CBI suspects phones of Karnataka politicians were tapped under false pretexts

Crime

CBI is investigating whether the phones were tapped as part of routine local crime investigations.

TNM Staff

The Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) probe into the phone tapping case in Karnataka has taken a new turn. The probe team is now looking at whether the phones of Congress, JD(S) and BJP legislators were tapped under the pretext of local crime investigations based on criminal cases registered across police stations in Bengaluru city. CBI sources say that disqualified Yeshwanthpur MLA ST Somashekar’s phone was allegedly tapped by police officers who were investigating a case registered in the Bagalakunte Police Station in January this year. On the night of January 2, six men led by gangster Tattoo Jagga had been accused of attempting to kill one of their rivals Gangadhara P at a hotel room in Bagalakunte. Tattoo Jagga and the other accused had absconded and the police had allegedly ordered a tap on their phones in order to track them down. “At the time, ST Somashekar’s phone was also tapped though he had nothing to do with the case. The phone numbers are given to the centre at Adugodi, where the tapping is done. When a list was given in this case (0003/2019) ST Somashekar’s phone number was one among them. ST Somashekar’s phone was tapped for over 100 hours,” the CBI source said. CBI sleuths also suspect that the phone numbers of 17 politicians and their associates were tapped allegedly on the pretext of investigating hawala networks. “The Bengaluru Central Crime Branch was investigating several cases in which people were accused of setting up hawala networks to convert black money to white. Phones belonging to BS Yediyurappa’s PA Santhosh, Hoskote MLA MTB Nagaraj and Chikkaballapura MLA Sudhakar (both disqualified MLAs) were also tapped. The probe is looking into who ordered these wire taps,” the CBI source added. The CBI had raided the house of former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Alok Kumar on September 26 in connection with the phone tapping case. Alok Kumar was the head of the Central Crime Branch when the alleged wire tap was ordered on ST Somashekar and the two other disqualified MLAs- MTB Nagaraj and Sudhakar. The BJP and the rebel MLAs had accused former CM HD Kumaraswamy of ordering the police to tap the phones of 300 politicians, their relatives and associates. The probe was handed over to the CBI by the Karnataka High Court earlier in August.  

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2ovyOPs
via IFTTT

Should Ballari be bifurcated? Bandh in district shows opinion is divided

Educational institutions, shops and businesses including petrol stations, remained shut in Ballari city and few other areas of the district while agitations supporting the bifurcation was held in places like Hosapete.

TNM Staff

The bandh opposing the bifurcation of Ballari district into Ballari and Vijayanagara districts received a mixed response on Tuesday. While educational institutions, shops and businesses, including petrol stations, remained shut in Ballari city and few other areas of the district, agitations supporting the bifurcation were held in places like Hosapete.  "Ballari is a district with historical significance and there was no necessity to bifurcate it. We will continue our agitation against this decision taken to serve the interests of one disqualified MLA," said Ballari City MLA Somashekara Reddy of the BJP. In September, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa had agreed to the demand of disqualified MLA Anand B Singh to bifurcate Ballari district and carve out a new district called Vijayanagar district, which included the constituency Anand represented. Pending cabinet approval, it will become the 31st district of Karnataka.  Of the 11 taluks, five taluks — Ballari, Kurugodu, Siraguppa, Sandur and Kudligi — will be part of Ballari while six taluks — Hosapete, Kampli, Hagaribommanahalli, Kottur, Hadagali and Harappanahalli — will constitute Vijayanagara district.  The bifurcation of the district has divided the opinion in Ballari. The bifurcation has found support in the western areas of the erstwhile Ballari district where people believe that it could lead to development in newer areas. In Hosapete, there were agitations in support of the bifurcation. Anand Singh had contended that the bifurcation will also help promote tourism since the world heritage site Hampi will now fall under the newly formed Vijayanagara district.  But in Ballari City, the bifurcation was opposed by lawyer groups, farmer associations, pro-Kannada groups and by BJP leaders, mainly Somashekara Reddy and Karunakara Reddy. They are the brothers of Gali Janardhana Reddy, who is a former Union Minister and the prime accused in the 2011 Ballari mining scam.  This comes at a time Anand Singh is said to be preparing for the Vijayanagara assembly constituency bye-polls, where he plans to re-contest on a BJP ticket if the Supreme Court gives interim relief for the disqualified MLAs. 

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2ounN0O
via IFTTT

Karnataka teen succumbs to Japanese encephalitis, district officials on high alert

Health

Much like dengue and malaria, Japanese encephalitis is also a disease whose primary vectors are mosquitoes.

Dr Nimeshika Jayachandran

Image for representation

After a 13-year-old girl from Karnataka’s Vijayapura district succumbed to Japanese encephalitis, health officials in the district are on high alert and are taking the necessary measures to prevent further spread of the disease.  Dhanamma Hugar, a resident of Shikarakane Layout in Vijayapura was admitted to BLDE Hospital (also called B M Patil Medical College Hospital & Research Centre) for one week after which she succumbed to her illness. The teenager had been brought to the hospital after she developed encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, usually caused by an infection. She allegedly had seizures caused by the infection and was being treated at the hospital. However, since there was extensive inflammation, she could not be revived and she succumbed to her symptoms. “The doctors at the hospital had confirmed that the girl was diagnosed with japanese encephalitis and had been treating her accordingly. Unfortunately, she couldn’t be saved.,” said Dr Mahendra Kapse Vijayapura District Health Officer (DHO) to TNM.  "Cerebrospinal fluid from the patient was collected and sent to Manipal where the presence of the virus was confirmed," added Dr Mahendra. Dr Mahendra also said that they have increased the effort to control mosquito population in the district “We are encouraging all mosquito population control methods such as fumigation and ensuring that no drain water is clogging houses or water remains stagnant in the vicinity of houses. Furthermore, we are telling people to take preventive measures against mosquitoes, whether that means they use repellants or mosquito coils and nets. We are reminding people to take the accurate measures against mosquito bites,” adds the DHO.  This is the second death due to Japanese encephalitis to be reported from the district, with the previous death due to the disease having been recorded in 2006. Much like dengue and malaria, Japanese encephalitis is also a disease whose primary vectors are mosquitoes. The disease is caused by a virus from the flaviviruses family. Other viruses belonging to this group include the ones which cause dengue fever, yellow fever, and West Nile fever.  It takes anywhere between 4 days and 14 days after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus for an individual to start showing symptoms of the disease. Fever and headache are the most commonly seen symptoms. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) children often suddenly develop a high-grade fever which may also be associated with a headache and stiff neck. It further adds that upto 30% of individuals who develop Japanese encephalitis succumb to the disease. In those who do make a recovery, oftentimes, severe and permanent neurological impairments, such as a change in behaviour, recurrent seizures or paralysis have all been noted in those who survive.  While there is no known cure for the disease, treatment is based on supportive measures which offer clinical and symptomatic relief.  There are four vaccines currently available against the vaccine, but these are not incorporated into the national immunisation schedule and are largely used only in endemic areas where the virus is known to manifest. 

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2nJIWnS
via IFTTT

K'taka HC issues notice on plea seeking inquiry into fire at Aero India 2019

Fire

Around 300 cars were gutted in a fire that had broken out in the parking area of the Aero India Show held in Bengaluru in February.

TNM Staff

The Karnataka High Court issued notices to the state and union government over a petition seeking an inquiry into the fire that broke out in the parking area during Aero India 2019 at the Yelahanka Air Force station on February 23 this year. Around 300 cars were gutted in a fire that had broken out in the parking area. However, there was no loss of life reported and the event continued without an interruption. A vacation bench comprising Justice HT Narendra Prasad and Justice Ashok Kinagi issued notices based on a petition filed by Wg Cdr GB Athri (retd) and social activist Geetha Mishra. The petitioners contended that in a huge event like Aero India, organisers and government authorities do not appear to have taken precautions as per guidelines on managing crowds and venues of mass gatherings as issued by the National Disaster Management Authority. The petitioners claimed that the State’s Emergency Services did not reply to the communications sent by the petitioners, reported The Hindu. They further claimed that HAL had confirmed that no fee was levied from any of the exhibitors or visitors who parked their cars in the parking area where the fire took place. They stated that their response too was 'mechanical' and that the organisers should have set up CCTV cameras and a control room to disseminate information, reported Deccan Herald. The fire occurred in the P4 parking area near gate 5 during the biennial Aero India show in Bengaluru in February.  Several cars were unrecognisable after they were charred in the fire which started around 12 pm. The fire came to light after smoke billowed out of the parking area and it had occurred in area where there was vast spaces of dried grass. The fire was doused by fire and emergency officials.   

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2nv7FMM
via IFTTT

‘Even K’taka suffered floods, why give relief only to Bihar’: BJP MLA questions Centre

Politics

The MLA's criticism of the Prime Minister comes after he discussed the flood situation in Bihar with the Chief Minister of the state Nitish Kumar and said the central government is "ready to provide all possible help.”

TNM Staff

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was criticised by BJP MLA Bsanagouda Patil Yatnal on Tuesday for alleged apathy towards Karnataka over issuing flood relief funds from the union government. The MLA's criticism of the Prime Minister comes after he discussed the flood situation in Bihar with the Chief Minister of the state Nitish Kumar and said the central government is "ready to provide all possible help.” Spoke to Bihar CM @NitishKumar Ji regarding the flood situation in parts of the state. Agencies are working with local administration to assist the affected. Centre stands ready to provide all possible further assistance that may be required. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2019 “Even after the state suffered devastating floods, Modi didn’t tweet for us, but he did for the people of Bihar. People will ask if Modi tweeted for Bihar just because elections are approaching there. Is this what people get for voting the BJP? The party should take it seriously. Or else, it will lose its ground in south India,” Yatnal said as per Deccan Herald. “You cannot become a leader just because you speak a smattering of English, neither can you build the party by sitting in an air-conditioned room,” Yatnal said, as per Times of India. He further defended CM Yediyurappa from criticism stating that the centre is targeting the Chief Minister by not releasing funds. It has been almost two months since heavy rainfall caused devastating floods and landslides in Karnataka. The floods affected 21 of the 30 districts in the state and displaced more than 4 lakh people. In particular, the floods affected the coastal, northern and Malnad regions of the state while landslides disrupted road and rail traffic in the Malnad region.  The lack of flood relief measures released for the state was also criticised by Congress and JD(S) leaders on Tuesday. Read: Congress, JD(S) criticise PM Modi for lack of flood-relief funds for Karnataka In response, the office of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took to social media to state that an Inter-ministerial Central Team (IMCT) assessed the damage caused by the rains and floods in Karnataka at the end of August and that the report is yet to be finalised. The state government had earlier estimated the damage to crops and infrastructure (both public and private) due to the heavy rains at Rs 3,845.11 crore and sought relief funds from the union government. 

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2p7tMJj
via IFTTT

Vaping crisis exposes Republican divide over regulation

Many Republican lawmakers have viewed policies like banning flavored e-cigarette products as "nanny state" politics of the worst kind.

from Health Care https://ift.tt/2nscDd8
via IFTTT

Congress, JD(S) criticise PM Modi for lack of flood-relief funds for Karnataka

Politics

Forced into damage control mode, the office of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that a report on rain damage in Karnataka is being finalised.

TNM Staff

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was criticised by the Congress and JD(S) in Karnataka on Tuesday for alleged apathy towards the state in terms of flood relief funds from the union government. The criticism comes after Prime Minister Modi discussed the flood situation in Bihar with the Chief Minister of the state Nitish Kuma,r and said the central government is "ready to provide all possible help.” "Spoke to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Ji regarding the flood situation in parts of the state. Agencies are working with local administration to assist the affected. Centre stands ready to provide all possible further assistance that may be required," read a tweet posted by PM Modi's official Twitter account. Spoke to Bihar CM @NitishKumar Ji regarding the flood situation in parts of the state. Agencies are working with local administration to assist the affected. Centre stands ready to provide all possible further assistance that may be required. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2019 In response, Congress and JD(S) leaders in Karnataka criticised the Prime Minister for not providing relief for flood-hit residents in Karnataka. "On days like these, we cannot but wonder if Bihar's 40 seats vis-a-vis Karnataka's paltry 28, is the reason why Nitish Kumar gets a call, but  BSY's repeated efforts to talk about Karnataka floods get rejected," read a tweet by former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. On days like these, we cannot but wonder if Bihar's 40 seats vis-a-vis Karnataka's paltry 28, is the reason why Nitish Kumar gets a call, but @BSYBJP's repeated efforts to talk about Karnataka floods get rejected. We are also in this nation, sir. ನೀವು ಮಾಡ್ತಿರೋದು ಏನೂ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿಲ್ಲ! https://t.co/XqIAZA98Ar — Dr. G Parameshwara (@DrParameshwara) October 1, 2019 Karnataka Congress' official social media handle also questioned why flood relief was not provided in the state more than two months after floods and landslides affected the northern, coastal and Malnad regions of the state.  .@narendramodi calls Bihar CM & promises relief for floods. While Karnataka has been reeling under floods for more than 60 days with damages of more than 35000Crs Our CM has neither received any aid nor an appointment from PM Don"t we deserve some respect?#ModiMissing — Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) October 1, 2019 Since Day 1, Karnataka Congress has been asking for interim relief of ₹5000 cr be declared for relief operations. It's Day 50 now, yet not a rupee has been provided. Karnataka, a top tax contributing state has been ignored.#Justice4Karnataka#NorthKarnatakaBelongsToIndia — Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) October 1, 2019 Even the Janata Dal (Secular) claimed that Prime Minister Modi was "turning a blind eye" towards Karnataka. .@narendramodi avare, why can't you show similar interest in helping Karnataka? You visit Karnataka multiple times during elections but you do not want to be part of the sorrow of people now? How dare you say "ಎಲ್ಲ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆ" and turn a blind eye towards Kannadigas?#ModiMosa https://t.co/AsATM1m21v — Janata Dal Secular (@JanataDal_S) October 1, 2019 Forced into damage control mode, the office of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took to social media to state that an Inter-ministerial Central Team (IMCT) assessed the damage caused by the rains and floods in Karnataka at the end of August and that the report is being finalised.  Status of the report of the Inter-ministerial Central Team (IMCT) on assessment of damage caused due to rains and landslides in Karnataka. 1) The IMCT visited five districts of Karnataka from 24 to 27 August, 2019. (1/2) — NSitharamanOffice (@nsitharamanoffc) October 1, 2019 2) The team called on Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri @BSYBJP and also met senior officials of the State Government. 3) The Karnataka Government submitted a memorandum on 2nd September, 2019. 4) The report of the IMCT is under finalization. (2/2) — NSitharamanOffice (@nsitharamanoffc) October 1, 2019 The floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains in August affected 21 of the 30 districts in the state and took the lives of more than 60 people. More than 4 lakh residents of the state were displaced by the disaster which was termed as unprecedented in the state's history. Read: Karnataka records highest rainfall in 118 years from Aug 3-10 The state government estimated the damage to crops and infrastructure due to the heavy rains at Rs 3,845.11 crore and sought relief funds from the union government. This included damages to both public and private buildings. However, the union government asked the state to send a revised report since relief cannot be sanctioned for damages to private infrastructure. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa admitted on Monday that he was walking a "tightrope" when asked about the lack of flood relief measures from the union government. Funds from as many as 39 departments in the state have been re-allocated for flood relief measures for rebuilding homes for Dalit and Adivasi communities. Read: No funds yet from Centre for flood relief, Karnataka diverts money from 39 departments  

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2mAJ2O0
via IFTTT