Asianet, Suvarna News ordered to pay Rs 50 lakh in damages to actor Divya Spandana

Court

Kannada news channel Suvarna News had alleged Divya Spandana’s involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal.

TNM Staff

A Bengaluru court has found news media giant Asianet News Network and its Kannada news channel Suvarna News liable for defaming actor-politician Divya Spandana by wrongfully telecasting news stories linking her to the IPL spot-fixing scam in 2013. The court has ordered the news channel to pay damages worth Rs 50 lakh to the actor. In the order dated April 26, the VIII Additional City Civil Court and Sessions Judge Patil Nagalingegouda also restrained Asianet and Suvarna News from telecasting any programs linking her to the match-fixing and spot-fixing scandals without any proof. "On perusal of the records, it is clear that plaintiff has a blemishless record and known as a good actress in the Kannada film industry and she has also worked as a Member of Parliament,” the court observed. Divya Spandana had filed a defamation case against Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd and Suvarna News 24x7 in 2013 after the Kannada news channel telecast a news segment alleging her involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. Suvarna News had run news segments containing visuals of Divya Spandana at various IPL matches and had alleged that she was involved in the spot-fixing scandal. Divya Spandana was the brand ambassador of Royal Challengers Bangalore team for the first five IPL seasons. During the trial, Divya Spandana’s legal counsel Pramod Nair had contended that she was not involved in IPL in 2013 in any manner, as she was then campaigning for Karnataka assembly elections that year. Asianet and Suvarna News contended that news channels were entitled to broadcast news relating to public events and public figures and that they had not made any direct reference to Divya Spandana. The channel’s representative also argued that the broadcast had not caused her any damage. They also stated that the inquiry by police in the case had revealed the involvement of two Kannada film stars in the scam. The 2013 Indian Premier League spot-fixing and betting case came to light when the Delhi Police arrested three cricketers, S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, on the charges of spot-fixing. All three of them were a part of the IPL team Rajasthan Royals. Suvarna News in its news segments alleged that one of the cricketers had revealed to the police that two Sandalwood women actors were also involved in the scam. However, the court noted that Divya Spandana was not associated with the IPL in 2013 and that the persons nabbed by Delhi and Mumbai police in relation to the scam had not named her as the actor involved in spot-fixing. The court observed that the channel had telecast the news with Divya Spandana’s pictures at IPL events. "There are no records produced on behalf of the defendant to show plaintiff being a brand ambassador of Royal Challengers Bangalore Team was involved in betting and spot-fixing scandal as transmitted in the questioned program by the defendants. Hence, this Court is of the opinion that act of defendants is in complete violation of the journalistic ethics and deliberately to destroy the popularity of the plaintiff and act of defendant is mala fide with an intention to defame her dignity,” he further observed. The court also stated that the “reputation is the most valuable asset of a person” and is “much more valuable than any amount of money.” “When the above said questioned program/still images do have the tendency to destroy such reputation, the injury complained of by the plaintiff would be irreparable,” the court said.    

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Trouble in coalition? Do Congress leaders want Karnataka government to fall?

Lok Sabha 2019

Several Congress leaders have once again started demanding that Siddaramaiah become the CM

TNM Staff

Are leaders in Karnataka Congress pushing for a re-election in the state? The alliance between strange bedfellows -- the Congress and JD(S) in Karnataka has been constantly riddled with infighting. And now, speculation is rife in the Grand Old Party that many leaders are disappointed with the JD(S). Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Home Minister MB Patil, a loyalist of former CM Siddaramaiah, on Tuesday said, “Siddaramaiah should have become the Chief Minister for the second term but national leaders did not think so.” However, when asked whether there were differences between coalition partners, Siddaramaiah told the media in Hubballi on Wednesday that such questions must not be answered before the Lok Sabha election results are out. “Yes, several leaders have said they want to see me become the CM but they have only said that out of love and for no other reason. Currently, the CM’s chair is not vacant. It has been occupied by Kumaraswamy. Taking decisions about it before the Lok Sabha election results come out is not wise,” Siddaramaiah said. Congress insiders believe that many of its legislators want Siddaramaiah to take over the reins of the government again and to sever the alliance with the JD(S). “The leaders want a fresh mandate and many of Siddaramaiah’s loyalists are pushing for re-election. If Congress alone wins 13 Lok Sabha seats, then it does not need JD(S). The party leaders would then want to go for re-election. The biggest problem here is that JD(S) is trying to sabotage the Congress in its strongholds. Congress has nothing to gain by having JD(S) as an ally,” the source said. The open rebellion by the JD(S) in several parliamentary segments including Tumakuru, Hassan, Mandya, Kolar, Chikkaballapura and Mysuru has made the Congress wary of its coalition partner. “The JD(S) workers have actively tried to sabotage the Congress. They keep feeding false and fake information to the BJP workers about our leaders, who end up targeting us. Why should we give up our political career for the JD(S)? The only ones benefiting here are Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy and the grandsons (referring to Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna),” the source added.    Congress leaders believe that if the party manages to win more than 13 segments, they would be able to win a simple majority and come to power without the assistance of the JD(S). "BJP has been reduced to a party of incompetent leaders in Karnataka. The multiple failures Yeddyurappa suffered when he tried to poach Congress MLAs shows just that. This will definitely help the party (Congress) become stronger. If we continue with JD(S), the Gowda family will destroy the Congress in the process,” the source added.

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Rainfall brings respite from heat, water scarcity in southern Karnataka

Weather

In addition to Bengaluru, spells of rainfall were also reported in Shivamogga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu districts on Tuesday.

TNM Staff

PTI | Image for Representation

A spell of rainfall brought respite from the summer heat in parts of Karnataka on Tuesday night.  This included rainfall in northern parts of Bengaluru like Peenya, Doddabidarakallu, Chikkabidarakallu, Dasarahalli and southern areas like Sarakki and Basavanagudi. The burst of rain left many areas in the city waterlogged.  "These are pre-monsoon rains and it is due to cyclonic circulation over Karnataka. There were moderate rains in some areas and heavy rains in isolated places," Sunil Gavaskar, a meteorologist at the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) told TNM. The highest rainfall in Bengaluru was reported in Doddabidarakallu in the RR Nagar area in the city which received 150 mm rain.  24hrs☔️Map of #Karnataka from 8.30am of 7th May 2019 to 8.30am of 8th May 2019, Highest 150mm ☔️@Bangalore_RRNagara_Doddabidirekallu. pic.twitter.com/7MhxmowT47 — KSNDMC (@KarnatakaSNDMC) May 8, 2019 Rains were also reported in Shivamogga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu districts on Tuesday. The coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada had reported severe water shortage and officials in the district are hopeful that the rain would increase the water levels in the rivers flowing there.  "There has been a lack of rainfall in March and April in Udupi unlike in recent years. There were rains predicted last week during the time Cyclone Fani hit the eastern coast but the coastal districts did not get any rain. We are continuing with water rationing in Udupi and neighbouring areas and we are hopeful that more rain will ease our woes," Udupi DC Hephsiba Rani told TNM.  Read: Udupi stares at water scarcity, Municipal Council taps Swarna river to meet water needs The KSNDMC is predicting more rainfall in the Karnataka on Wednesday and Thursday, "We are expecting more rains today and tomorrow, scattered with light to moderate rains and heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Rainfall will be experienced in south interior Karnataka, coastal Karnataka and parts of Bengaluru,” Sunil added. 

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Bengaluru apartment dwellers allegedly assaulted by goons of real estate company

Crime

The dispute is related to construction within the apartment complex and is currently being heard by the High Court.

Soumya Chatterjee

An ongoing dispute between residents of a Bengaluru apartment and a real estate company which built it turned violent on Monday. Videos of the incident show the goons punching Narasimhamurthy, a resident of the apartment. Residents of HM Tambourine in JP Nagar told TNM that goons acting on behalf of HM Infra Tech Pvt Ltd attacked security guards and residents opposing construction work inside the premises of the apartment. “They even manhandled a woman who opposed them. They assaulted our security guards. Pushed our residents including children and women. They attacked our co-resident Narasimha Murthy with a rod. While trying to escape, Murthy got a minor injury on his hand,” Abdul Aleem, a witness to the incident and a resident of the building, said. Following this, the residents approached the Puttenhali Police Station and lodged a complaint on Monday. Based on that police registered a FIR against Ravi and his associates. Police say that Ravi and the other worked for HM Infra. They have been booked under sections  324 (Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) and 34 (Acts done by several persons with common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. Residents allege that the real estate company intended to use a part of the open space to dump construction materials for a nearby project – HM Crescendo. “A part of the open space was earmarked for future development, but they are exceeding the area and taking away our kids’ play area,” Aleem added. The dispute, began in 2016 when the real estate company first mooted the construction and had even reached the Karnataka High Court. The HC is yet to pass an order on the issue while the lower court ruled in favour of the residents of HM Tambourine Apartments. But residents allege the police of are complacent in allowing the real estate company and ignore their complaints. The residents had even written to the Puttenahalli Police Station Inspector citing the court orders but they say the police have not taken any action. The article will be updated as and when real estate company reacts to the incident.  

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High alert across Bengaluru metro, bus stations after man refuses screening at Majestic

High Alert

Bengaluru police, however, requested the public not to indulge in fear mongering, stating there is no need to panic.

Theja Ram

Just a day after Bengaluru Metro staff prevented a passenger from boarding the train due to suspicious behaviour, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation have begun conducting surprise checks of passengers at bus station across the city. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd has also asked security personnel at all metro stations to be on high alert. On Monday, a passenger, who triggered the red alert of the metal detector at the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Metro Station, also known as Majestic Station, escaped from the spot when asked to show the belt-like device under his kurta. A while late, the man tried to enter the metro station from the southern entrance when the metro staff tried to catch him, he escaped. The incident has been caught on CCTV cameras installed at the metro station and the Upparpet Police are currently investigating the matter. Following the incident, a high alert has been issued at all metro stations in the city. Speaking to TNM, Yeshwanth Chavan, spokesperson for BMRCL said that after the suspicious activity was reported, the police have issued a high alert at the stations. “We have asked our staff to be on high alert and conduct thorough checks. The staff has been instructed to strictly monitor the checking of bags as well as body check through hand-held metal detectors. We have not deployed any additional security personnel but have asked existing staff members to be on alert,” he added. The two bus stations nearby have also started surprise checking of passengers. “The number of home guards at the Majestic Bus Stand has been increased to 28. Since there are no high compound walls, they have to keep watch in the periphery of the bus station. There are 32 CCTV cameras recording the movements of people in the area,” a KSRTC official said. Anupam Agarwal, head of BMTC’s security and vigilance division told TNM that the transport body is scanning passengers and that bags would be checked if anyone reports suspicious activities. Speaking to TNM, DCP West Ravi D Channannavar said, “Yes, we have been informed of suspicious activity here. The man tried to enter from the eastern side and left when the security guard asked him to show him his belt. He again tried to enter from the southern side and when the security guard tried to catch him, he ran away,” he added. Three teams have been formed to nab the suspicious man. Police say that they are investigating whether it was a prank or whether the man actually posed a security threat. “There is no need to panic. I request the public to not indulge in fear mongering and please do not spread fake news. The city has been put on high alert due to attacks in Sri Lanka but there is not need to be fearful,” he added.     

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Idol war in Bangalore Uni between 2 groups of students, Home Min orders probe

Controversy

Police had to be called in the campus on Monday to prevent the situation from getting out of control.

Soumya Chatterjee

image of the new Saraswati statue| Sandesh MS/Twitter

High drama has been playing out at the Jnanabharathi campus of Bangalore University over the last two days over an argument regarding installation of idols. The issue also attracted the attention of Home Minister MB Patil, who has directed the state police chief to submit a report, as the controversy was widely reported. “The university should not have replaced one statue with another. We have great respect for both Saraswati and Buddha. I have instructed the police chief to ensure things remain as they were earlier,” Minister Patil told reporters on Tuesday evening. As heated words were exchanged between two groups, the university administration had even called the local police on Monday to defuse the situation. A group of students under The Federation of Bangalore University Post Graduation and Research Scholar Students had installed a statue of Gautam Buddha where a statue of Goddess Saraswati was about to be placed.  The same place in front of the administrative block, near the entrance of the University campus, had previously housed an old Saraswati statue which had worn out over the years, after it was first installed in 1973. Noticing the Buddha statue instead of the Saraswati statue, students opposed to the other group raised objections and approached the administration to remove it. They also started a silent protest for their cause. This later turned into a potential fight when students who installed the Buddha statue apparently came to the protest site.  Jurisdictional Jnanabharathi Police confirmed that the situation was under control as they reached the campus. Sources said that this installation of statues was a means of proxy war and assertion of power between students and faculty of the university, who were divided on political ideologies. “The statue was replaced by the V-C himself as he did not want to wait for the election code of conduct to get over and wait for all the red tape involved in getting government funds,” a source said.  Following a high-level meeting chaired by Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor KR Venugopal on Tuesday, it was decided that the Buddha statue will be installed at a separate place within the University while the Saraswati statue will be placed at the same designated place. “We have decided to keep both the statues but we will put the Saraswati statue in this place as before,” the V-C told TNM. The place of installing the Buddha statue is yet to be decided. “We have decided a sub-committee headed by Shivanna, the Chairman of the Syndicate will decide on the place where the Buddha statue will be installed,” the V-C said. Sources said the students who installed the Buddha statue are close to controversial Professor of Sociology, BC Mylarappa. Mylarappa could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts. When asked about this, the V-C said, “He has denied his involvement in the incident. There is CCTV footage and we have given it to the DCP West. The footage shows 30-40 persons came for the installation of the Buddha statue. I do not know how many of them are students.”  A former university student said, “Mylarappa has strong political clout but not limited to any party. He had the patronage of BJP during Yeddyurappa regime. Prior to that, he had a strong network of students who were part of BSP’s student wing through which he used to control all hostels.” Incidentally, Mylappa was also accused of plagiarising from his own students in the past.  

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Man refuses security check at Bengaluru metro station and flees, triggers alarm

Crime

Police, however, have not ruled out him to be a prankster.

TNM Staff

Police in Bengaluru are in search of a suspicious man who refused to be frisked at the Majestic Metro Station for the regular security check on Monday evening and also offered money to a housekeeping staff at the metro station for a “job”. Officials said a purported device under his kurta had triggered alarm as he passed through the metal detector but he ran away. This is confirmed in the CCTV footage. But he later attempted to enter the metro station again through another entrance. Deccan Herald quoted a source as saying, “Later, he tried to get in from another entrance but failed. When asked to open his bag there, he fled again.” Following that, top metro officials have ordered a stricter vigil across all stations and informed the police. “We have trained security guards to contact local police immediately if they come across any suspicious objects or people,” BMRCL chief public relations officer BL Yashavanth Chavan told The Times of India. Deccan Chronicle reported that Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Ravi D Channannavar has deputed police search teams to locate the suspect and all angles are being probed in the case. “We are trying to trace him. We want to know the reason behind his suspicious behaviour,” he told TOI.  However, police are also not ruling out the possibility of the man playing a prank. The incident comes at time when the city is in a state of heightened alert in the wake of the Colombo terror attacks which killed more than 250 people. City Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar had held a meeting last month with owners of establishments which see a daily footfall of 500 people and asked them to install CCTV cameras as well as follow other standard security protocol.  The Bengaluru airport is also on high alert since the Pulwama terror attack.

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