About 77 per cent voter turnout in bypolls in 3 Assembly segments in Karnataka till 5 pm

BENGALURU: An estimated 76.9 per cent voters turned out till 5 pm in three Assembly segments of Karnataka where bypolls were held on Wednesday, election officials said. More than seven lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes in about 770 polling stations in Shiggaon, Sandur and Channapatna, where a total of 45 candidates were in the fray. While Channapatna recorded a record 8426 per cent voter turnout, it was 75.07 per cent in Shiggaon, and 71.47 per cent in Sandur, the officials said. By-polls for Sandur, Shiggaon, and Channapatna were necessitated, as the seats fell vacant following the election of their respective representatives -- E Tukaram of Congress, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai of BJP, and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy of JD(S) -- to Lok Sabha in the May elections. Channapatna has the highest number of 31 candidates in the fray, while Sandur and Shiggaon have six and eight contenders, respectively. Police made elaborate security arrangements in the three segments for the smooth conduct of the polls. The by-polls witnessed a straight fight between the ruling Congress and BJP in Sandur and Shiggaon segments, while in Channapatna, JD(S), which is part of the NDA, is in contest against the grand old party. We (Congress) will win all the three seats.I have campaigned in the three segments. Looking at the response from the people, I'm confident that we will win all three seats, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters in Mysuru. Among the three segments, Channapatna is considered to be a 'high profile', where the contest is between C P Yogeeshwara, a five time MLA from the segment and former minister, who joined the Congress quitting BJP recently, and actor-turned -politician Nikhil Kumaraswamy, who is Kumaraswamy's son and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda's grandson. Yogeeshwara, after casting his vote, said there was a good atmosphere and he felt that the people of Channapatna were with the Congress government and with him. He said that his personal stake was involved in the election along with that of the Congress party and the government, as this was also the home district of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. Stating that political developments and pressure from party workers led him to enter the poll fray, Nikhil Kumaraswamy said on getting an opportunity to represent the constituency, he would honestly work for the welfare of the people of the segment and fulfill their expectations. BJP's Bharath Bommai, son of Basavaraj Bommai, had a direct fight against Congress' Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, who had faced defeat against the former chief minister in the 2023 Assembly polls, in Shiggaon. Expressing confidence about his son's win with a big margin, Basavaraj Bommai hit out at the ruling Congress accusing it of using government machinery, money power and also caste during campaigning. The entire government, ministers and legislators were here, the government had stopped functioning, it seemed as though Vidhana Soudha was locked...ministers and legislators had come with money bags. Disregarding democratic principles they conspired to win the polls in the name of money and caste...CM Siddaramaiah has stooped to such low. People will defeat them, he said. With Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Bharath Bommai contesting, the third generation of Gowda and Bommai families is in the fray in this by-poll. Both their fathers and grandfathers have served as chief ministers in the past. In Sandur, Bellary MP Tukaram's wife E Annapurna of Congress is contesting from the seat vacated by her husband, against BJP state ST Morcha president Bangaru Hanumanthu, who is considered close to party leader and former mining baron G Janardhana Reddy.

Hyderabad: Speeding bus collides with car, causes chaos near ESI Metro station

Hyderabad: In a freak accident, a recklessly-driven private bus had created fear and chaos on a busy road near ESI metro station in the city on Saturday. The private bus travelling from Bellary to Hyderabad, reportedly over-speeding, collided with a car dragging it along for a considerable distance. The front part of the car was completely damaged after the wreckage. The incident ignited panic among the bystanders and pedestrians, as they started screaming and running all over after looking at the uncontrolled bus. Sensing danger, the bus driver jumped out to escape unhurt. However, there were no serious injuries or causalities due to the incident. The owner of the car had filed a complaint with the police and an investigation is underway.

Union minister H.D. Kumaraswamy booked for threatening police officer

Bengaluru: A case has been registered against Union minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for allegedly threatening a senior police officer probing a mining case against him. The case was registered on Monday based on a complaint by Inspector General of Police M Chandra Sekhar alleging that Kumaraswamy threatened a government servant to prevent him from discharging his duties The complainant stated that he was heading the Special Investigation Team probing a mining case in which Kumaraswamy is an accused. The probe against Kumaraswamy pertains to allegations that he illegally approved a 550-acre mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals (SSVM) in Bellary district in violation of law, during his tenure as Karnataka Chief Minister from 2006 to 2008. The SIT, after preparing the investigation report and having found substantial evidence and material to prosecute the accused (Kumaraswamy), had written to H.E. Governor of Karnataka seeking sanction for prosecution against the accused Sh. H.D. Kumaraswamy on 21/11/2023, Sekhar said in his complaint lodged at Sanjay Nagar police station.

Kurnool: Two Killed in Road Accident

Kurnool : Two people lost their lives in a road accident at Ganekal in Adoni mandal of Kurnool district on Sunday evening. The collision occurred when two autorickshaws travelling in opposite directions collided, resulting in the deaths of Ratnabai from Bellary, Karnataka, and Eesanna from Chitradurga. Eight others sustained serious injuries. Police from Tumbalam arrived at the scene, managed the situation, and shifted the deceased to Adoni Area Hospital for postmortem. The injured were also taken for medical treatment. Adoni police have registered a case and are investigating. Son abandons elderly Mother in Pathikonda Kurnool : An elderly woman named Tirupatamma from Guntakal was reportedly abandoned by her son in Pathikonda on Sunday. Locals found her alone in a wheelchair behind the electricity office. She said her son left her there early in the morning after transporting her by autorickshaw. Moved by her situation, locals offered her food and water and alerted the police. Circle inspector Jayanna said the woman was taken to the local government hospital, where she is currently receiving care. Her son has been contacted and advised to return to take responsibility for her. Man booked for molesting women with mental sickness in Gonegandla Kurnool: Police have registered a molestation case against a man for allegedly harassing a mentally challenged woman at Ganjihalli village in Gonegandla mandal, Kurnool district. The accused, identified as Boya Ramudu, reportedly misbehaved with the woman while she was alone at home. Her mother witnessed the incident and alerted neighbours, who helped file a complaint. Circle inspector A. Gangadhar confirmed that the case has been registered, and an investigation is underway. Thief held, 111.40 lakh recovered Kurnool: Nandyal police arrested an accused on Sunday in connection with a theft that took place on September 18 in Govindapalli village. The victim, Badri Srinivasulu, discovered his almirah had been broken into upon returning home from his farm, resulting in the theft of valuables and cash. The accused allegedly stole 6 tolas of gold jewellery worth approximately Rs.3.90 lakh, along with Rs.1.50 lakh in cash and Rs.7.80 lakh hidden beneath sarees. Srinivasulu filed a complaint at Sirivella police station, and a case was registered under Cr. No: 93/2024, invoking sections 331(2) and 305 BNS. Following an investigation, police arrested Pagidi Narasimha from Govindapalli SC Colony on Sunday. According to SP Adhiraj Singh Rana, police seized jewellery worth Rs.2.40 lakh, three mobile phones valued at Rs.1.20 lakh, and Rs.7.80 lakh in cash, bringing the total recovered value to Rs.11.40 lakh. Factory worker dies in accident Kurnool: A machine operator died in a factory accident early Sunday in Kolimigundla after becoming trapped in a crusher. The deceased has been identified as Suresh Achari, 31, from Dhanvada in Kadapa district. Suresh was working in the factory when he accidentally fell into the crusher, resulting in his immediate death. Staff members alerted the police, who shifted the body to Banaganapalli hospital for postmortem. Kolimigundla police have registered the incident as an accidental death and are investigating.

Annapoorna files nomination for Sandur by-election as Congress candidate

Sandur: E Annapoorna, the wife of Bellary MP E Tukaram, filed her nomination for the Sandur by-election as the Congress candidate on Thursday. Before submitting her papers, Annapoorna visited Sri Kumaraswamy temple in Sandur and then arrived at the taluk office in a grand procession, accompanied by senior Congress leaders. Labor Minister Santosh Lad and Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and other leaders accompanied Annapoorna to the taluk office, where she officially submitted her nomination. Expressing her confidence in securing the seat for Congress, Annapoorna noted, For the first time, a woman has been given a Congress ticket in Sandur. We are united, and I am confident of victory. She also assured to work for the development of the constituency, highlighting her connections with the local community. Annapoorna emphasized that her husband's long tenure as the MLA of Sandur since 2008 has strengthened her relationship with the party leaders, workers, and the people in the constituency. According to her affidavit, Annapoornas annual income for 2023-24 is Rs 1,55,440, while her husband E Tukarams is Rs 7,84,980. Annapoorna holds movable assets worth Rs 44,37,315, while her husbands movable assets total Rs 1,48,55,674. Her immovable assets are valued at Rs 63,21,380, and her husband's at Rs 47,66,960. The couple has liabilities of Rs 1,02,25,000 and Rs 30,00,000, respectively. Annapoorna holds a BA degree from Kuvempu University. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has appointed IAS officer Officer Dr. Divya S Iyer as General Observer to oversee the arrangements and check violations in Sandur Assembly Constituency during the By-election 2024. Returning Officer Rajesh H D stated that the general observer will stay at Room No. 1, Circuit House, Hospet Road, Sandur, and will be available for the public to meet between 4 pm to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. He appealed to the public, candidates, and Political party members to meet the observers at the designated place and time for any election-related complaints or grievances.

Karnataka polls: Congress to announce candidates on Tuesday, says CM Siddaramaiah

Mysuru: Congress has decided to give Sandur ticket to Bellary MP E Tukarams wife Annapurna while candidates for Shiggaon and Channapatna will be decided later, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Tuesday, October 22 noting that the party has made all necessary preparations for the November 13 Assembly by-polls in these segments. To a question Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Five Arrested in Gang-Rape Case of Two Women in AP, 1 Absconding

Anantapur: Five members including three minors accused in the gang-rape of two women in the presence of their husbands in Satya Sai district two days ago have been arrested. Special teams cracked the case within 48 hours and arrested five persons including three minors, police said. The two women were a mother-in-law aged 45 and her daughter-in-law aged 22. The incident occurred at the construction site of a paper mill, near Nallabommanipalli in Chilamathur mandal. The family had migrated from Bellary of Karnataka in search of work. The hapless father and son were brutally attacked by the six-member gang before raping the two women. About six persons came in two motorcycles and knocked on the main gate of the paper mill and entered the shed in the wee hours of Saturday. They attacked the father and son and then raped the mother in law and the daughter in law in presence of their husbands, as per the police FIR. The gang took a mobile phone and Rs 5200 in cash from the victims and fled. SP Rathna said the names of the three minors cannot be revealed. Of the others, E Nagendra alias Robo of Tyagaraja Nagar in Hindupur town was accused in 37 cases. Sake Praveen Kumar alias Kala of Tyagaraja Nagar in Hindupur was accused in a murder case. They along with C Sreenivasulu of Guddam area in Hindupur and the three minors came on two motorcycles and indulged in the crime. Nagendra, Praveen Kumar and the three minors were arrested while Sreenivasulu was absconding. Hindupur DSP Mahesh and his team led the investigations and made the arrests. The incident had gained attention across the state and chief minister Chandrababu Naidu asked the state police brass to immediately search and arrest the accused. Four special teams were formed to nab the accused. The CM, taking a serious note, had urged the HC to form a special court to try the accused in a speedy manner. Police said the four-member family from Bellary was camping at the construction site near Nalla Bommanapalli. The head of the family was working as watchman for the unit for the last five months while his son was working at a DSC company and the daughter-in-law at a garment unit near Kodur. On October 11, the wife and husband returned to the camp after work. While the watchman and his wife slept in a shed and his son along with daughter-in-law in another shed. After the incident, the family rushed to the Chilamathur police station and lodged a complaint.

K'taka Valmiki funds misused to bribe Bellary LS voters with Rs 200 each: ED

New Delhi/Bengaluru: Over seven lakh people in the Bellary Lok Sabha seat were given Rs 200 each to vote in favour of the Congress candidate during the general elections this year and this money came from the cash siphoned in the alleged Valmiki scam by former Karnataka tribal minister B Nagendra along with his aides, the ED has claimed in its charge sheet. It also charged that the legislator utilised these government funds to cover his personal expenses, like booking flights for himself and his associates, payment of electricity bills, vehicle maintenance and paying the monthly salaries of household staff. Nagendra, 53, was granted bail by a special court for people's representatives in Bengaluru on Monday. The federal agency had filed its first charge sheet in this case last month before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Bengaluru listing Nagendra as the accused no. 1, apart from 24 others which included his aides, linked persons and some companies. The money laundering case stems from an FIR of the Karnataka Police and the CBI where it was alleged that funds worth crores of rupees were diverted from the accounts of the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation (KMVSTDC) and sent to fake accounts and later laundered through shell entities. The corporation was established in 2006 with a primary focus on the socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in Karnataka by running welfare schemes for them. The alleged irregularities came to the fore after the accounts superintendent of the Valmiki Corporation, Chandrasekharan P, was found dead on May 21. He wrote a suicide note alleging illegal transfer of money from the Corporation to various bank accounts. Nagendra and five others allegedly linked to him were arrested by the ED in this case. The former minister told the ED that J G Padmanabha, the managing director of the Valmiki Corporation under his ministry, fraudulently transferred funds of the corporation without his knowledge or approval from the board. He denied any wrongdoing saying he did not benefit personally from the siphoned funds. In his statements, Padmanabha told the ED that he was acting on the orders of the higher officials, including Nagendra, and he had no real control over the fraudulent activities. Nagendra, an MLA from Bellary rural seat, had resigned as minister in the face of these allegations. Talking about the role of Nagedra's personal assistants -- B Vijay Kumar Gowda and Nekkenti Nagaraj-- and his associate Rudrayya, the ED claimed that they admitted to handling large sums of money, which aligns with the broader scheme of siphoning funds for electoral purposes. Nagendra, the agency said, handled a substantial portion of the proceeds of crime, primarily in the form of cash, which was used to support activities related to the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. This cash, siphoned from Valmiki Corporation, was received and distributed by Vijay Kumar Gowda, personal assistant to B Nagendra, under his direct instructions, it said. Gowda, the ED said, recorded in his statement with the agency that he had handed over cash to the persons instructed by Nagendra which eventually went to party workers and voters, following instructions from B Nagendra, for the purpose of election-related activities. The agency said Gowda gave the agency a statement describing how cash was distributed in the Bellary LS seat during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. To incentivise voters to cast their vote in favour of Sh. E Tukaram, the INC (Congress) candidate, Rs 200 was distributed to each voter. Additionally, Rs 10,000 was allocated to each polling booth to compensate the Congress Party workers responsible for assisting voters and overseeing the booths, the ED said in the charge sheet. It further alleged that Nagendra, in coordination with Bellary LS seat MLAs like Nara Bharath Reddy (Bellary city), MLA Ganesh (Kampli) and Kudligi MLA Dr N T Srinivas distributed cash funds as per the assigned polling stations among them. As per the ED, these MLAs ensured that the cash was disbursed to voters and party workers in their respective constituencies and this was corroborated by the evidence gathered during the investigation. The agency drew up a tabular column in the prosecution complaint (chargesheet) to show that 7,40,112 voters in Bellary were given Rs 200 each from the Valmiki funds totalling more than Rs 14 crore apart from Rs 10,000 each to party workers in each booth totalling over Rs 72 lakh. It claimed that when Nagendra was confronted with this evidence, including pictures of cash wads found on the mobile of his PA Gowda, the former minister emained evasive and refused to provide a clear response. The agency said its probe found that both the Tribal Welfare and Finance Departments of the Karnataka government disbursed funds in violation of established guidelines, releasing them despite minimal utilisation of previously disbursed funds. The probe, the ED said, uncovered a complex money laundering operation within the Valmiki Corporation with more than Rs 187.33 crore intended for welfare schemes being fraudulently siphoned off from the corporation's account between March-May, 2024. The ED also claimed that Nagendra's movements during the period of the scam and the disposal of his three iPhones suggest an intent to destroy the evidence. The agency charged that Nagendra, in his capacity as the minister of the Tribal Welfare Department, was actively involved in pooling, routing, and siphoning of KMVSTDC funds. B Nagendra's role in the conspiracy, his attempts to destroy evidence and the failure of departments under his ministry point to deliberate misconduct. His claims of ignorance and non-involvement are contradicted by evidence, including forensic data, statements, and financial records, the ED alleged. It said unexplained transactions, managed by his PAs, suggest a deliberate effort to conceal financial misconduct, aligning with broader fraudulent activities under investigation.

Kumaraswamy trying to scuttle probe in illegal mining cases, says ADGP

ADGP M Chandra Sekhar, who heads the SIT which is investigating illegal mining cases, on Friday lodged a police complaint against Union minister H D Kumaraswamy and his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy for allegedly threatening him to scuttle the probe against the former CM. The probe against Kumaraswamy pertains to allegations that he illegally approved a 550-acre mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals (SSVM) in Bellary district in violation of law during his tenure as Karnataka chief minister from 2006 to 2008. He is now the Union minister for steel and heavy industries. The SIT, after preparing the investigation report and having found substantial evidence and material to prosecute the accused (Kumaraswamy), had written to H E Governor of Karnataka seeking sanction for prosecution against the accused Sh H D Kumaraswamy on 21/11/2023, Sekhar said in his complaint lodged at Sanjay Nagar police station. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, vide his letter dated July 29, 2024, sought certai

Karnataka News: MLA Janardhan Reddy Under Heat For Breaching Traffic Rules | English News | News18

MLA Janardhan Reddy under heat, Reddy's car breaches CM's security, ultimately led spooking them. Remember, he recently got a green signal to enter Bellary from the Supreme Court of India after being banned in a mining scam case.

Andhra Pradesh: CM Naidu Promises Kurnool-Bellary NH

Kurnool: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced several key initiatives including the construction of a National Highway from Kurnool to Bellary and the establishment of a High Court bench in Kurnool. Addressing a Praja Vedika event on Tuesday, he also unveiled plans for a revised liquor policy aimed at reducing alcohol consumption. He committed Rs 100 crore towards the initiative. Naidu visited the houses of Boya Gangamma and Chintaginjala Venkatesh and distributed pensions in Putchkayalamada village of Pathikonda mandal on Tuesday. At the Praja Vedika, he said there was no need for high security for his visits. Actions like tree cutting, or bringing people from other areas had occurred earlier during the visits of his predecessor (Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy), he noted. He said the welfare pension, which was started by NTR as CM during 1985-86 at Rs 30, has been increased to Rs 4,000. We distributed Rs 12,508 crore so far, he said, and noted that his party and its allies secured 93 per cent of the seats this time. He said the state treasury was empty when he took power in June this year, with the state groaning under debts of Rs 10 lakh crore. Naidu opined that securing the Handri Neeva water for the district was the only solution for the water crisis, and promised to complete the Guru Raghavendra and Gundrevula projects in the coming years. He also told the audience that shortly after taking office, he signed files for the Mega DSC notification to fill 16,347 posts. The exams would be conducted in December, which would be followed by appointments for the selected candidates. He promised employment opportunities, including government, private and technology-based interventions, even in villages where individuals can work from home and earn their livelihood. We have opened 175 Anna Canteens to feed the poor. Naidu said the government is providing 10 per cent reservations for certain backward castes while allocating liquor shops. We are now considering how to continue the services of volunteers, Naidu said. Explaining the recent floods in Vijayawada, he said the government spent Rs 602 crore and received around Rs 440 crore in donations so far. The Chief Minister announced various development works, such as housing, pensions, tap connections etc., for the village, totally worth Rs 2.83 crore. He directed district collector Ranjit Basha to monitor the implementation of these plans. We will complete internal roads from the village to Maddikera, Hosuru and Pathikonda. This, however, requires some more time, he said. Naidu encouraged villagers to install 200 solar power generation units under the Centre's Surya Ghar scheme to enable them lower the power charges. He sought suggestions from the villagers on introducing a household insurance policy or other measures for the welfare of the people. MP Bastipati Nagaraju Panchalingala, minister T.G. Bharat, MLA K.E. Shyam Kumar, party leaders Sambasiva Reddy, K.E. Prabhakar, former minister Krishna Murthy, DIG Koya Praveen, SP Bindu Madhav and others participated in the event.

Kumaraswamy calls ADGP probing mining lease case against him as blackmailer and criminal

H D Kumaraswamy H D Kumaraswamy Bengaluru: Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday called ADGP of Lokayukta, M Chandra Sekhar, who heads the SIT probing the 2007 mining lease case, as a 'blackmailer' and 'criminal'.He (Sekhar) has addressed a letter to his colleagues. I know who prepared that letter and where. I will reveal it in due course of time, Kumaraswamy told reporters here. In the letter, referred to by Kumaraswamy, Sekhar wrote, Today an accused in Crime No. 16/14 of SIT, Sh H D Kumaraswamy, in a press conference made false and malicious allegations and threats. As you know the SIT had sought the prosecution sanction of the accused from the competent authority. This accused, who is on bail, Sh H D Kumaraswamy, has done this to deter us from discharging our duties. It appears that his objective is to create fear in the minds of officers of SIT by attacking me. But an ACCUSED, however high and mighty he may be, is an ACCUSED. Let us not get de-motivated by such allegations and threats. I as the head of SIT promise you that I will work without fear or favour and bring to justice all criminals and accused in our cases. I also promise you that I will protect you from all external influences. The illegal mining case pertains to allegations that Kumaraswamy, during his tenure as CM from 2006 to 2008, illegally approved a 550-acre mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals (SSVM) in Bellary district in violation of law. In his response to the letter, Kumaraswamy said, I might be an accused in this case, but that officer' is a criminal in disguise of a cop. There are allegations against him for a series of criminal activities. A blackmailer who has carried out loot around Bengaluru by building relationship. I have documents, he said. Quoting writer George Berrnard Shaw, Sekhar said, Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pig likes it. But, we cannot avoid confronting criminals and accused, during discharge of our duty. According to Kumaraswamy, Sekhar hails from Andhra Pradesh and is a Himachal Pradesh cadre IPS officer. Instead of working in Himachal Pradesh, he is here for the past 25 years by harbouring some people. Why is he here? He is here because Himachal Pradesh weather doesn't suit him..., he alleged. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah preferred not to comment on the tussle between Kumaraswamy and the IPS officer. He (Kumaraswamy) has made some allegation on the ADGP. He (ADGP) has replied. I know only that much, he told reporters. Asked how the officers have started commenting on the politicians, Siddaramaiah said, He (Kumaraswamy) has made a mistake. Why someone comments on an officer? If the officer does something unlawful then the comment is justified. Regarding the usage of the word pig by the ADGP, Siddaramaiah sought to know whether the officer had referred to anyone's name. The officer has only quoted George Bernard Shaw. I am not going to comment on that. I will not interfere in that,' Siddaramaiah said.

Hero of Bellary Mining Scam Dipak Sarmah Gets Eco Warrior Lifetime Achievement Award

New Delhi [India], September 14: Legendary Indian Forest Service Officer Dipak Sarmah was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing to the conservation of forests and the environment. A 1977-batch Karnataka cadre IFS officer, Sarmah, was part of the committee that unearthed the Bellary mining scam worth over one lakh crore rupees.

Karnataka court orders to shift actorDarshan to Bellary prison

Bengaluru: The 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court on Tuesday ordered to shift jailed Kannada superstar Darshan, an accused in the kidnap and murder case, from the Bengaluru Central Prison to Bellary Central jail. The submission was made to the court by the Chief Superintendent in the wake of a photograph of Darshan hanging Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Kannada Actor Darshan Being Shifted To Bellary Jail After Row Over VIP Treatment At Bengaluru Prison

Kannada actor Darshan is likely to be shifted to another prison in the state

Actor Darshan To Be Shifted After Row Over VIP Treatment In Bengaluru Jail

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is in judicial custody in a murder case is being shifted to the Bellary jail after a picture went viral where the actor was seen hanging out with three others at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail.

Hyderabad: Food, water contamination triggers surge in febrile illnesses

Infections spread by contaminated food are very common in monsoon. Commonly spread infections are typhoid and paratyphoid fevers. We are seeing a rise in hepatitis A and E infections. All these are spread by contaminated food, said Dr Aarathi Bellary, consultant, internal medicine, KIMS Hospitals

Chikungunya cases outnumber dengue in Hyderabad

In the last two or three months, initially, we saw a big rise in dengue fevers. Now, in the last month, the scenario has slightly changed. Dengue fevers have come down a bit, and there is an increase in the number of Chikungunya cases, said Dr Aarathi Bellary, a consultant of internal medicine at KIMS Hospitals, Kondapur

Karnataka Government Under Fire for Selling 3666 Acres of Land for Just Rs 20 Crores

Bangalore: Arvind Bellad, the leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, has launched a severe critique of the Congress Government, labeling it as the most corrupt administration in Karnataka's recent history. His comments come amid a series of scandals that have plagued the Congress government, with Bellad asserting that the current controversies are just the beginning. The latest scandal involves Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is accused of selling valuable state land to Jindal Steel Works (JSW) at a significantly reduced price. The land, a 3,666-acre plot in Sandur, Bellary district, was reportedly sold to JSW for Rs 1.2 lakh per acre, a price Bellad denounces as scandalously low. He criticized Siddaramaiah for what he described as treating state property like personal assets and accused the government of engaging in a dubious internal agreement to facilitate the sale. Bellad suggested that the CM MUDA scandal, which had already put Siddaramaiah under considerable pressure, could now be compounded by this latest controversy. He speculated that the land deal might be politically motivated, potentially aimed at securing Siddaramaiahs position as Chief Minister once more. Bellad has vowed to challenge the deal both legally and publicly. The complex history of the land deal traces back to when the central government initially earmarked the land for a steel company. When the factory closed, the land reverted to the state. Under the previous Yeddyurappa government, the sale to JSW was proposed but met with significant opposition and legal challenges, leading to its postponement. Despite earlier court rulings and public opposition, the current Congress government proceeded with the sale. Adding to the controversy, 954 acres of the land, which belonged to Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), were included in the sale to JSW. Bellad questioned the legality of this inclusion and hinted at possible internal agreements between Congress leaders and JSW. The oppositions criticism is further fueled by allegations from pro-people organizations and the CPM. They claim that farmers who contributed land to the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) in the early 1970s received inadequate compensation and job opportunities. The CPM argues that the government is losing Rs 10,950 crore in revenue by selling the land at such a low price, despite the market value of the land being much higher. The land in question, located in Kurekuppa, Torangallu, Yarrabanahalli, and Musenayakana villages, was originally acquired at Rs 900 per acre. It is now being sold for Rs 1.25 lakh to Rs 1.50 lakh per acre, while the market value ranges from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.25 crore per acre. The Jana Sangram Parishad has demanded that the land remain on a lease basis and called for a transparent land audit. In 2019, the organization led a march demanding a land audit, highlighting concerns about the amount of land allocated to JSW compared to its production capacity and job creation. There are also allegations of the company encroaching on government land. JSW, which began operations in Torangal in 1994, has expanded into various sectors, including steel production, power generation, cement, paint, and asphalt manufacturing. The ongoing scandals, particularly the land deal with JSW, have intensified political tensions in Karnataka. As Arvind Bellad and the opposition prepare for a legal and political battle, the future of Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs administration remains uncertain. Tensions Rise Over Land Dispute Between Muslim and Tribal Communities in Jharkhand Rising Sentiments Against Miya Muslims in Assam Amid Rape Case Protests Devotees Flock to Rameswaram and Mathura for Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations

Tungabhadra Reservoir: Temporary Gate to Arrive in Four Parts Today

Anantapur: Irrigation experts and designers would, in a unique process, fix a temporary gate in place of the damaged 19th gate of Tungabhadra reservoir, in an urgent step to avoid wastage of water. They would do so in the running water. Orders had been placed with four firms to manufacture the temporary gate in four parts, all of which would reach here on Wednesday and be joined into one upon placement on Friday. The gate weighs 40 tonnes. The TB dam authorities ordered the manufacture of four parts of similar design from different steel units in the Hospet area. JSW Steels offered assistance with high capacity cranes to fix the parts in the running water. Irrigation expert Kannaiah Naidu, who designed the Polavaram gates, would be present to guide the team of engineers at the site. He recently underwent cataract eye surgery and was taking rest. When the snag developed to the 19th gate, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu called up and urged him to rush to TB dam and take stock of the situation. Normally, such a snag to the dam gates can get rectified by fixing a new gate only after release of water up to the gate level. But, the TB dam being a major source of water for the drought-hit Rayalaseema and Bellary areas, the state does not want to lose some 60tmc-ft of water from the reservoir. Such a release of water would be of no use and end up in the sea, it is noted. Hence, the experts led by Kannaiah Naidu decided to have an experiment by way of fixing the gate of 40 tonnes by making it in four pieces to reduce weight problem during the installation. Minister Payyavula Kesav hoped for divine blessings for the success of the experiment, which is attempted at probably for the first time ever. We are keen on avoiding wastage of water. We could have fixed the gate very easily after discharging a huge quantity of water, but such a waste of water would affect the farms of AP and Karnataka, he explained. Irrigation minister Rama Naidu said the chief minister has promised release of sufficient funds to the TB Board to set things right. The gate parts are likely to reach the dam site by Wednesday morning. Visitors will not be allowed at the site. Payyavula Kesav urged the people to cooperate with the experts and avoid any disturbance there. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, who visited the TB dam site, told the media that there would be no problem for the present kharif season. All the dependent canals under the dam have been provided with sufficient release of water. Even after discharging water into the river, we hope to fill the dam with rains expected till next month, he said. The dam, he said, was not the responsibility of the Karnataka government. The TB dam is under the control of CWC. There is no credence to the allegations made by the Karnataka opposition, the BJP, against the state government that we are being irresponsible, he added. The TB dam authorities said round the clock efforts were on to avoid wastage of water. Anantapur collector Vinod Kumar, Rayadurg MLA Kalava Sreenivasulu and several ministers and MLA's were present.