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Sunday, June 30, 2019

JD(S) to undertake padayatra from August 20 to strengthen base in Karnataka

Politics
JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and other senior party leaders are expected to take part in the statewide padayatra.
The JD(S) is set to undertake a padayatra in the state of Karnataka in an attempt to revive its connections to southern parts of the state. “We are planning to start the padayatra from August 20 and cover the entire state in six months,” said senior JDS leader YSV Datta, one of the party members who has been planning out the details of the padayatra. The statewide padayatra will reportedly begin on August 20. JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and other senior party leaders are expected to take part in the padayatra. While he emphasised the importance and necessity of the padayatra, senior leader Deve Gowda added that the goal was not to hurt the party’s alliance with the Congress party. “I want to make it clear that our initiative should not hurt the coalition government, which was formed by a national party (Congress) and a regional party (JDS), which came together for a secular ideology," he said. The announcement of the padayatra comes hardly a week after Deve Gowda stated that mid-term polls were imminent, a statement that led to much controversy which left several speculating about the coalition’s future. Following this, the senior party leader clarified that he was speaking only about local body elections. Speculations of immense friction between the governing alliance have been strife since the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections. Both parties managed to secure only one out of 28 seats. Adding fuel to the fire, both Deve Gowda and his grandson Nikhil Kumaraswamy had lost in their respective constituencies. According to reports, the padayatra is set to take place in two phases. The first phase of the padayatra will begin from Nanjangud and then eventually proceed to Davangere and Harihar and will continue or a period of six months. "It will go on for six months continuously,” YSV Datta added.
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Bengaluru bar raided: 74 women rescued and 53 others arrested

Crime
Customers were allegedly allowed to shower the women with money, and even dance with them, if they paid more.
Image for representation
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) raided a bar in Bengaluru’s Domlur, and arrested 53 people, including two managers and a cashier. The CCB also rescued 74 women who were allegedly being forced to dance at the bar. On Friday, CCB officials conducted a raid at on Chef Regency Inn located in Domlur. They reportedly recovered Rs 1.04 lakh in cash and rescued 74 women, who were illegally employed by the management. The women were allegedly being used to entertain customers who visited the bar. Customers were allegedly allowed to shower the women with money, and even dance with them if they paid more. “The accused employed the women to entertain clients who visited the bar. Customers were allowed to shower money on them while they danced. Those who paid more were allowed to dance with them,” a senior police officer told The Hindu. The raid was conducted as part of a drive conducted by Police Commissioner Alok Kumar, who has been looking to weed out restaurants and pubs in the city, which are attempting to bypass the law. He had given specific orders that action be taken against illegal activities, including gambling, dance bars and illegal chit funds. According to reports, the women, some of whom were locals while others were from other states, were lured with the promise of good jobs, and that they were being forced to dance in order to attract more customers to the establishment. The main accused have been identified as Dinesh P (42), Dinesh Kumar (41), Riyazuddin (52), Prakash Dutt Joshi (23), and Hegya Raj Joshi (23). The operation had been carried out under the direction of Joint Police Commissioner B Ravikanthe Gowda. Earlier in June, in a similar case, 266 women were rescued from a dance bar, which had been running in the city illegally. In connection with this, 237 people, including almost 200 customers and 44 workers of the dance bar, had been arrested at the time.   
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Saturday, June 29, 2019

With IMA under scanner, victims of Bengaluru’s many halal ponzi schemes seek justice

Ponzi scheme
These schemes primarily targeted Muslims and the victims in the cases are now demanding prompt action from the authorities to recover their money, which goes into crores.
While there is overwhelming media attention on the high profile IMA ponzi scheme in Bengaluru, with a central agency probing the multi-crore scam, the victims of lesser-known yet similar “halal” design schemes have been awaiting justice for the past six months. These schemes primarily targeted Muslims and the victims in the cases are now demanding prompt action from the authorities to recover their money, an amount to the tune of crores.  Unlike fixed bank interest rates which a section of Muslims consider to be anti-Islam, these companies sold their plans as a form of partnerships with the promise of high returns of 10-12% within a month. The plan was to lure customers to invest their life savings by staying true to the offer for the first few instalments. On Friday, more than 300 victims of the Injaz scheme attended the court hearing in the case, which is being probed by the Central Crime Branch of Bengaluru police. The Injaz scandal was revealed during an ED investigation in 2017. The main accused was arrested earlier this month and has been accused of swindling investors of money worth Rs 90 crore.  During the hearing on Friday, the victims urged the court not to allow the accused Misbah to be released on bail and also sought that the passports of the accused be seized so that they cannot flee the country like Mansoor Khan. The other accused in the case, Sohail, is still absconding. “As only Misbah is caught, that too under pressure after the IMA fiasco, we are afraid they (the accused) may disappear again and hence the precaution. We are hoping for a favourable trial,” Narendra Kumar, State Joint-Secretary of Lancha Mukta Karnataka Vedike (bribe-free Karnataka), said. The LMKV has been uniting all the victims to unite as one and approach the authorities. During the proceedings of the case, the government has appointed the Bengaluru North Assistant Commissioner as the special recovery officer to sell the seized assets of the company and distribute among the victims proportionately according to the Karnataka Protection of Interest of Depositors (KPID) Act. Speaking to TNM, Ravi Krishna Reddy, another member of the citizen group raised the common demands of the victims. "We want the numbers of assets that have been seized to be made public, apart from money been traced in India and abroad by the CBI or the ED," he said. He added, "Cases of IMA, Muzaribah, Ajmera, Injaz and Aala should be filed in Special Courts within 30 days as per the KPID Act." These angry victims want action against RO (AC-North) for a delay of 6 months in filing cases against Injaz in the Special Court, which they say flouts norms specified in the KPID Act. They also sought action against RO (AC-South) for delay of 3 months, even after the seizure of properties by CCB, in filing cases against Ajmera and Muzaribah for similarly swindling the money of their investors.
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'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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