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Saturday, June 29, 2019

'Was doing my duty': Brave nurse who helped rescue woman from Mangaluru stabber

Crime
“Nothing came to my mind when I saw the guy with the knife," she says. "I just stretched out my hand."
When a 20-year-old woman was brutally stabbed by a man in Mangaluru, screams rent the air. Those watching could not take their eyes away from the horror unfolding before them, but the knife in the man's hand stopped them from doing anything. But, one young woman, a nurse by profession, dared to approach the man and bring the situation under control. The 24-year-old nurse from Kerala does not want to be named.  "Random people are calling and some say they are from the media. I can’t respond to everyone and I've a job to do,” she says. While the gruesome stabbing, caught on video,  has shocked the nation, the nurse's efforts to rescue the woman from the brutal attack have won her praise. Speaking of the incident, the nurse said that on Friday, she was on her routine duty at the casualty ward when she first heard of what was happening from a few passersby.  "At first we thought it was an accident, but later we came to know that a young woman was being stabbed," she recalls. Even before she could digest what she had heard, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) told her to get an ambulance ready. Barely 10 months into her job, the nurse did as she was told. On reaching the crime scene, which is the road behind the compound of KS Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), the nurse saw 22-year-old Sushanth, whose yellow T-shirt was drenched in blood. His neck was bruised.  “Nothing came to my mind when I saw the guy with the knife," she says. "I just stretched out my hand and asked him what his name was and he kept repeating, 'It was a five-year-old relationship. It was a five-year-old relationship', while constantly gazing at the victim." The nurse said that it was at this crucial moment that she was able to pull Sushanth away from the victim. "And then, the ambulance driver and other hospital staff overpowered him,” she says. The nurse then quickly attended to the young woman and she was rushed to the ambulance on a stretcher, and later to the KS Hegde hospital. "A little while later, Sushanth was ferried into the hospital in another ambulance and I had to attend to him as well, along with my colleagues, " she adds. While the young woman is being treated for grievous injuries due to the repeated stabbing, Sushanth’s cut on the throat and self-inflicted injuries are not so deep, a hospital staff noted. Sushanth has been admitted to the psychiatry ward. The condition of the young woman is critical but she is responding to the treatment. Meanwhile, the nurse says that she realised the gravity of the incident only after it was over. “A lot of people from the hospital balcony were screaming my name, asking me to be careful and stop. However, at that point, I was not thinking about anything. The mind does not work during such situations. I saw that the young woman had fallen down and my focus was on how I can rescue her. I didn't even realise that I was the one to rush in first,” she says. The nurse, who completed her nursing education at KSHEMA, has been employed at a local hospital for the last 10 months. “I have come across many cases, but attending a  crime incident that happened in front of my eyes is for the first time,” she says. On a parting note, she adds, "Don’t feature my name. I was just doing my duty.”  
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39 electrocution deaths since 2017, B'luru to identify houses near high tensions towers

Infrastructure
The joint survey has so far identified more than 6,000 properties that were constructed without proper clearance of Extra Super Tension lives.
In the wake of electrocution related deaths near high tension towers, city authorities have decided to conduct a joint survey to identify the houses situated below these towers and come up with measures to ensure the safety of citizens. According to the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), there have been 39 cases of electrocution related deaths from 2017 to May 2019. Recently on May 19, TOI reported that a 14-year-old boy died after coming in contact with a high-tension wire near his house. Nikhil A. was playing cricket with his friends, when the ball fell on the terrace of a neighbor’s house. When he tried to throw the ball back to his friends, he came into contact with the overhead wire and suffered a shock and serious burns. There have been similar accidents in Bengaluru due to contact with high tension wires. The survey by the BBMP, Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) and BESCOM is the first step to control such cases. Nagarajaiah BN, the general manager of quality, standards and safety at BESCOM, said that the BESCOM and KPTCL have completed their part of the survey. BBMP is yet to complete their part. He said, “As per Safety Guidelines Act of 2010, no buildings should be constructed underneath the electricity lines. For the existing buildings, safe clearance is 3.7 meters and plus 0.3 meters for every 33KV line. For 66KV line the safe clearance is 4.3 meters. If they don’t have that clearance, they have to demolish. There’s no other way.” But when asked if any buildings have been demolished, he said no and that, “No action has been taken. BBMP and the civil bodies have to take action.” Why are houses still being built near high-tension towers? HM Shivaprakash, the general manager of customer relations at BESCOM said, “You take BESCOM or KPTCL, we never go to string (High tension wires) above the existing houses. They (Citizens) will construct the houses below the lines.” He also notes that the local authorities provide NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for the construction of these houses, perhaps due to the possibility of local or political pressure. Once the NOC is issued, citizens build multiple floors that are in close proximity to the wires. The survey is being conducted to figure out how many existing houses are situated below or above Extra Super Tension (Est) lines of 66KV and above. The Est lines are strung between towers and are at an elevated height. According to HM Shivaprakash, some of the Est lines were laid 50 years ago and buildings were constructed without the proper clearance. He mentions that most of the accidents occur due to lack of clearance. For example, with 66KV lines, the vertical clearance should be 4 meters. If not, there is a high chance of getting electrocuted. Currently the joint survey has identified 6327 locations that have not met the required criteria. BESCOM has already issued notices to these locations. According to BESCOM, 7306 notices have been issued and the BBMP will decide the next course of action. A BBMP source said, “After taking the survey we will classify whether they are public consigned buildings or educational institutions or other quarters of the officials, all those have to be considered to take a decision.” Additionally, BESCOM identifies constructions sites which violate the proximity requirements and disconnects their temporary power supply. According to the BBMP the survey will be completed in two months. Based on the findings from the survey further action with respect to the houses will be taken. Awareness To spread awareness about safety amongst citizens, BESCOM has put out advertisements in newspapers instructing citizens to stay away from live wires and high-tension towers. They have also sent out pamphlets containing information on safety with electricity bills. KPTCL was unavailable for comment    
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‘Save Kodagu, Save Cauvery’: Activists vow to halt rail line project in district

Protest
Many activists and residents opposing the project fear that further destruction of the forests will harm the Cauvery river, which is a lifeline to the people of half of south India.
A renewed push from Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha to build Mysuru-Kushalnagar-New Broad Gauge Railway line ahead of the budget has irked environmentalists and a section of residents in the hilly district. Simha in a tweet has shared his letter to the Railway Minister Piyush Goyal urging him to make allocations for the project under the ‘Umbrella Works of New Lines’. Target-1: Mysuru-Kushalnagar-New Broad Gauge Railway line project. It requires STATE govt’s full support. pic.twitter.com/c1GXdYPeAp — Pratap Simha (@mepratap) June 28, 2019 The opposition is nothing new to the  87-km railway line between Belagola in Mysuru and Kushalnagar, the largest town in Kodagu, a district which until now did not have any rail connectivity. Environmentalists pointed out that the destruction of the fragile Western Ghat ecosystem due to rampant commercialisation and unsustainable development, along with global factors, have made Kodagu vulnerable to environmental catastrophes like last year’s floods. The rail project and a widening of national highway 275 through the forests are expected to cull more than four lakh trees. Joseph Hoover, one noted conservationist and member of the United Conservation Movement, said, “Prathap Simha seems bent on having his way. Obviously, there is some hidden interest. Kodagu is reeling under the onslaught of excessive tourism. As per records, more than 14 lakh people visited the district between 2017 and 218. The infrastructure is inadequate to meet the demand, inspite of flourishing home-stays and resorts. The living, caring, gentle people of Kodagu would definitely welcome tourists with open arms. But, unfortunately, their hospitality has been abused by tourists who litter the verdant district with plastic and other refuse.” He added, “We are all aware of what happened during August 2018. Images of the destruction wreaked by unprecedented floods which triggered fatal landslides still gives us nightmares. Experts attributed the devastating catastrophe to rampant, unscientific development. Kodagu cannot be plundered in the name of tourism. Linear projects, such as four-lane roads and railway lines could destroy the ecologically sensitive district.” The opposition has also come from many quarters in social media against the infrastructural development at the cost of the environment. The project has also been contested by the Coorg Wildlife Society in the Karnataka High Court and the matter is currently subjudice. You came on stage. You said no railways INSIDE Kodagu. We reminded you we wanted no railway TO Kodagu. Why are you going against the will of the people? #AnswerUsPratap #RainNotTrain #SaveRiverCauvery https://t.co/4fTpacjeWf — Devika Devaiah (@Codanda) June 29, 2019 #AnswerUsPratap Are you the MP for Mysore alone, or Kodagu too? You seem to have dropped Kodagu from your letterhead and your heart. Don’t kill the Cauvery and Kodagu with a railway track. https://t.co/Fm6zwjuqLe pic.twitter.com/REAnM5LPU5 — Ganga Ganapathi (@gangapg) June 29, 2019 @pratapsimha_Fc you sat with us in Feb 2018 and promised to protect River Cauvery and Kodagu. Today, you’ve got 18,000 Cr to get a Railway line that will kill the river. #AnswerUsPratap #SaveRiverCauvery@Codanda @MachaiahKA pic.twitter.com/XWTY3bUy26 — Ganga Ganapathi (@gangapg) June 29, 2019 Our MP @mepratap seems to be happy about the new 240 km rail line which is expected to pass through Kutta, Kanoor, Balele and Thithimathi in Kodagu traversing dense jungles as also the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. This means destruction of trees, kodagu and cavery. Wake up Kodavas https://t.co/dVgSpphxDN — Rakshith Shivaram/ರಕ್ಷಿತ್ ಶಿವರಾಂ (@bkrs100) June 29, 2019 Help save #Kodagu Tell your MP you need the forest and river #cauvery the railway line will destroy the ecosystem forever@SaveRCauvery @SaveKodagu @saytrees_ind @aranya_kfd @Karthik_K_94 @GauthamMachaiah @MachaiahKA @Codanda pic.twitter.com/vOK8oXqYF8 — nolan pinto (@nolanentreeo) June 29, 2019 @mepratap if u like to support kodagu and improve it we do not need this type of development #saverivercauvery ,we don't need any railways and 4 lane roads ,let coorg maintain it's greenery, coorg is a very sensitive zone .It's not a industrial area like Mysore @BJPKarITCel pic.twitter.com/RBLacCizGT — Kodava Tribe (@Kodava_tribe) June 29, 2019 In November 2017, a mega rally was organised to stop the rail link between Mysuru to Kushalnagar and another connecting Mysuru and Thalassery in Kerala, cutting through the sensitive forests in the district. The first protest against the railway line was held in Madikeri on June 4, 2017, and the second at Kutta on August 26, 2017. The project was first proposed in the UPA era in 2011 and was shelved after a survey commissioned by the Railways deemed the route to be unprofitable. However, the project got a push after then Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa promised to bear 50% of the costs of the proposed railway line. A change.org petition against the construction of the railway track has registered more than 46,000 signatures at the time of writing. A third protest was held last month on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mysuru, when thousands of citizens gathered at Mysuru’s Dasara Exhibition Grounds to protest against the proposed railway line. Read: This K’taka district doesn’t want a rail link, and has good reasons for it
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Elevated Corridor project: Karnataka govt to form expert committee to determine feasibility of phase 1

Civic Issues
The KRDCL held a meeting on Friday to form an expert committee to see whether the project is feasible.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Thursday announced that the government would go ahead with the elevated corridor project. The Deputy CM has also directed the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the first phase of the project – a flyover between Esteem Mall to Chalukya Circle. The KRDCL, which held a meeting on Friday, has decided to form an expert committee to see whether the project is feasible. The KRDCL has also decided that the elevated corridor would begin at Esteem Mall in Hebbal, pass through Mekhri Circle, Jayamahal and ultimately end at Silk Board. “We decided that extending the stretch from Mekhri Circle to Basaveshwara Road is ideal and hence, we will have to prepare a new DPR,” a KRDCL official said. Earlier in 2017, the state government had put together a detailed project report for the steel flyover project, which extended from Esteem Mall in Hebbal to Jayamahal. The new elevated corridor will be an extension of this preliminary proposal. “The main purpose is to solve the traffic jams at Mekhri Circle and Ballari Road. In addition, this flyover will act as a signal-free corridor from the centre of the city to the airport. It's not a difficulty to get to the airport from Esteem Mall. The biggest problem is getting stuck along Ballari Road,” the official said. The state government aims at providing easy access to VIP vehicles travelling from Raj Bhavan and Vidhana Soudha to the airport via this elevated corridor, the official added. In addition, the KRDCL has also requested Deputy CM Parameshwara to resolve the issue of flyover construction projects overlapping with the elevated corridor. “The BDA has proposed the construction of a flyover where the elevated corridor is to come up. In addition, the BDA has also proposed the construction of a flyover between Baptist Hospital to Esteem Mall in Hebbal. Since this is just a 2 km stretch, we have requested the Deputy CM to ensure that such an overlap does not happen and that KRDCL is the only agency handling the project,” the official added. The KRDCL has suggested the formation of an expert committee, which will look into the feasibility of the route proposed by KRDCL. “We are proposing a concrete flyover between Mekhri Circle and Basaveshwara Road. Besides, from Windsor Manor Hotel to Guttahalli Road, there is an underpass. In addition, this area also had a railway bridge and there are several buildings in the extremities of the road. The expert committee will have to look at whether the proposed route will be feasible, how much land needs to be acquired and whether land acquisition is possible. Once expert committee prepares the report, it will be easy to create a DPR,” the official added.      
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Unable to handle rejection, 22-yr-old stabs woman in Mangaluru: Act caught on cam

Crime
The man then tried to attack himself with the same knife. Both are undergoing treatment at a local hospital and Shraddha’s condition is said to be serious.
Screengrab from the video
In a horrific incident, a 22-year-old man attacked and repeatedly stabbed a student in broad daylight at Derlakatte in Mangaluru and later tried to take his own life with the same knife. According to the police, the accused, identified as 22-year-old Sushanth, was reportedly angry that the student, 20-year-old Shraddha (name changed), had rejected his advances. The brutal attack was caught on camera by onlookers from a building located near the crime spot. On Friday, Shraddha was walking home from KSHEMA bus stand at Derlakatte when Sushanth approached and confronted her. An argument broke out between the two, onlookers stated. Then, without any warning, Sushanth pulled out a knife and attacked Shraddha, stabbing her multiple times. Sources say that she was stabbed 12 times. The video of the incident shows Shraddha lying on the road and Sushanth speaking to her animatedly, pointing at her and apparently scolding her. He then stabs her with a knife again in the abdomen, even as Shraddha is heard screaming. When passers-by try to convince Sushanth to give up his weapon, he is seen attacking himself and daring people to come closer. An ambulance then reaches the spot and medical staff try to convince Sushanth to leave her alone. Sushanth is then seen falling to the ground and hugging Shraddha. Sushanth is then overpowered and both of them were rushed to the hospital.  Sushant, a resident of Shaktinagar, is a dancer and the two have known each other for three years since they attended the same dance class. However, the girl joined an MBA course in a private college in Karkala and started maintaining a distance from Sushanth. According to reports, a few days ago, Sushanth had visited her college and created a scene there and harassed her. A complaint was registered against him and this enraged him even further, which is believed to be his motive for attacking her. Sushanth and Shraddha are currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital. A team of doctors performed a surgery on Sushanth and he is now out of danger. Shraddha’s condition is said to be serious.  City police Commissioner Sandeep Patil, ACP Rama Rao, Ullal Station House Officer Gopalkrishna visited the crime scene and a case has been registered at Ullal police station. Story by Story Infinity (Subs and Scribes Media Ventures LLP.)
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Seven people killed near Bengaluru as car flips five times after hitting median

Accident
The accident took place in Kunigal taluk of Tumakuru district just 75 kms from Bengaluru at around 3:30 pm.
In a horrific road accident on Friday, six women and one man were killed when the Toyota Innova they were travelling in hit a median and flipped five times before coming to a halt. The accident took place in Kunigal taluk of Tumakuru district just 75 kms from Bengaluru at around 3:30 pm. The car had 11 passengers travelling inside at the time of the accident. According to reports, the deceased people have been identified as Tirumani, 45; Selvi, 48; Nagamma, 47; Veeramma, 50; Nirmala, 51; Kalidas, 50; and Uma, 42; who were all residents of Sanjay Gandhi Nagar in Bengaluru. They were believed to be returning to their residences after attending a beegara oota and performing a puja at a temple in the vicinity of the accident spot. "It looks like a case of tyre burst. The MUV flipped at least five times after hitting the median. Onlookers and occupants of other vehicles on the same road told us that they saw the MUV occupants being thrown out of the vehicle as it rolled over," a police officer was quoted as saying by The Times of India. He added, "At least three bodies were scattered on the road, while one lay on the median. Three other bodies lay inside the vehicle. Bhavani, four-year-old Sadiq Basha and another unidentified injured passenger have survived and have been shifted to a nearby private hospital. They are unconscious and the third person is yet to be identified.” Those injured were shifted to NIMHANS in Bengaluru due to the nature of their injuries. As a result of the accident, there was disruption in the traffic flow on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru Highway and there was a 2-km long traffic jam due to the accident. According to statistics maintained by the Union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, a total of 4,64,910 road accidents were reported in 2017 (the latest yearly data available), resulting in the death of 1,47,913 people and injuring 4,70,975 people. This means that every day, on an average, 405 people die in road accidents.  
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ED summons Karnataka Minister Zameer Khan in IMA scam probe

Politics
The minister has been asked to appear before the investigators on or before July 5.
PTI/File
Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan has been summoned by the central probe agency Enforcement Directorate in connection with the IMA ponzi scheme scandal. The minister has been asked to appear before the investigators before on or before July 5.  Zameer, in his 2018 Assembly elections affidavit, had listed purchasing a property worth Rs 5 crore from the tainted and currently absconding IMA Managing Director Mansoor Khan. The IMA scandal is now pegged to be worth hundreds of crores and more than 40,000 investors have been defrauded. According to reports, the minister's family initially was reluctant to accept the summons notice from the ED officials when the investigators visited the minister’s residence on Friday afternoon. Later, however, they accepted the notice on the insistence of the minister himself. Speaking to reporters, Zameer said, “What’s wrong in the notice (regarding the purchase deal)? I just have to clarify to the officials. I have all the documents and will submit them to the ED... I will fully cooperate in the investigation and will be happy if the aggrieved investors get their money back.” The minister further said that the property purchase was the only transaction he had involving Mansoor Khan and he would not mind if a CBI probe was conducted into the scam. “I’ll appear before the ED and answer the officers’ questions. If the case is transferred to the CBI, I will be the happiest person. My only prayer is that the investors — the poor people, in particular — get their investment back,” the minister told reporters. So far, the central agency has attached Rs 197 crore in properties and another Rs 12 crore from 52 bank accounts of the tainted company. According to the Enforcement Directorate, IMA was running a ponzi scheme and was not running any business. The central agency said that in the coming days, a red-corner notice will be issued against Mansoor Khan, who is believed to be hiding in the UAE.
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