Balekudru Shrimatha administrative officer A. Anil Kumar Madhyastha has strongly denied allegations that four ancient idols belonging to the Matha were stolen and sold to a Bengaluru-based firm.
Describing the allegations as baseless and misleading, he maintained that all idols belonging to the religious institution are safe.
The clarification comes after a complaint was filed at Basaveshwara Nagar Police Station in Bengaluru on November 4, accusing four individuals, including the head of the Matha and its staff members, of allegedly stealing and selling four ancient idols to a Bengaluru-based firm named 'Prasiddhi Idols'.
The complaint named Paramapujya Sri Sri Vasudeva Sadashiva Shivaswamigalu, administrator A. Anil Kumar, staff member Jayalakshmi and priest Shreyas. An FIR has been registered in connection with the allegations.
Reacting to the allegations, Madhyastha categorically denied that ancient idols belonging to the Matha had been stolen or sold.
He said the complaint had been filed by certain individuals claiming to be former disciples of the Matha and asserted that the allegations made against the institution and its management were far from the truth.
He also clarified that the Swamiji's visit to Bengaluru following the registration of the FIR was solely in connection with the necessary legal proceedings.
Rejecting allegations of misconduct, Madhyastha maintained that the Swamiji had not committed any wrongdoing and would present the facts through the appropriate legal process.
The administrator also dismissed reports circulating among devotees that the Swamiji had left the Matha, staff members had vacated the premises and the institution had been locked following the registration of the FIR.
Terming these reports misleading, he urged devotees not to believe or circulate unverified information.
According to Madhyastha, the Matha continues to function normally, and necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that its regular religious activities remain unaffected.
He said priests had been appointed to conduct daily worship and that all religious rituals and observances were continuing as usual.
Addressing the central allegation in the complaint, Madhyastha stated that all idols belonging to the Matha were safe with the Swamiji.
His statement directly contradicts the allegation that four ancient idols were removed from the institution and sold to the Bengaluru-based firm, Prasiddhi Idols.
However, the administrator did not disclose further details about the legal proceedings or provide additional information regarding the evidence connected to the idols.
He said the Swamiji would explain the facts to devotees after consulting legal experts and completing the necessary legal formalities.
Amid growing concern among devotees following reports of the complaint and FIR, Madhyastha appealed to the public to remain patient and avoid reaching conclusions based on unverified information.
He assured devotees that the Swamiji would address the matter after consulting legal experts and completing the required legal procedures.
The administrator also urged people to cooperate with the legal process instead of spreading speculation about the Matha's administration and functioning.
The controversy has brought the administration of Balekudru Shrimatha under public scrutiny. While the complaint has resulted in the registration of an FIR, the Matha's administrator has firmly rejected the allegations and maintained that the idols are safe.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged removal and sale of the idols, as well as their present status.
It is important to note that the registration of an FIR does not establish the guilt of the individuals named in the complaint.
The allegations and the administrator's denial will have to be examined through the investigation and the appropriate legal proceedings.
The matter now awaits further developments as the police proceed with their investigation in Bengaluru.
In a shocking incident, a 32-year-old history-sheeter, identified as Yaseen Thakke, was shot dead in front of his wife outside Mundewadi Hospital in Vijayapura.
The murder is suspected to have stemmed from an old rivalry and a recent dispute over DJ sound during a local event.
Yaseen Thakke, a resident of the Gang Bawadi area in Vijayapura, had brought his wife to Mundewadi Hospital for treatment as she was reportedly unwell.
After the medical examination, the couple was leaving the hospital when unidentified assailants allegedly launched a sudden attack on Yaseen.
The attackers opened fire at close range, leaving him with two bullet injuries. He reportedly suffered severe blood loss and died on the spot.
The incident, which took place in front of his wife, has sent shockwaves across the city.
According to the information available, Yaseen Thakke had been involved in several criminal cases and was reportedly a known history-sheeter in the area.
He was also active on Instagram, where he allegedly shared videos and posts that portrayed a gangster-style image and created fear among sections of the public.
An old rivalry and a recent dispute over DJ sound are suspected to be possible reasons behind the killing.
Yaseen was reportedly involved in a local altercation over DJ sound a few days ago.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the dispute had any connection with the murder.
However, the exact motive behind the killing is yet to be established.
Following the incident, personnel from Gandhi Chowk Police Station rushed to the spot and conducted an inspection.
The body was shifted to the mortuary at Vijayapura District Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Police have launched an investigation to identify and trace the assailants. They are also examining the possible links between the murder, the alleged old rivalry and the recent DJ dispute.
The broad-daylight shooting outside a hospital has raised serious concerns over public safety in Vijayapura.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish the motive and identify those responsible for the crime.
An incident occurred on Thursday morning near the VC Farm railway gate on the outskirts of Mandya city, where a married woman and a young man died after being struck by a moving train.
The deceased have been identified as Sahana (25) and Rahul (23).
Sahana, a native of Gunnayakanahalli in Mandya district, had married Viresh, an auto driver, about eight years ago after falling in love.
The couple has a six-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son. The family was living in Madanayakanahalli, Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, Sahana reportedly became acquainted with a young man named Rahul, who was living in the same building where they resided, and the two grew close.
After this matter came to light, quarrels between the husband and wife reportedly occurred frequently. It is said that although elders intervened several times to resolve the issue, the discord continued.
Recently, the couple quarreled again over the same matter, after which Sahana left their Bengaluru home and went to her parental home in Gunnayakanahalli, Mandya. On Thursday, Rahul reportedly also came to Mandya.
Subsequently, both were found dead on the railway tracks near the VC Farm railway gate in Mandya.
Suspicion has arisen that they may have died by suicide after being struck by a moving train.
As soon as the incident came to light, Mandya Railway police rushed to the spot and conducted an inspection. They took custody of the bodies and shifted them to the mortuary of MIMS Hospital in Mandya for post-mortem.
Police informed the deceased's family members, and the wails of the family members near the hospital have reached the skies.
Mandya Railway police, who have registered a case, are continuing the investigation into the exact cause of both deaths and all aspects behind the incident.
An alleged altercation involving two JDS leaders at Cake World Bakery, located opposite the KSRTC bus stand in Turuvekere, Tumakuru district, has resulted in damage to the bakery's property and an assault on its owner and staff.
The accused have been identified as Nagendra, former president of Goni Tumakuru Gram Panchayat, and Kantaraju, a director of the PLD Bank in Madihalli.
According to reports, the two leaders had visited the bakery and purchased snacks. When the owner issued a bill inclusive of GST, they allegedly questioned him, asking why GST was being charged. This reportedly led to a heated argument between the bakery owner and the two men.
The argument allegedly escalated, with Nagendra and Kantaraju assaulting the bakery owner and staff. They are also accused of damaging furniture, smashing the display case and scattering snack bottles inside the establishment.
Following the incident, bakery owner Rajesh lodged a complaint at the Turuvekere Police Station.
Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR and arrested accused Nagendra in connection with the alleged assault and vandalism.
The other accused, Kantaraju, is reportedly absconding.
Police have launched a search operation to trace and apprehend him.
A thief who allegedly broke into a house and stole gold ornaments in broad daylight was chased and caught by alert villagers at Timmasandra in Doddaballapura taluk on Friday.
The accused was subsequently handed over to the Doddaballapura Rural Police.
The incident occurred at the residence of Muniraju in Timmasandra village.
According to reports, Muniraju's family members had gone out for work, leaving the house unattended.
Taking advantage of their absence, the accused allegedly noticed a key kept on a bench outside the house. He used the key to unlock the door, entered the house and stole gold ornaments before attempting to flee.
However, Muniraju's son Tejas arrived home at that moment and spotted the accused. He immediately raised an alarm and chased the suspect with the help of other villagers.
The villagers managed to catch the accused and questioned him. During the questioning, he reportedly identified himself as Santosh, a native of Sarjapura.
The villagers later handed him over to the Doddaballapura Rural Police. Police have taken up an investigation and are questioning the accused in connection with the theft.
The incident has raised concerns among residents over the occurrence of burglaries in broad daylight.
In a shocking case of multiple murders, a cab driver has been arrested for allegedly killing his wife and six members of her family over domestic disputes in Bengaluru.
The accused, identified as Indushekhar, allegedly carried out the killings as part of a premeditated plan, luring family members to his house one by one before murdering them.
The murders, reportedly committed two days ago, have sent shockwaves across the city. The victims have been identified as Roopavathi, her daughter Sunitha, sons Shivakumar and Shankar, daughters-in-law Divya and Nalini, and grandson Puneeth, all residents of Srirampura.
Preliminary investigations suggest that strained relations with his wife and her close association with her parental family may have triggered the crime.
Sunitha and Indushekhar had been married for nearly 20 years and were living near Bhashyam Circle in Rajajinagar. While their marriage was reportedly stable initially, differences over family matters had increased in recent years.
Indushekhar allegedly disapproved of Sunitha maintaining a close relationship with her mother, Roopavathi, and brothers, Shivakumar and Shankar. He reportedly objected to her frequent visits to her parental home, leading to repeated arguments between the couple.
Despite several attempts by elders in the family to resolve their differences through mediation, the disputes reportedly continued.
According to preliminary police findings, Indushekhar allegedly held his wife's family responsible for the marital problems and planned to eliminate the entire family.
As part of the alleged plan, Indushekhar first murdered Sunitha by striking her on the head with a grinding stone. He then reportedly transported her body in a car and dumped it near the foothills of Nandi Hills.
To avoid suspicion, he allegedly told neighbours that Sunitha had gone on a trip with her friends. He also switched off her mobile phone to make it appear that she was unavailable.
After Sunitha's murder, the accused allegedly invited her brothers, Shivakumar and Shankar, to his house under the pretext of organising a drinking party.
He reportedly attacked and killed both men using a grinding stone. Their wives, Divya and Nalini, were allegedly murdered subsequently. The accused is also suspected of killing his mother-in-law, Roopavathi, and Shankar's son, Puneeth.
In this manner, the accused allegedly murdered seven members of his wife's family by calling them to his residence one after another.
Following the murders, Indushekhar allegedly attempted to destroy evidence to avoid detection. He reportedly transported the bodies in his car and disposed of them at different locations rather than leaving them together.
He also allegedly cleaned bloodstains from the house and washed the grinding stone believed to have been used in the murders with chemical substances, according to police.
The case came to light after Nalini's mother approached the police with a complaint regarding Sunitha's disappearance.
During the investigation, police reportedly developed suspicions about Indushekhar. Subsequent questioning allegedly revealed details of the multiple murders, leading to his arrest.
Police have also seized the car allegedly used to transport the bodies, along with other materials connected to the case.
Based on information provided by the accused, police took him to Nandi Hills and other locations as part of the search operation.
After several hours of searching, Puneeth's body was reportedly recovered near Nandi Hills. Efforts are continuing to locate the bodies of the remaining six victims.
Considering the seriousness of the case, special police teams comprising three ACPs from the North Division have reportedly been formed.
Senior police officials said the investigation is examining all aspects of the case, including the alleged murder locations, routes used to transport the bodies and attempts made to destroy evidence.
A Bengaluru cab driver, believed to be driven by resentment over his wife's continued contact with her parental family, is suspected of killing her and six of her relatives, including a seven-year-old boy, in a chilling case of mass murder.
Police have so far recovered the boy's body from near Bengaluru's Nandi Hills, while a search is underway for the remaining six bodies.
Much about the suspected murders remains unclear, but police say the cab driver, identified as Indushekhar, has admitted to killing his wife Sunitha, her mother Rupavathi, her two brothers Shivakumar and Shankar and their respective wives Divya and Nalini, and her seven-year-old nephew Puneeth.
According to the initial police probe, Indushekhar first killed his wife and then invited his two brothers-in-law and their families home for a party. There, he allegedly murdered them and their wives, his mother-in-law, and Shankar's young son.
Police suspect that the accused used a grinding stone to bludgeon the victims to death. He then allegedly transported the bodies in his car and dumped them at different locations. Investigators also suspect that he used chemicals to remove bloodstains and destroy evidence.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the murders stemmed from domestic disputes. Indushekhar was reportedly unhappy with his wife's continued contact with her parental family, which police suspect may have triggered the killings.
The case came to light after a missing-person complaint was filed at Srirampura Police Station. During interrogation, the accused gave contradictory statements, prompting police to investigate further and uncover the suspected mass murder.
In a four-hour search operation near the foothills of Nandi Hills, police recovered the body of a seven-year-old son of Shankar. The boy's body is the first to have been recovered in the case.
According to police sources, Indushekhar has claimed that he killed all seven family members. However, investigators are still verifying his claims and searching for the remaining bodies.
Search operations are underway at different locations as police work to establish the sequence of events and gather evidence in the case.
A Bengaluru cab driver, believed to be driven by resentment over his wife's continued contact with her parental family, is suspected of killing her and six of her relatives, including a seven-year-old boy, in a chilling case of mass murder.
Police have so far recovered the boy's body from near Bengaluru's Nandi Hills, while a search is underway for the remaining six bodies.
Much about the suspected murders remains unclear, but police say the cab driver, identified as Indushekhar, has admitted to killing his wife Sunitha, her mother Rupavathi, her two brothers Shivakumar and Shankar and their respective wives Divya and Nalini, and her seven-year-old nephew Puneeth.
According to the initial police probe, Indushekhar first killed his wife and then invited his two brothers-in-law and their families home for a party. There, he allegedly murdered them and their wives, his mother-in-law, and Shankar's young son.
Police suspect that the accused used a grinding stone to bludgeon the victims to death. He then allegedly transported the bodies in his car and dumped them at different locations. Investigators also suspect that he used chemicals to remove bloodstains and destroy evidence.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the murders stemmed from domestic disputes. Indushekhar was reportedly unhappy with his wife's continued contact with her parental family, which police suspect may have triggered the killings.
The case came to light after a missing-person complaint was filed at Srirampura Police Station. During interrogation, the accused gave contradictory statements, prompting police to investigate further and uncover the suspected mass murder.
In a four-hour search operation near the foothills of Nandi Hills, police recovered the body of a seven-year-old son of Shankar. The boy's body is the first to have been recovered in the case.
According to police sources, Indushekhar has claimed that he killed all seven family members. However, investigators are still verifying his claims and searching for the remaining bodies.
Search operations are underway at different locations as police work to establish the sequence of events and gather evidence in the case.
Food safety officials have taken action against PVR INOX’s Forum Mall outlet at Konanakunte Cross in Bengaluru following allegations that used glasses were being reused to serve fresh Pepsi and juice.
During an inspection, officials reportedly found violations of food safety norms, issued a notice to the establishment and ordered the closure of its juice counter.
The incident came to light after a customer was seen confronting the staff over the alleged practice, raising concerns about hygiene and food safety at the multiplex.
An eight-year-old boy riding a bicycle was injured after a speeding motorcycle allegedly rammed into him in the Nagasena Nagar area of Bhadravati.
The shocking incident was captured on CCTV cameras, and the footage has since gone viral on social media.
According to reports, the boy was returning home after attending his coaching classes. While attempting to cross the road, he was allegedly hit by a motorcycle ridden by a 17-year-old minor.
The impact of the collision threw the young cyclist off balance, leaving him injured. Fortunately, he escaped without life-threatening injuries.
Residents who witnessed the accident immediately rushed to help the injured child. They also caught the minor who was riding the motorcycle and handed him over to the police.
Bhadravati police arrived at the spot, shifted the injured boy to a nearby hospital and ensured that he received medical treatment.
The CCTV footage showing the motorcycle hitting the young cyclist has gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the dangers of reckless driving, particularly in residential areas.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of road safety and responsible driving to prevent accidents involving children.
Further details regarding police action and the condition of the injured boy are awaited.
Panic gripped parts of Kottayam district after a speeding Toyota Innova allegedly rammed into several vehicles while travelling nearly 8 kilometres without stopping.
The incident occurred around 7 pm at Kannotta Junction in Thengana.
Villagers eventually managed to intercept the car after its front right tyre burst, causing sparks as the vehicle continued moving.
Police detained the 18-year-old driver, who is suspected of being under the influence of intoxicants.
According to preliminary information, the Innova started its journey from Vellappally in Payippad and sped through Chanjodi, Madappally, Perumbanachi and Thengana before reaching Kannotta.
During the nearly 8-kilometre stretch, the car allegedly knocked down several vehicles.
Despite the collisions, the driver reportedly continued driving without stopping, triggering panic among motorists and residents.
The situation became more alarming when the car's front right tyre burst. However, the driver continued moving the vehicle, with the wheel disc scraping against the road and producing large sparks.
Several motorists followed the speeding car in an attempt to stop it and prevent further accidents.
The chase eventually ended when local residents managed to block and stop the Innova at Kannotta Junction in Thengana.
Personnel from the Thrikkodithanam police station rushed to the spot and took the driver into custody.
The driver was identified as Gokul Binu (18), a native of Thiruvalla. Preliminary information suggests that the vehicle belongs to a person from Mukkattupadi in Changanassery.
Police suspect that the driver may have consumed intoxicants before getting behind the wheel.
A medical examination and other procedures are underway to establish whether he was under the influence of any intoxicating substance.
Thrikkodithanam police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.
Officials said appropriate legal action would be taken based on the findings.
Further details regarding the extent of damage to the vehicles and the circumstances leading to the incident are awaited.
A shocking murder case has been reported from Yelahanka in Bengaluru, where a 22-year-old worker from Kerala allegedly died after being brutally assaulted by his employer.
The 45-year-old employer, identified as Anandraj, has been arrested by the police.
The incident reportedly occurred after he found the worker with his 19-year-old daughter at his residence.
The deceased, Kiran, was a native of Thiruvegappura in Palakkad district of Kerala. He had been working at Anandraj's manufacturing unit in north Bengaluru for the past few years along with his brother.
According to preliminary police investigations, Anandraj had recently learned about an alleged relationship between Kiran and his daughter, who was studying in a neighbouring city and had returned home for her holidays.
On Tuesday morning, Anandraj and his wife reportedly left their residence after informing their daughter that they would be away for the day. However, the couple returned a few hours later and allegedly found Kiran inside a room at their Yelahanka residence.
Following this, the daughter was reportedly sent to a relative's house in Chikkaballapur, while Kiran remained at the residence.
Police allege that Anandraj subsequently assaulted Kiran, causing multiple injuries. Kiran reportedly lost consciousness and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East Division) G.K. Mithun Kumar confirmed Anandraj's arrest and said preliminary findings suggested that the crime was intentional.
Police are also investigating whether any other individuals were present or involved in the incident, the DCP stated.
Meanwhile, Prasad, Kiran's maternal cousin, alleged that the murder was premeditated.
He claimed that Kiran's brother had been deliberately sent to Uttar Pradesh earlier in the week on a delivery assignment to ensure that Kiran was alone at the time of the alleged attack.
However, this allegation is yet to be independently established by investigators.
The Yelahanka police have registered a murder case against Anandraj and taken him into custody.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, the alleged motive and whether anyone else was involved.
Further investigation is underway.
A nine-year-old Class 3 student died after suddenly collapsing inside her classroom at Lovely Heritage School in East Delhi's Mayur Vihar Phase 2.
The incident, which was captured on the school's CCTV cameras, has raised questions over the institution's emergency medical facilities after the girl's family alleged that she was not provided timely first aid and CPR.
School authorities, however, said the child was immediately rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead and attributed the cause to cardiac arrest.
The CCTV footage shows the girl enter her classroom after returning from the games period and suddenly collapse. Moments before falling, she is seen placing her hand on her waist, supposedly out of fatigue.
The video further shows the class teacher immediately rushing to the child and picking her up in an attempt to place her on a chair. However, the girl appeared completely unconscious.
The teacher then stepped out of the classroom and returned within seconds before carrying the child out for medical assistance.
In another CCTV clip before the incident, the girl is seen walking upstairs alongside other students. Separate footage from within the school premises also shows her among several children before the incident.
Following the collapse, the school staff rushed the girl to a nearby hospital. She was subsequently referred to Malik Hospital in Nirman Vihar, where doctors declared her dead.
Police have taken possession of the body and sent it for a post-mortem examination. The exact cause of death is yet to be established through medical examination.
School principal Bhawna Malik said the child suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to the hospital immediately after she collapsed.
“It was very regretful. We take good care of the kids. This child suffered a cardiac arrest. She collapsed inside the classroom and was immediately rushed to the hospital. There the doctors said that it was a cardiac arrest,” Malik said.
She further claimed that a nurse was present at the school and that the staff noticed an injury to the child's chin.
"A teacher was there in the classroom who picked up the girl. We rushed her to the hospital. There the doctors declared that it was a cardiac arrest. There was a nurse. We saw that the girl sustained an injury to her chin which was bleeding. We then rushed her to the hospital," the principal added.
However, the family's allegations have brought the school's emergency response under scrutiny.
The girl's relatives alleged that despite paying substantial fees, the institution did not have adequate medical arrangements to handle an emergency of this nature.
They also questioned why the child was not administered CPR immediately after she collapsed.
When asked why CPR was not provided, the principal said the staff initially believed the child's loss of consciousness could be linked to the injury to her chin and could not think of another reason for her condition.
The incident has also renewed concerns over the preparedness of schools in Delhi to deal with sudden medical emergencies.
Questions have been raised about whether teachers and other staff members are adequately trained in CPR and first aid, and whether schools have the necessary medical equipment and trained personnel to respond promptly.
With the police investigation underway and the post-mortem report awaited, the medical circumstances surrounding the girl's death remain to be conclusively determined.
The family's allegations and questions over the school's emergency response are likely to remain central to the matter.
A controversy has erupted in Bengaluru after a KSRP bus was allegedly driven along a one-way road, and police personnel reportedly threatened and verbally abused a car driver who questioned the traffic violation.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, triggering public outrage.
The incident reportedly took place at around 7 PM near Njanappa Circle on Hosur Road, within the jurisdiction of the Ashokanagar Traffic Police Station.
According to reports, a KSRP bus travelling from Akkitimmanahalli towards Njanappa Circle entered a one-way stretch, resulting in a traffic jam. A Range Rover driver who noticed the violation questioned the bus's movement on the restricted road.
Following the objection, KSRP personnel allegedly stopped the car, surrounded it, and threatened and verbally abused the driver.
It is also alleged that Ashokanagar Traffic Police personnel were present at the spot when the incident occurred but failed to intervene.
The video showing the alleged confrontation has since circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from the public and raising questions about the enforcement of traffic regulations and the conduct of police personnel.
Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel threatened and abused in foul language a car driver who questioned flouting of the one-way rule near Nanjappa Circle on the Bengaluru-Hosur Road on Monday night.
The KSRP personnel stopped the driver of a Range Rover and surrounded the SUV, creating a traffic jam for some time.
The KSRP bus was coming via Nanjappa Circle in Akkithimmanahalli, violating the one-way rule.
A video of the KSRP personnel arrogantly surrounding the car on the road, threatening and abusing the car driver has gone viral on social media.
The incident occurred around 7 pm on Monday in Ashok Nagar traffic police limits right in front of traffic police personnel.
Citizens have expressed outrage over the high-handed behaviour of the police.
An incident has come to light in which a youth, who had promised to marry a woman and loved her for four years, ultimately murdered the very girlfriend who pressured him to marry.
The murdered woman has been identified as Rakshita Sarikar (25) of Harugeri village in Raybag taluk.
The accused in the murder has been identified as Basappa Siddappa Satananavanna of Adalahatti village in Athani taluk.
It is said that the accused, Basappa, had been in love with Rakshita for the past four years and had promised to marry her. However, whenever the matter of marriage came up, he kept postponing it. Upset by this, Rakshita was taken by him to Gokak Falls on October 28.
At around 4 p.m. in the evening, while both were sitting on the embankment beside the Falls road and talking, Rakshita reportedly questioned him as to why he, who had been saying for four years that he would marry her, was now hesitating to marry. It is said that a verbal altercation took place between the two over this matter.
At that time, the enraged Basappa allegedly hit Rakshita hard on the cheek, then strangled her with his hands and tightened a veil around her neck, killing her, according to the complaint filed by the woman's family members with the police.
After committing the murder, he allegedly threw the body among thorny bushes on the slope of the hill at Gokak Falls and attempted to destroy evidence.
A case has been registered at Gokak Town police station in connection with the incident, and police have taken up the investigation.
Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel threatened and abused in foul language a car driver who questioned flouting of the one-way rule near Nanjappa Circle on the Bengaluru-Hosur Road on Monday night.
The KSRP personnel stopped the driver of a Range Rover and surrounded the SUV, creating a traffic jam for some time.
The KSRP bus was coming via Nanjappa Circle in Akkithimmanahalli, violating the one-way rule.
A video of the KSRP personnel arrogantly surrounding the car on the road, threatening and abusing the car driver has gone viral on social media.
The incident occurred around 7 pm on Monday in Ashok Nagar traffic police limits right in front of traffic police personnel.
Citizens have expressed outrage over the high-handed behaviour of the police.
A 24-year-old Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) woman conductor died on Tuesday night, ten days after she was allegedly pushed off a moving bus by a woman passenger during an argument over change for a ticket in Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
The victim, Gundla Pravalika, was attached to the Manuguru RTC depot and hailed from Adarsh Nagar in Manuguru town. She was travelling on a Palle Velugu bus from Manuguru to Bhadrachalam on October 25 when the incident occurred near Mittagudem in Aswapuram mandal.
According to officials, passenger Banoth Mounika, a resident of the area, boarded the bus with her son and gave Pravalika a Rs 100 note for his ticket. The conductor issued a ticket worth Rs 10 and, citing a shortage of change, reportedly noted the remaining Rs 90 on the ticket, asking the passenger to collect it later.
The disagreement escalated when Mounika demanded the balance as the bus approached her stop. During the ensuing confrontation, she allegedly pushed Pravalika out through the doorway of the moving bus. The conductor fell onto the road, and the rear wheels ran over her legs, causing grievous injuries.
Pravalika was first shifted to a hospital in Bhadrachalam and later moved to a private hospital in Hyderabad for advanced treatment. Despite treatment for ten days, she died from her injuries on Tuesday night.
Aswapuram police have registered a case and arrested Mounika, who was produced before a court.
The issue saw reaction from state Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, who had condemned the attack when Pravalika was undergoing treatment.
Now that the transport staff has died, the minister assured that the government would stand by RTC employees and directed officials to take stringent legal action against those attacking staff on duty.
''The government stands with the family of Manuguru depot conductor Pravala. A job for Pravalika's mother. Indiramma houses allotted to the family. Rs 10 lakh ex gratia from the government and RTC on behalf of Pravalika's family. We will support Pravalika's family in every possible way. '' he announced on Wednesday.
He also urged passengers to raise grievances through official channels instead of resorting to violence.
The conductor's death has triggered anger among RTC employees and unions. Employee representatives announced that bus services in the erstwhile Khammam district would be stopped on Wednesday as a mark of protest and demanded stringent action against the accused and support for Pravalika's family.
A gas cylinder caught fire during a delivery in Bengaluru's Malleshwaram area on Tuesday after leaking gas allegedly came into contact with a lit oil lamp outside a house.
The delivery worker narrowly escaped without injuries, while CCTV footage captured the frightening moments when the fire broke out.
The incident occurred within the limits of the Malleshwaram police station when the delivery worker was unloading the cylinder and placing it near the entrance of a house.
According to a report by Asianet News, citing preliminary information, the cylinder reportedly had a minor gas leak. The leaking gas is suspected to have caught fire after coming into contact with a traditional oil lamp (diya) burning at the doorstep.
The house occupant had reportedly washed the entrance, performed a puja and lit the diya on the threshold shortly before the cylinder was delivered.
CCTV footage of the incident shows the delivery worker carrying the cylinder on his shoulder and placing it near the doorway. He appears to have failed to notice the burning lamp. Moments later, the leaking gas came into contact with the flame, triggering a sudden blaze.
The fire quickly spread around the cylinder, triggering panic. However, the delivery worker managed to move away from the spot and escaped unhurt. His quick reaction is believed to have prevented a potentially serious accident.
Following the incident, Malleshwaram police personnel and fire brigade staff rushed to the spot and inspected the scene. Officials confirmed that no members of the public were injured.
The exact circumstances surrounding the suspected gas leak and the subsequent fire are being examined.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of taking precautions while handling LPG cylinders.
Residents and delivery personnel are advised to ensure that cylinders are kept away from burning lamps, candles and other open flames during delivery and handling.
Police in Kerala are investigating whether a popular Islamic preacher and YouTuber, arrested for allegedly repeatedly raping a 16-year-old girl under the pretext of spiritual healing, may have sexually exploited other minors as well.
Investigators are preparing to examine the mobile phone and electronic devices of 34-year-old Mohammed Niyas Jouhari, who was arrested on Sunday.
Police are also probing substantial financial transactions linked to the Islamic educational institution he runs in Kollam district.
Jouhari, the director of Habibiyya Islamic Academy at Ochira, was arrested following allegations that he sexually assaulted the girl on multiple occasions after convincing her family that he could remove supernatural afflictions through prayers.
According to police, the girl's paternal grandmother had approached the preacher seeking relief from health problems. Jouhari allegedly convinced the family that the grandmother was under the influence of an evil spirit and required a purification ritual.
The girl and her grandmother subsequently visited his academy. Investigators allege that Jouhari used the family's faith in his purported spiritual abilities to gain access to the minor and repeatedly sexually assault her.
The alleged assaults took place at the academy, rented premises and other locations. Reports indicate that several incidents occurred in October and November 2025.
The case came to light after the girl confided in her friends about the alleged abuse. Police subsequently recorded her statement and registered a case.
Investigators reportedly examined medical evidence and mobile phone conversations before arresting the preacher. Jouhari has been booked under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to rape and criminal intimidation.
The accused, who has more than two lakh subscribers on YouTube, regularly posted religious sermons and prayer sessions on social media.
Police are now examining whether other girls may have been subjected to similar exploitation and whether evidence recovered from his electronic devices could reveal further offences.
The investigation has also expanded to the functioning and financial transactions of Habibiyya Islamic Academy, where several boys and girls are reportedly enrolled.
Jouhari is currently in judicial custody. So far, there has been no publicly confirmed identification of additional victims or registration of further cases.
The Kerala police have arrested a popular Islamic preacher on charges of sexually abusing a minor girl repeatedly over a period of two months last year.
Muhammed Niyas Jouhari, 34, was arrested on Sunday and sent to judicial custody.
A native of Kollam, he has been active on social media platforms for a while now, with his YouTube channel alone having over 2.25 lakh subscribers.
Police said the preacher allegedly sexually exploited the girl as part of a ritual-cleansing intended to “free her grandmother from the influence of an evil spirit”.
A police officer said, “Jouhari has been popular as a preacher on social media. The victim’s family has been following his social media pages.”
The officer said, “The preacher allegedly convinced the woman that she is under the influence of an evil spirit and requires a purification ritual. He allegedly lured the woman and the girl to his rented premises, where he repeatedly raped the latter for several months starting from last October.”
The officer said, “Recently, the girl, who has been living under the trauma of the abuse, shared the alleged incident with her friends, leading to a case against the preacher. Medical reports and mobile phone chats were considered before making the arrest.’’
He has been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections pertaining to rape and criminal intimidation.
Police said Jouhari’s digital gadgets will be examined.
Jouhari, who runs an institution, recently courted controversy after he commented on the clothing of a prominent acress. The preacher had dubbed the attire un-Islamic.
A major twist has emerged in the murder of 17-year-old Abhiram in Sreekaryam, with the accused minor telling police that the teenager was not the intended target but was allegedly used to lure another friend to the spot.
According to the latest statement by the accused minor, another friend of Abhiram had allegedly behaved inappropriately towards a girl, and the plan was to use Abhiram to bring that person to the location.
However, a dispute broke out, eventually leading to Abhiram’s murder, the accused reportedly told investigators. The revelation came during detailed questioning at Sreekaryam police station under the supervision of the City Police Commissioner.
Although the minor was taken into custody, he was initially questioned and later handed over to his father. He was summoned again when he reportedly confessed to the murder and to abandoning the body on an open plot of land.
He had initially claimed that Abhiram was repeatedly messaging a girl on Instagram and that she had complained about this to a male friend, prompting the decision to summon and kill him.
However, the latest version points to another friend of Abhiram as the actual target.
Police said the latest statement would be examined in detail to establish the sequence of events and the motive behind the murder.
Meanwhile, investigators have confirmed that the girl from Manakkadu, who is currently in custody, is 18 years old.
Abhiram’s body will be handed over to his relatives today after the post-mortem examination.
The murder follows a dispute over a romantic relationship.
Police have arrested three persons in connection with the murder of Abhiram A.D., including the minor, the 18-year-old girl identified as Anantha and Umar (21), who allegedly helped dispose of the body.
The minor is first accused, Umar is the second accused, while Anantha the third.
The murder was allegedly planned as an act of revenge against a friend of Abhiram, whom the minor blamed for the breakdown of his previous relationship.
According to the police investigation, the minor had initially planned to kill Abhiram’s friend, who was close to Anantha.
The two had separated, and the boy had subsequently got close with Anantha, a student at the Government ITI in Kazhakoottam.
The girl later sent him a photograph of herself with the boy, who was a friend of Abhiram.
This reportedly provoked the minor, who believed this new person was responsible for their separation.
The minor also became suspicious of Abhiram after learning that he had been sending messages to Anantha.
Police said the murder was the outcome of a days-long conspiracy in which the accused had even worked out a plan to mislead the police if they were caught.
The accused had also allegedly decided in advance that the minor among them would take responsibility for the murder if the police apprehended them.
The plan was intended to shield the others from the crime, the Commissioner said, adding that investigators were examining the possible involvement of more people.
Abhiram, a Plus-Two student of NSS Higher Secondary School, Paruthippara, was a native of Pangappara and had been missing since Sunday.
Abhiram left home on Sunday afternoon after telling his family he was going to Pangappara.
When his phone remained unreachable despite repeated attempts to contact him, his parents alerted the Sreekaryam police, who began questioning his friends and tracing his last contacts.
Two days before the murder, he allegedly took possession of Anantha’s phone and began messaging Abhiram, impersonating her.
He lured Abhiram to Pangappara by asking him to meet there.
The original plan was to use Abhiram to summon the his friend and then attack him.
The minor allegedly intended to threaten Abhiram into calling his friend. However, the friend did not turn up despite repeated calls.
An argument broke out between the minor and Abhiram at Pangappara. When Abhiram tried to escape, the accused allegedly hit him on the head, causing him to fall, before strangling him with a belt.
The minor subsequently contacted Umar, who allegedly arrived at the scene to help dispose of the body.
The body was stuffed into a sack and abandoned. Police have now arrested three in connection with the crime.
The disappearance of a 17-year-old school student from Thiruvananthapuram turned into a murder investigation after police recovered his body stuffed inside a sack from an isolated plot on Monday evening.
The victim, identified as Abhiram M.D., a Plus Two student and resident of Sangeetha Nagar in Pangappara, was allegedly murdered following a dispute reportedly linked to a romantic relationship.
Three people, including a 17-year-old boy and a girl, have reportedly been taken into police custody in connection with the crime.
Another person identified as Umar, a history-sheeter who is suspected of having assisted in disposing of the body, is also among those in custody, according to official sources.
Abhiram reportedly left his house on Sunday afternoon after telling his family that he was going to Pangappara to meet a friend. Before leaving, he had received a phone call. However, he failed to return home even late into the night.
When repeated attempts to contact him failed and his mobile phone was found switched off, his family approached the Sreekaryam police and lodged a complaint.
The police subsequently registered a man-missing case and launched an investigation to trace the missing teenager.
The investigators questioned Abhiram’s friends and examined CCTV footage and mobile phone tower location details to reconstruct his movements before he disappeared.
The investigation eventually led police to an isolated plot in Pangappara on Monday evening, where Abhiram’s body was discovered stuffed inside a sack.
The location is believed to be familiar to the victim and his friends, who used to visit the area occasionally to spend time together.
After Abhiram went missing, some of his friends reportedly suspected that he might have been taken to this location and searched the surrounding areas during the night.
Preliminary findings suggest that the murder may have stemmed from a dispute involving a girl and a suspected romantic relationship.
It is suspected that the 17-year-old suspect was reportedly close to a girl with whom Abhiram had also been communicating through social media.
The police suspect that the accused used the girl’s Instagram account to send messages to Abhiram and persuade him to come to Pangappara.
The victim was allegedly strangled by tightening a belt around his neck. After the murder, his body was allegedly placed inside a sack and abandoned in the isolated plot in an attempt to conceal the crime.
The victim was a Plus Two student at NSS Higher Secondary School, Paruthippara.
Following the custody of the suspects, Abhiram’s relatives and local residents staged a demonstration outside the Sreekaryam police station. They accused the police of failing to promptly act on the parents’ complaint and prevent the murder.
‘Mohandas Pai is Karnataka’s Shakuni, will be forced to leave state’: KaRaVe activist threatens IT veteran.
A Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KaRaVe) activist has threatened IT veteran Mohandas Pai, accusing him of acting against the interests of Kannadigas despite claiming to be one.
"Mohandas Pai needs to be taught a lesson. He claims to be a Kannadiga but acts against the interests of Kannadigas. He is like Shakuni from the Mahabharata. He is Karnataka’s Shakuni, and that is not good for our people," the activist said.