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 By-polls 2024 | Congress fields Yogeshwara in Channapatna, Bellary MP Tukaram's wife in Sandur - Deccan Herald

Karnataka By-polls 2024 | Congress fields Yogeshwara in Channapatna, Bellary MP Tukaram's wife in Sandur Deccan Herald

BJP moves EC, seeks Ballari MP Tukarams disqualification

NEW DELHI/ BENGALURU: Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra has accused Ballari MP E Tukaram of violating the law to secure his victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Vijayendra claimed that Tukarams victory was nothing short of illegal and demanded action, submitting a petition to the Chief Election Commissioner calling for his disqualification. In a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, Vijayendra, flanked by Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka and LoP in Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy took on Tukaram. We have formally demanded Tukarams removal. This cannot go unpunished, Vijayendra said. Vijayendra accused the Congress of a massive Rs 187-crore scam in the ST Development Corporation. In September, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) uncovered shocking evidence of this loot, and the BJP wants to expose the culprits. Congress had not only stolen public funds meant for oppressed communities but had funnelled the money into their election campaigns in Bellary and other constituencies, he alleged. B Nagendra, who served as a minister in the Siddaramaiah cabinet, stepped down from his post amid the scandal. Vijayendra criticised the Congress for misusing crores of public money, revealing that these illicit funds were channelled into various Lok Sabha constituencies, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of their victories. Vijayendra slammed the State Government for violating the Model Code of Conduct in the run-up to the bypolls to Sandur, Channapatna, and Shiggaon, accusing Congress leaders of openly flouting the law by issuing advertisements despite the code being in force. The Congress-led government is violating the rulebook! Vijayendra alleged, calling for immediate action. In a direct attack on Congress leaders CM Siddaramaiah, and DyCM DK Shivakumar, Vijayendra questioned their speeches about upholding the Constitution. Their actions in Sandur and during the bypolls, expose how much respect they truly have for our Constitution, Vijayendra said. The EDs findings have raised the heat in Ballari, Raichur, and Koppal, where misappropriated funds from the Valmiki Corporation were allegedly used for electoral gains, he alleged, adding that disqualification petitions for those constituencies would soon follow. Vijayendra revealed the BJPs plans to push forward Yogeshwara as their candidate from Channapatna. We believe Yogeshwara should contest. He deserves a chance, he said.

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 .

Karnataka Assembly Bypolls: BJP Setting Stage for Strong Political Battle

Mangaluru: With the by-elections in three constituencies in Karnataka just a month away, the BJP is mobilizing its resources and setting the stage for a strong political battle. The by-elections, scheduled for November 23, will be held in Shiggaon, Sandur, and Channapatnaseats that fell vacant after the sitting MLAs were elected to Parliament earlier this year. While BJP, Congress, and JD(S) had claimed victories in Shiggaon, Sandur, and Channapatna, respectively, in the 2023 assembly elections, the political landscape has shifted. This time, the BJP, in alliance with JD(S), is not only determined to retain its hold on Shiggaon and Channapatna but also aims to wrest Sandur from Congressa seat that has traditionally been a Congress stronghold. In the last few months, a wave of controversies has surfaced in Karnataka, giving the BJP ample ammunition to target the Congress government. While Congress targeted the BJP with 40 percent government allegations during the 2023 assembly elections, the BJP is now prepared to pay back in kind by highlighting the Congress government's decision to release the accused in the Hubballi police station attack case, as well as the Valmiki Corporation scam and the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. These are three major black marks for the Congress in this by-election, each linked to one of the constituencies, BJP Karnataka state general secretary P Rajeev told Deccan Chronicle. With what face will the Congress approach voters in these constituencies? Rajeev questioned. One of the BJPs main points of attack is the Congress government's controversial decision to withdraw cases against those accused in the 2022 Hubballi police station attack. According to Rajeev, this decision is likely to have consequences for Congress in the Shiggaon constituency, situated near Hubballi, and falls within the Dharwad parliamentary segment. The Congress will have to answer for this to the people of Shiggaon, he said. Similarly, the BJP is set to raise the Valmiki Corporation scam in Sandur of Ballari district, a Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved constituency. Following the incident, Bellary Rural MLA B Nagendra was forced to resign as Sports and ST Welfare Minister. He was also arrested in connection to the case. Congress perceived mishandling of the scandal and the allegations that the scam money was used for election in Ballari and also Telangana is likely to be used as a key weapon by the BJP. In Channapatna, the BJP is expected to highlight the MUDA scam, pointing fingers at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. We will go to the election on the platform of nationalism and clean governance. The failures of the state government will be a major focus of our campaign, Rajeev added. None of the major parties have officially announced their candidates. However intense behind-the-scenes lobbying is underway. Aspiring candidates are making last-minute bids to secure their partys ticket. The voting is scheduled for November 13 and the results will be declared on November 23. The last date for filing nominations is October 25.

ED pressurised me to name CM, Deputy CM in Valmiki scam, alleges Cong MLA Nagendra

BENGALURU: Former Karnataka Minister B Nagendra, who walked out of the jail on Wednesday, alleged that he was pressurised by the ED to name Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar in the multi-crore scam in Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. He also charged the ED (Directorate of Enforcement) with arresting him under pressure from the BJP as part of a conspiracy to destabilise the Congress government. A special court here on Monday granted bail to the Congress MLA, who was arrested by the ED in connection with the scam. The BJP that is governing the country is conspiring to somehow destabilise the Congress governments wherever in power. For three months, I was harassed by the ED with the intention to destabilise our government. Despite no role of mine in the Valmiki scam, all of a sudden I was arrested. On pressure from the BJP central leaders, ED tried to destabilise the state government by arresting me, Nagendra said. Speaking to reporters after being released from the jail, he said, he was pressured to name Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in connection with the scam. I rejected it saying that when my role itself is not there (in the scam), where is their (CM & DCM) role? Where is the government's role? There is no connection between the scam that has taken place in the bank and the government. Despite that, BJP both in the state and at the Centre conspired, as they have done in the 'MUDA' scam, he said. Asked about the context where he was pressured to name the CM, the former minister said, it was in connection with the Finance Department (held by the CM). Without any written orders, without any orders money was transferred. At the time when there was a code of conduct (during Lok Sabha polls), bank officials without even checking KYC have done it. It is not a state government scam, it is a bank scam. Neither the chief minister nor I as the concerned minister was aware of it. Unnecessarily, ED is trying to link his (CM) name to it, he said. Nagendra had resigned as the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister in June following allegations of his involvement in the scam. The ED had recently said that Nagendra had been identified as the primary accused and mastermind behind the scam, allegedly orchestrating it with the help of 24 others. MUDA row: CM Siddaramaiah gets Karnataka Cabinet backing The ED had in July arrested Nagendra under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and also five other key accused during the investigation. Only leaders of other parties like -- Kejriwal (former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal), Sisodia (Manish Sisodia), Kavitha (Telangana MLC and Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader) -- are being arrested by the ED, but we have faith in the judiciary as it is in no one's clutches, that's the reason I have got bail today, the Congress leader said. To a question on the Valmiki corporation money being used for the Lok Sabha and other election, Nagendra said the investigation is on. The SIT (constituted by the state government) has said that the money was not misused for election. Asked if he would be made minister again, Nagendra said, it is left to the Congress high command, Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge. I have courage that as a common party worker I have saved the government. This fight won't end for any reason. The work towards rooting out the BJP will begin from Karnataka. We will show our courage by ensuring Congress' win in Sandur, Shiggaon and Channapatna by-polls, he said. The ED had said its investigation revealed that under the influence of Nagendra, the account of the corporation was moved to the MG Road Branch (of bank) without any proper authorisation, where Rs 187 crore, including Rs.43.33 crore from the State Treasury under the 'Ganga Kalyana Scheme', were deposited without following proper procedures and in violation of government guidelines. These funds were subsequently siphoned off through multiple shell accounts and converted into cash and bullion. ED investigation also revealed that an amount of Rs 20.19 crore of the diverted funds was used to support a candidate contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha election from the Bellary constituency, as well as for the personal expenses of B Nagendra, the federal probe agency added. HDK says Congress using caste census to divert attention from MUDA issue

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.

Karnataka Valmiki funds misused to bribe Bellary LS voters with Rs 200 each: ED - Deccan Herald

Karnataka Valmiki funds misused to bribe Bellary LS voters with Rs 200 each: ED Deccan Herald

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.

Six held for raping woman, daughter-in-law in Andhra Pradesh

ANANTAPUR: The Sri Satya Sai district police on Sunday detained six suspects in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law at Nallabommanipalle village in Chilmathur Mandal. The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday when armed assailants, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, attacked a family of watchmen. The father and son were overpowered and threatened with a knife, while the women were sexually assaulted in front of them. The victims family, originally from Bellary of Karnataka, had come to Nallabommanipalle to work as security guards at a carton factory under construction. The suspects, including three minors, reportedly attempted to rob the factory before committing the heinous crime. The minors, known for their involvement in petty crimes and substance abuse, were arrested along with the others following a swift police investigation. Local authorities, including Sri Sathya Sai district Superintendent of Police (SP) V Ratna, confirmed that the victims were receiving medical treatment and their condition was stable. The crime has ignited outrage throughout the State, with public protests demanding justice. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, took immediate action by reviewing the investigations progress and instructing police to expedite the arrests. Handlooms & Textiles Minister S Savitha, Hindupur MP BK Parthasarathi and MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna also urged the police to ensure the culprits face justice. Special police teams were formed to locate the suspects and by Saturday, all six, including the minors, were taken into custody. Protests have continued, reflecting the widespread anger over the incident and calls for swift legal action against those responsible.

Illegal mining cases: ADGP files complaint against Kumaraswamy for making false allegations against SIT

BENGALURU: The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), M Chandra Sekhar, filed a complaint at the Sanjay Nagar police station on Friday against Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries and JD(S) Karnataka President H D Kumaraswamy and his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy for making false allegations, intimidation and threats to obstruct an ongoing investigation by the SIT into an illegal mining case from 2013. The ADGP heads a Lokayukta Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the states Internal Security Division (ISD) that is looking into allegations against former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. The probe pertains to allegations that he illegally approved a 550-acre mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals (SSVM) in the Bellary district in violation of the law during his tenure as Karnataka chief minister from 2006 to 2008. In his letter to the Sanjay Nagar police, who registered a non-cognizable report(NCR), the ADGP states that H D Kumaraswamy, who is currently out on bail, appears to be perturbed by the SIT's pursuit of the case. Chandra Sekhar alleges that Kumaraswamy verbally attacked him and threatened to have him transferred to another state. He also claims that the accused has threatened him with false allegations against him and his family members. The ADGP's complaint states that H.D. Kumaraswamy, as a Union Cabinet Minister, has misused his official position to illegally obtain documents and obstruct the investigation. He alleges that Kumaraswamy has consistently cast aspersions on investigating officers involved in cases against him or his relatives. This act of the accused is an offence punishable under section 224 BNS 2023, top cop stated. Further responding to Kumaraswamy's allegation that he built a multi-story structure on a stormwater drain in his wife's name, Chandra Sekhar stated, Even the worst of criminals and sinners keep women and children out of their vendetta, but the desperation of this accused can be gauged from this false and malicious allegation made by him against my wife. Additionally, JD(S) Youth Wing President Nikhil Kumaraswamy and JD(S) Legislative Party leader and MLA Suresh Babu are also named in the complaint for making false allegations against him. The ADGP claims that this campaign of intimidation has demoralized his team. To motivate them, he wrote a motivational letter. In light of this unprecedented campaign of intimidation, Chandra Sekhar states that he and his team were left with two options: either to surrender and beg for a humiliating peace for themselves and their families, or to face the unending campaign of intimidation fomented by the accused, a powerful politician and Union Cabinet Minister, and his followers.

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

MLA Nagendra orchestrated Valmiki scam: ED

BENGALURU: The special court to try cases against sitting and former MPs/MLAs has taken cognizance of a prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged scam in Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd. B Nagendra, Congress MLA and former minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare, has been named as the prime accused and mastermind behind the scam. He allegedly orchestrated the scam with the help of 24 others, including his associates Satyanarayana Varma, Etakari Satyanarayana, JG Padmanabha, Nageshwar Rao, Nekkenti Nagaraj and Vijay Kumar Gowda. The ED launched its investigation on the basis of the FIRs registered by Karnataka police and CBI, which found that around Rs 89.62 crore was diverted from the bank accounts of the corporation to the fake accounts in some banks in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and later laundered the money through shell entities. This scam came to light after Chandrashekhar, an employee of the corporation, died by suicide in May 2024, according to a press release from the ED. Rs 20cr diverted money used to meet poll expenses The ED probe revealed that based on Nagendras direction, the bank account of the corporation was shifted to the MG Road branch without proper authorisation, where Rs 187 cr, including Rs 43.33 cr from the Treasury under the Ganga Kalyana Scheme, was deposited in violation of government norms. This money was subsequently siphoned off through multiple shell accounts and converted into cash and bullion, the release said. The probe also revealed that Rs 20.19 cr of the diverted money was used to meet the expenses of a candidate, who contested the 2024 LS polls from Bellary. Part of this money was used by Nagendra. Evidence related to these expenditures was discovered during search and seizure operations. Details of the election expenses were retrieved from the mobile phone of Vijay Kumar Gowda, who handled the cash on Nagendras instructions.

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.

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 .

Darshan to be shifted to Bellary jail after photos of him receiving 'VIP treatment' in Bengaluru jail go viral

A photograph of Darshan hanging out with three others, including a rowdy-sheeter, on the lawns of the jail had gone viral on Sunday, sparking a row.

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

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.

Karnataka man arrested on conversion bid complaint by Hindu devotees

Shillong, July 22: Karnataka Police arrested a man on Monday and launched a hunt for another in connection with an alleged religious conversion bid targeting Hindu pilgrims in Bellary district. The arrested person was identified as 44-year-old Hussain Basha, while his accomplice, 24-year-old Saibaba, was absconding. Both are residents of the Tekkala Pattana area [] The post Karnataka man arrested on conversion bid complaint by Hindu devotees appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Kurnool celebrates Guru Pournami with fervour

Kurnool: Temples and organisations across Kurnool marked Guru Pournami with traditional fervour. The local Shirdi Sai temple on the Tungabhadra performed pujas and rituals. Other prominent sites like the Bellary Chowrasta Hanuman Temple and Balaji Nagar Surya Temple held special activities. Grand festivities took place at the Avadhuta Ramireddy Tatha Samsthan Devasthanam in Kallur, featuring Vishnu Sahasranama Parayanam and Lalitha Sahasranama Parayanam. The Kurnool Lalitha Kala Samiti, under the Hindu Upadhyaya Samiti's auspices, organised the Vyasa Pournami and Guru Pujotsava. Former Rajya Sabha member T.G. Venkatesh stressed the importance of respecting Gurus and lauded the Samiti for honoring over 100 district Gurus. Panyam legislator Gowru Charitha Reddy spoke on teachers' role in shaping students. KV Subbareddy (KV Subba Reddy Educational Institutions) and ISKCON's Prabhu Ramakrishna Das also attended. Notably, devotees thronged Sai Baba temples in Nandyal (Nagulakunta Road, Bus Stand, Vishwanagar, Bommala Satram).

Karnataka to Link Farmers' Aadhaar to IP Set Numbers for Accurate Power Allocation

BELLARY: Energy Minister KJ George has said that linking farmers' Aadhaar numbers to their IP set RR numbers is intended to ensure accurate record-keeping. Speaking at a press conference in Ballari Zilla Panchayat hall, the minister said This initiative aims to provide clarity on the number of irrigation pump sets (IP sets) in Karnataka and their electricity requirements. Currently, agricultural pump sets up to 10 HP are provided free electricity. However, the exact power needs of these pump sets are unclear. Illegal pump sets exacerbate power issues for regular sets. Linking RR numbers of IP sets with Aadhaar will help determine the exact number of pump sets and their power needs, facilitating adequate power supply, he said. There are many illegal pump sets in the state, with some individuals using them to pump water from rivers and canals. Illegal pump sets with a capacity of more than 10 horsepower will be disconnected. However, power supply will continue for pump sets up to 10 horsepower until alternative arrangements are made, he said. George reassured the public of the states commitment to providing uninterrupted power, noting that even during droughts, farmers received seven hours of electricity daily without load shedding. We will ensure electricity is available as per demand. However, there are occasional supply interruptions. District-level meetings will be held once in every three months to address these issues and guarantee adequate power supply, he added. The minister also outlined plans to regularize illegal IP sets located within 500 meters of power transformers. For pump sets beyond this distance, farmers will be provided with solar pump sets under the Kusum B scheme, which includes a 30 percent subsidy from the Central Government and a 50 percent subsidy from the state, leaving farmers to cover the remaining 20 percent. The Minister announced a statewide recruitment drive for 2,000 linemen, set to be initiated within the next 15 days.

Andhra Pradesh: Poor condition of Kurnool-Ballari road irks commuters

Kurnool : Despite the National Highways Authority of Indias (NHAI) proposal for a six-lane main carriageway between Devanahalli and the Andhra Pradesh border of NH-44, there is no such facility from Kurnool to Ballari. This important road was damaged by heavy rains in 2019, and its condition remains poor. Many sections between Kurnool and Ballari were damaged by torrential rains five years ago, with breaches to causeways and bridges due to overflowing local tanks and rivulets at more than 20 locations. Areas such as Alur, Holagunda, Halaharvi, and others experienced heavy rains, severely damaging the Adoni-Bellary, Alur-Bellary, and Siriguppa-Adoni stretches. Although these stretches were temporarily restored, their current condition still poses a major problem for commuters. Karnataka has proposed widening the Ballari Road stretch from Devanahalli to the AP border of NH-44 into a 10-lane road, featuring a six-lane main carriageway and two-lane service roads on either side. This widened road will connect to the Satellite Town Ring Road, facilitating a link to the proposed Bengaluru-Chennai expressway, enhancing convenience for commuters. The NHAI has undertaken the upgradation of the road from Devanahalli to Kurnool. The proposed road in Karnataka will offer good connectivity between bordering AP and Kempegowda International Airport. The total length of the stretch between Devanahalli and Kurnool is 340 km, with 72 km falling within Karnataka between Devanahalli and the AP border. The remaining 270 km of the road should be developed by the AP Government to improve comfort for commuters. The state government must pressure the Centre to undertake the construction of a highway between Kurnool and Ballari to facilitate travel. The NHAI already has plans to extend the highway, and this should be pursued with political will. Otherwise, commuters will continue to face difficulties, said an NHAI official. Recently, Kurnool MP B. Nagaraju met the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and requested the sanctioning of a highway between Kurnool and Ballari. This request now awaits materialization following the formation of the new alliance-led government in the state.

Ktaka tribal welfare Board: ED raids ex-ministers homes, Nagendras PA held

Shillong, July 10: The ED conducted raids on the residences of former minister B Nagendra, and tribal welfare Board Chairman Basavaraja Daddal, in Bengaluru and Bellary on Wednesday, in connection with irregularities in the Board. The ED also arrested Nagendras Personal Assistant (PA), Harish. Raids are underway at the flats owned by Nagendra [] The post Ktaka tribal welfare Board: ED raids ex-ministers homes, Nagendras PA held appeared first on The Shillong Times .

SIT serves notice to 2 Karnataka MLAs in Valmiki Development Corporation scam

Bengaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the scandal in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation has issued a notice to former Minister, MLA from Bellary Rural Constituency B. Nagendra, and President of Valmiki Corporation, MLA from Raichur Rural Constituency Basanagowda Daddal. A notice has been issued to both of them to appear at the 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 .

BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan Appointed as District In-Charge Minister of Bellary

Bellary: Housing, Waqf, and Minorities Welfare Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan has been appointed as the district in-charge minister of Ballari. The order was issued on June 28. Zameer, who is currently the in-charge minister of Vijayanagara, has now been given additional charge of Ballari, officials confirmed. When Siddaramaiah government came to power in 2023 Minister B Nagendra, a native of Ballari district, held the in-charge position. As Nagendra resigned following allegations of a Valmiki Corporation fund scam, the government has now appointed Zameer as the district in-charge minister of Ballari.