/canada-ontario-judge-rules-sikh-not-exempt-from-helmet-law/

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Parvinder Singh, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Dear Nicholas,

You are referring to a 2008 judgement. Please look at the latest TOI report
Alberta exempts turbaned Sikhs from wearing helmets for off-roaders
http://toi.in/FI89Pb/a19li
Western concept of secularism is no state religion. But yet they are changing with time to accommodate beliefs of their people.

Hope we are on the same page now.

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alwyn, canada
Fri, Dec 29 2017
Canada is not modifying rules but people here are respecting every religions without bias. Hope you can advocate with Indian govt to be like Canada to accommodate and respect every religion rather church attacks or harassment of minorities . It is a sad affair in India now than ever before. Canada is a role model for all to learn how to live peacefully without bias. India was great but recently every idiot is dictating what to practice, how to wear and what to eat.

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hemanth, Bangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Some people here want same law for everyone but want different law for divorce.

DisAgree [4] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Manufacture helmets in the shape of Turbans ...

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Anand, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
haha, horses for courses ?

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Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
My opinion is:

In Karnataka when there is a law to wear helmets by the two-wheelers he or she must wear Helmet otherwise you will find Hell-Met.

It is for safety to all. Mere wearing of Kripan will not save your head once there is an accident.

TWO WHEELERS IN MANGALORE ARE RUNNING HELTER SKELTER AND IN BALANCE THE MOTORCYCLE IS RUNNING. SUPPOSE BALANCE IS LOST YOU WILL FALL ON THE CEMENT ROAD AND YOUR HEAD WITHOUT HELMET YOU FIND HELL-MET.

SO WEAR THE HELMET BEFORE DRIVING TWO WHEELERS.

NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER.

SAFETY FIRST.
REST IS NEXT.

DisAgree [3] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse
cliffy, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Life first or religion first. Law need to be changed.

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Haneef, mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Mande itthnda helmet padoli atta, jeeva buledini mande buledijige!

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Parvinder Singh, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Dear Rajesh,

Thank you for your concern for the citizen of our country.
However, let us get it straight! Karmender never broke any law. If you do not believe then please have a look at the Article 25 of Indian Constitution and the Indian Motor Vehicle Act. In fact, it was the officer who was ignorant and had no knowledge of the law. Over and above that, insulting a young boy for his religious belief without understanding the reason behind it is beyond my imagination. This is not the India we want. We want a nation where people are respected for who they are.

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Rajesh, dubai
Fri, Dec 29 2017
I am sorry that my comment as against your indian law..... Now a days some people are against Triple Talaq ..... Which they are telling that they are going against Indian constitution of personal law. the time has changed and when Indian constitution was written that time there were no vehicles on road but now daily there are accidents so I think Government has to change the indian constitution law as per present situation.

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Vanshdeep Singh, Milton, canada
Tue, Dec 10 2019
yes please change the law, and make helmet mandatory for sikhs everywhere, even in Indian army, i am sure they will give resignations, and never die for people like you.

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Mahendra Shetty, Mumbai Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
HELMET PAADUNAULE PAADOD ATHA...........

DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse
santhu birve, Mumbai/Udupi
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Any religious thing should not affect rule led by constitution.

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hemanth, Bangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Same people who want Sikh people to wear helmet goes mad when asked to remove Burkha for security reasons.

DisAgree [7] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse
Vincent Rodrigues, Katapadi/Bangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Helmet is required and stipulated for saving the life from head injury due to accident

DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse
Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Can we not design a helmet shaped like a Pagadi ...

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Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India.
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Well done, duty inspector Nagaraj Bhat, advising Karmendra Singh Rathour to wear helmet for the test. I am with you.
You have given preference to safety first.

When burqa wearing ladies have advised to remove the burqa by the concerned authorities, ( lady officers ), specially at airport security check up, all have supported is saying it is Safety. Why not the same logic applied here.

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Sampath, Mlore/Blore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
This is why India is still a developing country. It has executives who donot know the law but are chosen to be the custodians of Law.

As per my opinion, if any one is selected to government jobs then he must be selected on the test on that subject of law.

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Parvinder Singh, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Dear Harold,
Thank you for showing great concern for the safety of the people of our country.
However, let us be a little less ignorant of the law and the practicality of the issue:
1.Clause 129 of the Indian Motor Vehicle Act 1988 empowers the State Government to
prescribe protective headgear to be worn by the drivers or pillion riders of
motor cycle other than a person who is a Sikh wearing a turban.
This means that the officer was unaware of the law of the land.
2. Sikhs are all for wearing helmet. But wearing a helmet over a turban is not possible practically. Many Sikhs do wear helmet when they are wearing a patka/dastar. I know people are unaware of the difference between a turban and a patka/dastar. A google search can help you understand more.
Hope this helps you to understand the issue.
If not then we can have a healthy debate but supporting a rude, ignorant and arrogant inspector is uncalled for.

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Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India.
Fri, Dec 29 2017
Parvinder Singh, Mangalore
Good day Pajee,
With due respect to the laws of the land, what I believe is safety first and prevention is better than cure.

I am sure, here, in this case, it was not the religious custom but the attitude of the police officer's approach that has hurt the sentiment of this young sikh boy. I do understand the young boys feeling. But at the same time, the traffic police officer definitely used same tone which he might have used to others too. Bombay Hindi tone is different than Delhi Hindi tone. Unfortunately we all want action against so called offenders but lack, solution. It could have been better, if the Sikh boy would have come with a local person, who can converse well with the police officer in the local language. I do share the sentiment of you and the Sikh boy, might have felt like little bit dejected. We local Mangaloreans always have great respect for Sikh community.

Requirement of this hour is "safety "in every walk of life. Ego should be buried and right, healthy thinking should be appreciated and accepted

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Kumar, Kinnigoli
Thu, Dec 28 2017
THEN IN CRICKET WHY THEY WEAR HELMET.

DisAgree [5] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse
Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Kumar, Kinnigoli

Well said and Very valid point.
Quote:
THEN IN CRICKET WHY THEY WEAR HELMET.

Unquote:
Because cricket only promotes sports; not religion. Sports always gives foremost importance to safety first.

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Parvinder Singh, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Dear Kumar,

Helmet is worn over a patka/dastaar while playing Cricket. Patka/Dastaar are different from a Turban. I am pretty sure you can google and find the difference. Please understand that like any other Indian, Sikhs are also allowed to practice their faith in their daily lives. Hence, the law of the country has acknowledged that and given necessary exemption for Sikhs.
Hope this helps.

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Kishore Kumar, Mangaluru
Thu, Dec 28 2017
When Sikhs can wear helmet while wearing a patka/dastar, what made Karmendra Singh to wear turban during his maiden two-wheeler driving test? Is he so ignorant or is he testing duty Inspector?

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Parvinder Singh, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Dear Kishore,

The Indian Motor Vehicle Act permits him to wear a Turban and ride. You argument is naive. It is as if you are trying to say when you can see from one eye why use the other.

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Rajesh, dubai
Thu, Dec 28 2017
For security purpose , demanding wearing helmet is not wrong...... Sikh community is not new community and if they want to follow their religion than there should be a alternative not breaking the law in the name of religion..... Most of Sikh community are in auto business and they can invent helmet which will fit on their head i.e. on their head dress. Just giving reason that I am Christian and I want to wear shoes when I am entering temple, I am Muslim and I will enter the temple with Burka, or Sikh may tell that I don't want wear helmet ...... These type of religious request must not be accepted.... When temple says no one should enter the temple with shoes, or other dresses than follow their rules or don't enter the temple. Sikh can drive car without helmet but seat belt.

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Ramesh S, MANGALORE
Thu, Dec 28 2017
..Let us be practical, does Pagdi works like Helmet..dont think so..if accidents happens(God forbid) it wont save Driver head for sure..there is no protection for his face also..Poor inspector may become victim of minority laws..what is secular then..state/laws shouldnt be influenced by religion..pity is that Penal code, punishment, rules, laws are based on faith..

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Parvinder Singh, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Dear Ramesh,

By stating that "state/laws shouldnt be influenced by religion..pity is that Penal code, punishment, rules, laws are based on faith", I hope you are not challenging the Constitution of India.
I am very sure you did not mean to challenge the law of the land. I think you are not aware of the world secularism in the Indian context. Secularism in India does not mean not supporting any religion, it means supporting all religions and their beliefs.
This is the one of the main reasons that our nation has successfully existed for so many years inspite of having so many religions, communities, castes..etc.
You also know the state of the delivery of public service in our country. I need not say more.
Hope this helps.

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Ramesh s, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
..Let us be specific to the above incident. It’s always better to have protection while driving rather than giving excuse of faith. Yes law of the land permits but it won’t protects your head bro. Sad part is Helmet became necessity to protect from police fine rather than protect from injury. In India laws are made either on pressure or appease. Don’t you think it’s ridiculous that identicle crimes attracts different set of punishment based on faith caste if a person!

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Jembar Bappu, Bajpe
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Rules are made to follow not to break .. in common civilized code everybody follow under certain rules in india .. it's a uniform code of conduct .. one should never break the rule

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PAM Suvarna, karla
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Nagaraj Bhatta,
What is this???

May be inspired by AKH!!!!
Bodchi bhatre budle.

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ravi, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
for them Structure of Helmet need to change
Helmet for all Safety purpose.

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Prashant Karkera, Hejamady/Mumbai
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Sikh community's religious customs to be respected, even in western countries Sikhs are exempted from wearing helmet, they should not be humiliated in their own country. Nagaraja Bhatta should have better knowledge of Sikhism and Sikh people's bravery.

DisAgree [6] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

Subramanyam, Kasargod
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Dear Sir,

With all respects to your comments, what is the alternate for helmet for Sikhs? I am ignorant of the vehicle act and its content. However, as a layman need clarity.

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Nicholas, canada
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Prashant Karkera, Hejamady/Mumbai
In Canada, Sikhs are not exempt from wearing Helmet.Please don't generalise without knowing.Helmet is for safety of your head especially brain.Your turban doesn't protect your head when hit.
Helmet can be worn above turban,only try bigger size ie external diameter of turban

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N.M, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
So what's wrong? Accident knows no religion. It can happen to anyone.

A Helmet is solid and built to withstand a hard crash. The cloth turban is not strong enough to endure an impact on the head in case of a brutal head injury.

DisAgree [5] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse
Anand, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Why exemption for sikh community. Let them not drive two wheelers.

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Parvinder Singh, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Dear Anand,

Sikhs have not broken any law yet you feel they should not be allowed to ride two wheeler. Thank you for your concern and I am very sure you must have the same view for people who stop right over the zebra crossing, jump red lights, do not wear seat belts,drink and drive. Let us all gather against people who do this and stop them from driving. I am pretty sure our roads will be ample of space for ambulances to reach hospitals in time.
Good solution my friend! I totally support you.

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Manoj, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Who has made this fellow an Inspector. HE seems to be an illiterate as far as traffic rules and laws are concern...should be immediately demoted to a lower rank.

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FREE THINKER, UAE
Thu, Dec 28 2017
ಹಿಂದೂ ಮುಸ್ಲಿಂ ಸಿಖ್ ಇಸಾಯಿ ... ಎಲ್ಲ ಧರ್ಮದ ಜನರಿಗೂ ಕಾನೂನು ಸಮಾನ ..ಹೆಲ್ಮೆಟ್ ಧರಿಸಿ ಜೀವ ಉಳಿಸಿ .. ಜೈ ಹಿಂದ್

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mahesh, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
Who is this arrogant fellow humiliating the Sikhs?

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Vivek, Hirebyle / Abu dhabi
Thu, Dec 28 2017
totally unfair that ...certain group won't ready to wear helmet.......why not asking their own people not to ride BIKE ....i know Navjot sing siddu playing cricket ..INDEED wearing helmet ...

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J.F.D SOUZA, Attavar, Mangalore
Thu, Dec 28 2017
It is strange to know that the RTO Inspector insisted the Sikh man to wear helmet when that Sikh persons exempted from wearing helmet. Whether he is ignorant about the helmet wearing rules or purposely done this . RTO should shift him from there fo his fault.

DisAgree [3] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

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Comment on this article

Sowmya, Mulky

Sowmya, Mulky

shan, dubai

Kumari, Karkala

Jagjit, Uae

Af,,, Mangalore

Monty Dotor, Mangalore

Bengalurian, Bengaluru

Rob Stan, Udupi / US

alwyn, canada

Nicholas, Canada

Parvinder Singh, Mangalore

alwyn, canada

hemanth, Bangalore

Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

Anand, Mangalore

Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

cliffy, Mangalore

Haneef, mangalore

Parvinder Singh, Mangalore

Rajesh, dubai

Vanshdeep Singh, Milton, canada

Mahendra Shetty, Mumbai Mangalore

santhu birve, Mumbai/Udupi

hemanth, Bangalore

Vincent Rodrigues, Katapadi/Bangalore

Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India.

Sampath, Mlore/Blore

Parvinder Singh, Mangalore

Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India.

Kumar, Kinnigoli

Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India

Parvinder Singh, Mangalore

Kishore Kumar, Mangaluru

Parvinder Singh, Mangalore

Rajesh, dubai

Ramesh S, MANGALORE

Parvinder Singh, Mangalore

Ramesh s, Mangalore

Jembar Bappu, Bajpe

PAM Suvarna, karla

ravi, Mangalore

Prashant Karkera, Hejamady/Mumbai

Subramanyam, Kasargod

Nicholas, canada

N.M, Mangalore

Anand, Mangalore

Parvinder Singh, Mangalore

Manoj, Mangalore

FREE THINKER, UAE

mahesh, Mangalore

Vivek, Hirebyle / Abu dhabi

J.F.D SOUZA, Attavar, Mangalore

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Title: Mangaluru: Asking Sikh man to wear helmet – community complains to DC

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