Kambala jockey hailed as 'India's Usain Bolt' called for trials by Sports Min

Kambala

The 28-year-old took just 13.62 seconds to cover a distance of 145 metres at the Kambala at Aikala village.

IANS

Srinivasa Gowda, a Kambala jockey from Mijar in Karnataka, has been called for trials by the Sports Ministry after he set a new record as the fastest runner in the history of the traditional sport of the coastal region. "I'll call Karnataka's Srinivasa Gowda for trials by top SAI coaches. There's lack of knowledge in masses about the standards of the Olympics especially in athletics where ultimate human strength & endurance are surpassed. I'll ensure that no talents in India are left out untested," tweeted Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday. Yes @PMuralidharRao ji. Officials from SAI have contacted him. His rail ticket is done and he will reach SAI centre on monday. I will ensure top national coaches to conduct his trials properly. We are team @narendramodi ji and will do everything to identity sporting talents! https://t.co/RF7KMfIHAD — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 15, 2020 One of the tweets read: "Here's India's very own USAIN BOLT..Mr. Srinivasa Gowda from Karnataka who ran a 100m buffalo race (Kambala) in merely 9.55 seconds whereas Usain Bolt's world record is 9.58 seconds. Thank you @KirenRijiju Sir for acknowledging such talent!" Shashi Tharoor had earlier tweeted: "Faster Than Usain Bolt? Karnataka Man Running With Buffaloes Covers 100 Metres in Just 9.55 Seconds. I urge the Athletics Association of India to take this man under their wing & make an Olympic champion of him. Wonder how many hidden talents we have!" Faster Than Usain Bolt? Karnataka Man Running With Buffaloes Covers 100 Metres in Just 9.55 Seconds. I urge the Athletics Association of India to take this man under their wing & make an Olympic champion of him. Wonder how many hidden talents we have! https://t.co/G7jPE2zIng — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 15, 2020 The 28-year-old is a construction worker and took just 13.62 seconds to cover a distance of 145 metres at the Kambala at Aikala village about 30 kilometres from Mangaluru. The 28-year-old is a construction worker and took just 13.62 seconds to cover a distance of 145 metres at the Kambala at Aikala village about 30 kilometres from Mangaluru. Netizens quickly drew comparisons to eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt, who currently holds the world record in the 100-metre race at 9.58 seconds set in 2009. “I did not think I would run this fast. The buffaloes were quick and I followed them,” he said to TNM following his victory. He did this by following a simple regimen on a daily basis for a month. “I mainly exercise and swim every day. Once a week, I practice running on the slushy track,” he said. Kambala is an annual race held in Karnataka where people sprint 142m through paddy fields with buffalo. Traditionally, it is sponsored by local Tuluva landlords and households in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Also read: ‘Didn't think I'd run so fast’: Kambala jockey hailed as 'Usain Bolt' for record run

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/38uuVwD
via IFTTT

'Women have given me the courage to speak up': Naseeruddin Shah at Bengaluru protest

Protest

On Tannery Road in Bengaluru, Bilal Bagh has been set up where women have been protesting against CAA and NRC for over a week.

Alithea Stephanie Mounika

Legislator from Gujarat Jignesh Mewani, actor Naseeruddin Shah, and transgender rights activist Akkai Padmashali addressed the women-led protest in Bilal Mosque on Tannery Road in Bengaluru against the CAA and NRC on Friday. Actor Naseeruddin Shah also turned up at the protest around 9 pm. Addressing the protesters he said that the women-led protests have given him the courage to speak up. "Everywhere in the country, women are protesting. These brave women are being asked by some elements: How can they come out on the streets? Who has given them permission and whether men have sent them to protest? To them, I have only one thing to say: These brave women are awakened now and don’t need anyone’s permission to protest," he said. The protest in Bilal Bagh is ongoing for a week and on Friday, independent MLA from Gujarat Jignesh Mewani addressed the people gathered at the protest site. "Mothers, the light and brightness of your faces....if Modi sees you all just once, he will resign. Although this protest belongs to all of us, it especially belongs to all you revolutionary sisters and mothers. That's why I haven't come here today to give a long lecture, I have come to just witness your illumined faces," he said. He said that women in other parts of the country were also putting up a resistance. "Today I have come to you with the message from Sabzi Bagh of Patna and Shaheen Bagh of Delhi. And that message is this. In Patna and Delhi the sisters and mothers are putting up a strong resistance, if you continue a similar resistance here we shall definitely be victorious," he said.. On Tannery Road where Bilal Bagh has been set up, women have blocked off the road by setting up a tent in which slogans are shouted and songs are sung.  Also joining in with the protest was Akkai Padmashali, an award-winning trans rights activist. "Our country is going through an undexlared emergency. The people who are here are fighting against the government, and we are seeing how the government will respond," she said. The protest on Tannery Road was set up along the lines of the indefinite protest at Shaheen Bagh in New Delhi against CAA and NRC.     

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/38xtgWX
via IFTTT

Siddaramaiah, Cong leaders detained during plan to lay siege to CM's office

Politics

The Congress leaders held a protest in Bengaluru condemning the sedition case filed against the school in Bidar, among other allegations of curtailing fundamental rights.

TNM Staff

The Congress in Karnataka on Saturday held a protest in Bengaluru accusing the ruling BJP government of "breaking democratic ideals." The Congress accused the BJP government of curtailing the fundamental rights of people by imposing sedition cases against those who spoke out against Citizenship Amendment Act.  "Whenever they (BJP) want, they impose section 144 to curtail people from protesting against CAA and NRC (National Register of Citizens). They have slapped sedition case against a poor mother in Bidar for speaking out against CAA. These kinds of things are not done in a democracy. People's fundamental rights are being curtailed," former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said.  Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao and Bengaluru Rural MP DK Suresh along with several other leaders gathered at Maurya Circle in Bengaluru to lead a protest march to Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's official residence -- Kaveri, located in Kumara Krupa Road. However, Siddaramaiah, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Rizwan Aarshad and DK Suresh were detained on Race Course Road. Gundu Rao and DK Suresh tried to jump the barricade erected by the police to stop them, and march towards the Chief Ministers residence, but were stopped midway and detained. "Police force is being is being misused by the BJP government. Those who are raising their voices and speaking out against the Union government and the BJP leaders are being booked for sedition. We are going to protest in front of Chief Minister's residence," former Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President Dinesh Gundu Rao said.  The Congress leaders and protesters were detained, as the Congress party workers planned to lock the gates of the CM's office.  Security was heightened outside Kaveri on Saturday in the wake of the protest march that was to be held. "The current government is misusing the police department and have used their influence to slap sedition cases against innocent people. This is blatant violation of fundamental rights. How can criticising BJP leaders become an act of sedition? It is very clear that the current government is trying to stifle dissent," Siddaramaiah said.  Bengaluru Rural MP DK Suresh accused the BJP of trying to curb people from protesting in order to cover up the party's "intent to divide people on the basis of religion."  "BJP does not want people to openly show that they are not happy with the government because BJP is diving people in the country on the basis of religion. First they imposed section 144 in Karnataka to stop protests, then they resorted to firing at protesters in Mangaluru and now they have filed a sedition case against innocent people and have subjected small children to interrogation. It is clear that the government is misusing the police force," DK Suresh added.   The management of Shaheen Primary and High School in Bidar were charged with sedition over a play that was staged by students of classes 4, 5 and 6 on January 21. The play spoke against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).  Nazbunnisa, the mother of a student, and Fareeda Begum, the head mistress of the school’s primary department, were arrested on January 30. Students aged between 9 and 12 years were interrogated by the police within the school’s premises. Several activists and lawyers had alleged police excess and accused the Bidar police of violating laws including the Juvenile Justice Act.  On December 19, Section 144 was imposed in Karnataka following which massive protests broke out in several districts. However, the protests in Mangaluru turned violent after police resorted to lathicharge. Police also fired shots at the protesters, which killed two people. The police also threw tear gas shells into the Highland Hospital. With PTI inputs

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/37uCNNc
via IFTTT

After criticism, Yediyurappa to seek legal opinion on Anand Singh as forest minister

Politics

Anand Singh has several cases of mining violations against him. He is also accused of encroaching forest land.

TNM Staff

Activists and the BJP’s opposition in Karnataka have raised objections to the appointment of BJP MLA from Vijayanagara Anand Singh as the Karnataka Minister of Environment and Forests on Friday, putting Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa under pressure to reconsider his decision. Sources say that Yediyurappa is mulling over shifting Anand Singh out of the Forest Ministry after the BJP high command expressed its ire against Yediyurappa’s decision to re-allocate the Forest Ministry to Anand Singh. Anand Singh was arrested in connection with the illegal mining scam and also for encroaching on forest land. “The Chief Minister has instructed Anand Singh that legal opinion would be sought regarding his appointment and if there are objections legally, then his portfolio would be changed,” the source said. Citizens Agenda for Bengaluru and several other activists outraged against Singh’s appointment and called for his portfolio to be changed. Amidst the high drama, Anand Singh met Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Friday to discuss the matter. “I am willing to let go of the portfolio if Chief Minister Yediyurappa says so,” Anand Singh said after the meeting. Anand Singh has 15 cases of mining violations, including violations of the Karnataka Forest Act, registered against him. He is accused of criminal conspiracy, theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating and dishonesty, criminal trespass and forgery. This is the case currently being heard by the Bengaluru court. Anand Singh provided Yediyurappa an update on the 15 cases of mining violations including violations of the Karnataka Forest Act against him during the meeting on Friday, sources close to the Chief Minister said. Of the 15 cases registered against him, 11 cases have a stay order from the Karnataka High Court; investigation is underway in three cases and one case is currently being heard at the Special Court for MLAs and MPs in Bengaluru. When the 10 new BJP MLAs were allocated ministries on February 10, Anand Singh was initially granted the Food and Civil Supplies ministry. However, just a day later, Yediyurappa submitted a fresh letter to the Governor Vajubhai Vala stating that changes had been made in portfolio allocations. In the new list, Anand Singh bagged the Environment and Forests portfolio. Once a close associate of mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy, Anand Singh was arrested twice for his involvement in the 2009 Ballari mining scam, which resulted in the collapse of the BJP government that year. The CBI arrested Anand Singh in 2013 in connection with the Belikere Port case on allegations of exporting iron ore mined illegally. He was arrested in 2015 by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Lokayukta on charges of illegal transportation of iron ore.    

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/37sNXSw
via IFTTT

Former top cop alleges Rs 1,100 crore medical seat blocking scam underway in Karnataka

Crime

Shankar Mahadev Bidari posted on Facebook that Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences had written to the government last year, but RGUHS has denied the allegation.

TNM Staff

The Former Director General and Inspector General of Police Shankar Mahadev Bidari on Friday put up a series of posts on Facebook alleging that a huge medical seat blocking scam is underway in the state. Shankar Bidari alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences had written to the Karnataka government in September last year claiming there was a huge seat blocking scam worth Rs 1,100 crore among private medical colleges in the state. “Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) has written a letter to the Karnataka government on September 28, 2019 that by way of seat blocking, a scandal of Rs 1,100 crore has taken place in one year and that private medical colleges have collected Rs 1,100 crore. What is the state government and Income Tax Department doing?” he questioned. According to a report by Deccan Herald, RGUHS said that they had not made any communication to the government during September 2019 and the only recent communication about seat blocking was during admissions for the academic year 2018-19, which occurred before August 2018. In the seat-blocking scam, candidates who are suspected to make it to the top ranks in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Exam (NEET), block seats in private medical colleges by paying a nominal fee to the Karnataka Evaluation Authority and the students can surrender the blocked seats to the KEA in the final round of seat allocations. These seats are added to the management quota of private colleges, which are in turn sold for huge sums of money, TOI reported. The TOI report by Sunitha Rao R states that not only private medical colleges but the KEA also made Rs 40 crore in five academic years (2015-2020). This was the money it obtained when students forfeited their blocked seats, who later surrendered them to KEA. KEA collects the college fees from selected candidates and has to transfer it to the private colleges. If candidates back out, KEA withholds the fees that are paid and so far it has made Rs 40 crore, the TOI report added. Students who surrender blocked seats must also pay a penalty of Rs 10,000 to the Directorate of Medical Education in addition to the first-year college fee that is forfeited by KEA, the report said. Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences has submitted a report to the Medical Education Department stating that reforms must be brought in to put an end to the scam, the TOI report stated. However, Minister for Medical Education Dr K Sudhakar on Friday promised to probe the matter over Bidari’s allegation. “If Shankar Bidari provides documents relating to his posts, we will initiate an inquiry. Anyhow Bidari is my friend, and I will discuss the same with him,” DH quoted him as saying.    

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2uB5yul
via IFTTT

Bengaluru cops bust QR code scam after gang allegedly impersonates city’s top cop

Crime

Jamil, the mastermind of the scam, allegedly cheated a Bengaluru resident of Rs 50,000 by posing as Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao.

TNM Staff

  A gang of five from Rajasthan were arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly scamming money out of people by committing QR code fraud. The group even allegedly created a WhatsApp contact using the name of Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao in at least one instance of fraud.  The Central Crime Branch sleuths on Friday arrested five men — Karan Singh (35), Akram Khan (18), Aris Khan (21), Jamil (42), and Mehzair Khan (20). The arrests helped the police resolve around 200 cases of QR Code fraud in the city, The Hindu reported. Deccan Herald reported that most of the QR code frauds reported from in Bengaluru over the past one year were allegedly committed by this same gang. Modus operandi The gang members allegedly cheated sellers on OLX, Quickr and other ecommerce sites. Posing as buyers of the products on sale, Jamil, the mastermind of the gang and his accomplices, would generally contact people selling furniture, vehicles and electronics, the DH report added. They would allegedly agree to buy the product after a short chat with the seller. Once the seller is convinced, they would send the seller a QR code of any UPI apps and ask them to scan it, stating it would facilitate the bank account transfer, The Hindu reports. Police said that the gang would convince the sellers that it was for additional safety from phishing expeditions. Police say that the sellers would end up losing the money that was agreed to during the sale of the product to Jamil or one of his gang members once the QR code was scanned on their phones. According to The Hindu report, Jamil, who was convicted of stealing vehicles a few years ago and was out of jail, was the mastermind of the plot. The man in charge of operations was Aris, who had allegedly worked in HDFC Bank, Google Pay and PayTM. Police said that Aris is an expert in creating fake QR codes. He also managed the bank account where all the skimmed money was deposited. Mehzair and Akram were in charge of chatting with people and negotiating the sale. How the gang used the Police Commissioner’s name to skim money The gang gave wrong names to its customers and claimed to be police officers or from the forces. Jamil allegedly downloaded Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao’s photo from the internet. He then saved it on WhatsApp as his DP. He also claimed to be Bhaskar Rao while conversing with sellers. He allegedly impersonated Bhaskar Rao to extract revenge on the Bengaluru Police as they were trying to nab the gang, the DH report added. Jamil allegedly contacted 60-year-old Sridhar, a resident of Hulimavu who wanted to sell his treadmill on OLX and allegedly cheated him of Rs 50,000 in January this year. Shridhar allegedly filed a complaint with the police after which the incident came to light, the CCB sleuths said. CCB sleuths tracked down the gang’s family to Bharatpur in Rajasthan. DH said in its report that the family members would send their minor relatives to pose as the suspects, making it difficult for the police to interrogate. However, the investigators were able to track down the five men and arrest them.

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/38uKdBh
via IFTTT

‘Didn't think I'd run so fast’: Kambala jockey hailed as 'Usain Bolt' for record run

Buffalo Racing

According to the referees at the event, he ran 142.50 metres in 13.62 seconds, considered the fastest run in the traditional buffalo racing sport.

Prajwal Bhat

Until this month, Srinivas Gowda was relatively unknown outside of the Kambala circuit in Dakshina Kannada. The 28-year-old has now shot to fame after a record-breaking performance at a Kambala racing event in Aikala in the district.    According to the referees at the event, he ran 142.50 metres in 13.62 seconds, considered the fastest run in the traditional buffalo racing sport. People also compared Srinivas's performance to Usain Bolt after calculating that the man from Dakshina Kannada ran 100 metres in 9.55 seconds, which is 0.03 seconds faster than the Jamaican world record holder.    "I did not think I would run this fast. The buffaloes were quick and I followed them," says Srinivas sheepishly when asked about the feat. He was aided by the buffaloes pulling him along but he also had to overcome the struggles of running on a slushy field.    Hailing from Mijar in Dakshina Kannada, Srinivas is a construction worker during the off-season. But from November to March, when Kambala races are traditionally held, he focuses solely on taking part and winning kambala events.    What is Kambala?   Kambala is a traditional slush-track buffalo race which is popular in the coastal districts of Karnataka. In these races, a pair of buffaloes tied to a plough run in parallel slush tracks, with a farmer controlling them.    On February 1, during the Kambala event in Aikala, all eyes were on buffaloes owned by Bada Poojary of Iruvail village. The jockey running with the buffaloes was Srinivas, who had trained for the race for more than a month. “I mainly exercise and swim everyday. Once a week, I practice running on the slushy track,” says Srinivas.     The sport, which has been in the news for its battle with PETA over animal rights, was allowed to continue in 2017. A ban on the sport was lifted after the President gave assent to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Ordinance of 2017, which excluded Kambala from the sports that were considered to involve animal cruelty. 

Body 2: 

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