The youth identified as Sahil (25) dragged the 71-year-old Mutthappa when he tried to hold on to the former who was attempting to flee after the incident. (Twitter/Express)Bengaluru, Karnataka News highlights: An elderly man was dragged for almost a kilometre by a scooter-borne youth, who attempted to flee after hitting the former’s SUV on Tuesday. The youth identified as Sahil (25) dragged the 71-year-old Mutthappa when he tried to hold on to the former who was attempting to flee after the incident. The police said that Mutthappa was shifted to Gayathri nursing hospital, while Sahil has been taken into police custody for further interrogation.
A main road in Bengaluru’s Mahalakshmi Layout caved in on Tuesday. The Mahalakshmi Layout Main road was asphalted after BWSSB pipeline work, as per initial reports. More details are awaited.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the state government is thoroughly probing the threat call made to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari from Hindalga jail in Belagavi. The caller is believed to be Jayesh Pujari who has been convicted in a murder case. Bommai said, “The call was made from Hindalga prison. We are getting the entire issue investigated as it is a serious matter. We will be looking into all the aspects.
India Post inaugurated Bengaluru’s first evening post office on Monday. Situated on Museum Road, the post office offers services ranging from speed post to Aadhaar.
The office will be open six days a week from 1 pm to 9 pm, offering services of speed post, parcel booking, parcel packing, Aadhaar services, picture postcards and stamp services.
This initiative was introduced mainly for working professionals, making access to services easier for them. Speaking about the accessibility of the post office for the public, Vinay Shreyas, Postal Assistant said, “In a normal post office, the counter closing time is 3:30, but the evening post office serves a unique purpose for workers and senior citizens who come for booking enquiry.” Read More
A memorandum of understanding was signed Tuesday between BMRCL and the Information Technology Park Limited (ITPL) to provide direct access from concourse level of the Pattandur Agrahara Metro Station to International Tech Park, Bengaluru (ITPB) through a walkway.
The construction of the access infrastructure will be carried out by the ITPL as per the designs approved by BMRCL. This aims to help over 55,000 employees working at ITPB campus to access their office straight from the metro station withouth crossing the road. This is the first such agreement on the Baiyapanahalli-Whitefield line, a release from the BMRCL said.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai congratulated J P Nadda on getting an extension as party president till June 2024. In a tweet, Bommai said: '... A worthy recognition of his adept leadership of the party, particularly in serving the people during the pandemic. Guided by him, the party will surely achieve greater heights.'
The Bengaluru police are on the lookout for a woman who allegedly posed as a doctor to steal gold ornaments from two patients admitted at a hospital in the city on Saturday, officers said.
The suspect, believed to be aged around 35, visited St Philomena's Hospital located in the Central Business District on Saturday and fled with 46 grams of gold from two patients within 40 minutes, the police added.
According to the police, the accused went to a ward where Sarasa G, 72, was admitted. She asked Sarasa’s son Ramesh Kumar to stand outside the room as she needed to conduct some check-up on the patient’s private parts. Believing she was a doctor, Ramesh stood in the corridor. Ten minutes later, the accused emerged and said the patient was fine. She also asked the man not to disturb his mother. Soon after, a nurse arrived to withdraw the patient’s blood and Ramesh informed her about the doctor’s visit. Read More
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on Monday launched electric bus services between Bengaluru and Mysuru as part of the FAME-II project. The 43-seater bus is scheduled to leave Bengaluru at 7.35 am and reach Mysuru at 9.45 am.
The ‘EV Power Plus’ buses will ply from Bengaluru to Mysore, Madikeri, Virajpet, Davanagere, Shimoga and Chikmagalur, and vice-versa. A total of 50 intercity electric buses will ply and the operations to other destinations will kick off by February end, KSRTC officials said. The Bengaluru-Mysuru tickets are priced at Rs 300, Rs 30 less as compared to the Volvo club class buses.
On Monday, 35 passengers travelled from Bengaluru-Mysuru and back in the ‘EV Power Plus’ bus. On Tuesday, 43 passengers left Bengaluru at 7.30 am and reached Mysuru at 9.44 am, KSRTC officials said, adding that online booking will be available once all the buses begin plying on the routes. Read More
BBMP workers fix the caved road in Bengaluru's Mahalakshmi Layout. All photos by Indian Express's Jithendra M.
A main road in Bengaluru's Mahalakshmi Layout caved in on Tuesday. The Mahalakshmi Layout Main road was asphalted after BWSSB pipeline work, as per initial reports.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said Monday that the government is thoroughly probing the case pertaining to the threat call made to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari from Hindalga jail in Belagavi.
On Saturday, Union Road Transport Minister Gadkari received several threat calls from an unknown person. The individual called on the landline at Gadkari’s office in Nagpur. During the probe, Maharashtra Police officials found that the call came from Hindalga Central Prison and identified the caller as Jayesh Pujari. Karnataka state police officials also found that he was convicted in a murder case. (Read more)
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai Tuesday attended the BJP National Executive in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president JP Nadda were among the attendees.
The BJP will decide on disciplinary action against its Karnataka MLA and former minister Basanagouda Patil Yatnal – he has been reported to the party high command for attacking party leaders and ministers in recent days – after an ongoing meeting of the BJP national executive, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said in New Delhi on Monday.
“We have reported the remarks to the party leadership. The leadership is aware of all this. We had given notices in the past and he had been quiet for a year. Now he has spoken again about a few issues. Nirani (senior minister Murugesh Nirani) has also spoken. Our party president has spoken to the party leaders and has sent a report. We will decide on the issue after the national executive meeting,” Bommai said, even as Yatnal denied reports of a fresh notice to him. (Read more)
Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra Monday said that the cases related to alleged human trafficker K S Manjunath also called ‘Santro’ Ravi will be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Mysuru city police arrested ‘Santro’ Ravi, a 51-year-old political fixer also with a history of prostitution cases, last Friday after his estranged wife lodged a complaint against him.
Jnanendra has said that the CID would investigate the allegations against ‘Santro’ Ravi who is currently in judicial custody. (Read more)
Former MLA of Sagara Assembly constituency, L T Thimmappa Hegade passed away on Tuesday. He was 94 years old.
He lived in Madasuru village near Lingadahalli in Sagara taluk.
For 24 hours: Mainly clear sky. Shallow to moderate fog/mist is very likely during early morning hours in some areas. Maximum and minimum temperatures are very likely to be around 30 and 13 Degree Celsius respectively.
For 48 hours: Mainly clear sky. Shallow to moderate fog/mist is very likely during early morning hours in some areas. Maximum and minimum temperatures are very likely to be around 29 and 13 Degree Celsius respectively.
The Bengaluru police have suspended two constables after a youth alleged that the duo threatened to plant marijuana in his bag in order to extort money.
DCP south-east CK Baba said an inquiry was ordered into the allegation and the constables were suspended. The suspended constables have been identified as Teertha Kumar and Mallesh of Bandepalya police station.
Speaking to indianexpress.com, Baba said: “I have ordered the suspension of the two constables only after a thorough inquiry was conducted. They have been suspended for dereliction of duty.” (Read more)
Five years in the works, the underpass that connects HAL Old Airport Road and Whitefield in Bengaluru is likely to be opened to the public by the end of January.
Built at a cost of Rs 19.5 crore, the 2.9m underpass on one of the major roads of the Karnataka capital has missed several deadlines. It is also among the three signal-free corridors taken up under the chief minister’s Nagarothana funds.
The underpass will help those travelling on Old Airport Road (towards and from Marathahalli). A free right turn is provided for vehicles coming from Marathahalli and entering Suranjan Das Road. This is also a link to the proposed 17.5km signal-free corridor project from the Vellara junction to the Hope Farm junction near Whitefield. It will cover three underpasses. (Read more)
The Karnataka State Contractors’ Association (KSCA) Monday alleged that Tumkur BJP MLA GH Thippareddy demanded a commission to clear bills of various works and to sanction any new projects to contractors.
The Association has decided to file a complaint with the Lokayukta against the MLA. Documents pertaining to such demands by other ministers and legislators from various parties will be released soon, Association president D Kempanna said.
Speaking at a news conference in Bengaluru Monday, R Manjunath, working president of the KSCA and Chitradurga District Contractor’s Association president, alleged that he had paid Rs 90 lakh bribe to Thippareddy over a three-year period to clear bills of various works taken up by him. (Read more)
Two persons participating in Hori (bull Habba (festival) during the Sankranti festival died after a bull attacked them during the celebrations.
The deceased are Ranganath (24) and Lokesh (32). The incident took place in Shivamogga district's Malur village on Sunday. In Karnataka, Hori Habba or Hatti Habba is organised in rural areas where the bulls are left to run through the huge crowds. The catchers get prize money and also is felicitated.
Ranganath and Lokesh who were part of the event were stabbed in the chest by a bull and were admitted to Shivamogga's district hospital. Both of them succumbed to injuries on Monday. Police have registered a case against the festival organisers.
Five years in the works, the underpass that connects HAL Old Airport Road and Whitefield in Bengaluru is likely to be opened to the public by the end of January.
Built at a cost of Rs 19.5 crore, the 2.9m underpass on one of the major roads of the Karnataka capital has missed several deadlines. It is also among the three signal-free corridors taken up under the chief minister’s Nagarothana funds. Read More
The Bengaluru police have suspended two constables after a youth alleged that the duo threatened to plant marijuana in his bag in order to extort money.
DCP south-east CK Baba said an inquiry was ordered into the allegation and the constables were suspended. The suspended constables have been identified as Teertha Kumar and Mallesh of Bandepalya police station. Read More
BESCOM Vigilance wing has inspected 10, 908 power installations in the last four months, and imposed fines of Rs. 2.59 crores to errant customers for power theft cases.
From September to December 2022, the vigilance wing registered 1781 cases across 8 districts of the BESCOM region, from which it has disposed of 1721 cases, according to BESCOM Managing Director Mahantesh Bilgi.
In the last three months, BESCOM has collected Rs. 358.3 crore arrears out of Rs. 1417.45 crores pending amount. BESCOM has disconnected 23 lakh installations for not paying the arrears, said BESCOM MD. Its meter staff inspected 2373 meters from September to November and imposed a fine of Rs. 7 crores for misuse of tariff, overload and related violations. Out of Rs. 7 crores fine, BESCOM has collected Rs. 5 crores fine.
According to the Congress, the initiative is meant to reduce “the burden of exorbitant LPG prices and the costly daily expenses that a woman has to bear…” as “the Congress wants to provide financial independence to each woman of Karnataka”.
Priyanka, in her address, trained guns at the BJP government and accused it of indulging in rampant corruption. She alleged that by taking 40 per cent commission as bribes, the government had pocketed Rs 1.5 lakh crore. “You have to pay bribes for everything (in Karnataka),” she said. Read More
BJP MLA, former union minister, and critic of the BJP government in Karnataka Basavaraj Patil Yatnal has claimed that a crusade against drug use carried out by the Bengaluru police in 2020 was part of an attempt to find and delete controversial videos of prominent leaders. Read More
A 25-year-old BJP worker was arrested Monday in connection with the alleged suicide of a minor girl in the state’s Chikkamagaluru district. The arrested BJP worker has been identified as Nithesh, according to the police. Read More
Congress leaders welcome AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who is in Bengaluru to take part in the 'Naa Nayaki' programme organised by Karnataka Congress
A special court in Bengaluru for organised crime cases has decided to hold in-camera proceedings in the murder trial of journalist Gauri Lankesh following reports of alleged threats to witnesses in the case.
Lankesh, 55, was killed on September 5, 2017, after four bullets were fired at her by a man wearing a helmet—now identified by the Karnataka Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) as Parashuram Waghmore—at her home after she returned from work as the editor of the Kannada publication Lankesh Patrike. The killer had arrived on a motorcycle with an accomplice now identified by the SIT as Ganesh Miskin alias Mithun, 35. Read More
Karnataka State Contractor's Association to protest against state government on Wednesday. The association released an audio of BJP MLA GH Thippareddy allegedly demanding bribe to pay a contractor for the works taken up.
Home Minister Araga Jnanendra stated that the cases related to KS Manjunath alias Santro Ravi will be handed over to criminal investigation department (CID).
The Army has to be future-ready as lessons can be learnt from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Sunday.
Speaking at the 75th Indian Army Day event at the Army Service Corps (ASC) Bengaluru, Singh said that in the coming days all major armed forces of the world will be boosting their security mechanism. Continue...
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai and former CM B S Yediyurappa will attend BJP National Executive meeting in Delhi on Monday evening.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi will release a Congress manifesto for women at a rally for women in Bengaluru on Monday morning.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh wished all the personnel on Army Day, which coincides with the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa formally took over the command of Indian Army from General Sir Francis Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949, thus becoming the first Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.
Singh paid tribute to a number of revolutionaries of the state, who sacrificed their lives to ensure the country’s freedom from foreign rule. He commended the Army for ensuring the territorial integrity of the country since independence, terming their determination in dealing with challenging situations as unwavering. “Our forces have successfully faced all the challenges, including those at the western and northern borders. They have upheld the country’s rich tradition with unmatched bravery, commitment and sacrifice,” he said.
Singh recalled the bravery of the Armed Forces during 1962, 1965, 1971 & 1999 wars and the recent incidents in Galwan and Tawang. He stated that the spirit and bravery of the soldiers has not only enhanced India's respect around the world, but has also increased faith in the hearts of all Indians.
People shopping for Sugarcane, flowers, ellu bella (sesame seeds) bella (jaggery)) items for the Makar Sankranti Festival at K R Market.
People gears up for Pongal celebration on the occasion of the Makar Sankranti Festival.
Cows jump over fire as part of 'Makar Sankranti' celebrations.
(Express Photo by Jithendra M)
Speaking at the Army Day parade in Bengaluru Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the event was organised in Karnataka to pay tribute to the people of the state who laid down their lives for India’s freedom.
“This is also a tribute to Field Marshal KM Cariappa who was from Karnataka. Our Army has stood up to the challenges. If our country is known for a few things, I would say the Indian Army is one of them. It is one of the most trusted organisations. If any catastrophe happens and people get to know that Army personnel have reached, they have a sense of belief that things would normalise', said the minister. Read More
The Karnataka government has proposed to lower the minimum permissible age for alcohol purchase and consumption in the state from 21 to 18 years.
In this regard, it published a draft notification titled ‘Karnataka Excise (General Conditions of Licenses) (Amendment) Rules-2023’ last week and sought suggestions and objections from the public within 30 days. Read More
Karnataka forest officials said that a wild tusker died in Kodagu district during an operation to capture it on Friday. The operation in the Athur Nallur forest was launched after the elephant attacked people and destroyed crops. Read More
DESPITE its immense significance in Karnataka’s politics, the caste game is often considered a hornet’s nest and a minefield that has to be gingerly navigated to avoid electoral blowbacks.
Between 2013 and 2018, it was the Congress government under Siddaramaiah that ventured into this territory, backing a demand from a section of the Lingayats for the status of separate religion, in an effort to woo the support of the dominant community away from the BJP. Read More
The Indian army is maintaining a strong defence posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and is ready to deal with any contingency, Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande said on Sunday.
In his address at the Army Day celebrations here, he said the northern border region has been peaceful and steps have been taken to maintain peace through established protocol and existing mechanism.
Referring to the situation along the western border, the Army Chief said the ceasefire continues at LOC and there has been a substantial reduction in violations. However, the terror infrastructure still remains on other side of border.
Our counter insurgency mechanism is effectively foiling the infiltration bid from Pakistan, he added.
Pointing to the attempts to smuggle arms and drugs into Jammu and Punjab border regions using drones, General Pande said counter drone jammers were being used against such activities. (PTI)
Opposition parties have raised questions over the arrest of alleged political fixer ‘Santro’ Ravi in Gujarat during Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra’s visit to the western state.
The Congress said that the arrest when Jnanendra was visiting Gujarat was “definitely not a coincidence” and asked whether the two were together to destroy evidence. Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy claimed that Ravi was absconding in Pune, Maharashtra and was moved to Gujarat prior to his arrest. (Read More)
Operations at Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru will start Sunday, the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti. Star Air will be the first domestic airline to take off towards Kalaburgi from KIA’s Terminal 2, said officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated Terminal 2 of the airport on November 11 last year.
Hari Marar, MD and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd, said T2 would have one airline operationally ready over the period of the next few months, every 15-30 days. “By the end of March this year, we aim to operationalise all the domestic airlines that have moved to T2. During this phase we also aim to achieve operational stability because T2 is a large and complex infrastructure with many interconnected and moving parts,” said Marar. (Read More)
Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain on Sunday extended his "warmest greeting" to the Indian Army on its 75th Army Day. He said that the year 2023 also marks the 25th anniversary of the Indo-French strategic partnership.
In his address at the 75th celebration of Army Day, taking place in Bengaluru, Army chief Gen Manoj Pande said that ceasefire violations have been brought down at LOC in western border areas, but across the border, terror infrastructure still remains. "Ceasefire continues at LOC in western border areas & ceasefire violations have been brought down. But across the border, terror infrastructure still remains. Our counter-infiltration grid is continuously foiling the infiltration from there," he was quoted saying by news agency ANI.
"Attempts to smuggle weapons and drugs through drones in the international boundary sector in Jammu & Punjab continue. Counter-drone jammers and other equipment have been brought into use against such activities," General Manoj Pande said.
On the occasion of Army Day, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday hailed soldiers and veterans, and said the people are forever indebted to them for their unflinching courage, utmost dedication and selfless sacrifice.
The Madras Engineer Group (MEG), popularly known as the Madras Sappers, is a group of the Corps of Engineers in the Indian Army. Its headquarters – located at Halasuru in Bengaluru – have been chosen as the venue for the Army Day parade this year. After India’s Independence, the Army Day parade will take place outside the national capital for the first time.
The Madras Sappers draw their origin from the erstwhile Madras Presidency Army of the British Raj and are older than the other two groups of the Corps of Engineers – Bengal Sappers and Bombay Sappers.
The motto of the Madras Sappers is ‘Sarvatra’ (everywhere in Sanskrit) and the Thambis, as the troops of the Madras Sappers are popularly known, with their hallmark headgear ‘Doopta’, have distinguished themselves in many battlefields around the world for 242 years. It was a journey that started on September 30, 1780, when the Madras Pioneers were created from two companies of Pioneers at Madras Patnam. In 1831, the group was renamed the Corps of Madras Sappers and Miners, and the headquarters were relocated to Bengaluru, where they remain even today. (Read More)
Kempegowda International Airport kicks off Terminal 2 operations from today, on the auspicious day of Makara Sankranti. Star Air is the first domestic airline to take off from KIA's terminal 2 towards Kalaburgi.
According to MD and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd, Hari Marar, over the period of next few months, every 15-30 days, T2 will have one airline operationally ready. "By the end of March this year, we aim to operstionalise all the domestic airlines that have moved to T2. During this phase we also aim to achieve operational stability because T2 is a large and complex infrastructure with many inter connected and moving parts," said Marar.
He also added that, "by the early part of next financial year, we aim to move all the international airlines as well to T2 and with that by the middle of this year, the new terminal will be fully operational and running."
The 75th Army Day parade at Govindaswamy parade ground, MEG & Centre begins. The Army Day parade is being held outside the national capital for the first time.