Jharkhand: PLFI top operative Martin Kerketta killed in Gumla encounter
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Hans India
9 minutes ago
- Hans India
DKS stunt backfires as scooter used in video is of a traffic offender
Bengaluru: What was intended as a publicity move to showcase infrastructure progress turned into a shameful controversy for Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. On August 5, Shivakumar rode a scooter to inspect the newly constructed loop on the Hebbal flyover, a project aimed at alleviating Bengaluru's notorious traffic congestion. The scooter, registered under the name "Babjan," was later found to have a staggering Rs. 19,500 in unpaid traffic fines from 34 violations, sparking widespread criticism and debate on social media platform X. The video of Shivakumar, accompanied by Minister Bairati Suresh, riding the scooter through the flyover loop initially garnered attention for its symbolic gesture. However, the narrative shifted dramatically when it was revealed that the scooter had a history of traffic rule violations. A user of X pointed out that the scooter had been fined for various offences that compounded to a fine of Rs. 19,500. Further investigation revealed that the scooter's issues extended beyond unpaid fines. Its insurance lapsed in 2020, just a year after purchase, indicating a lack of adherence to legal requirements. Additionally, the owner, "Babjan," was captured on traffic CCTV speaking on the phone while riding without a helmet, further compounding the vehicle's record as a habitual offender. This pattern of non-compliance raises questions about the oversight and responsibility of vehicle owners, especially when such vehicles are used in public settings. The revelation triggered a fierce backlash on social media, with users expressing disappointment and mocking the DyCM. Many highlighted the irony of this public figure, expected to uphold and promote traffic rules, flouting them. It was also reported by the observant X user that after the incident gained additional traction, the scooter's owner paid Rs. 1,000 towards the fines. The scooter ride by D K Shivakumar, intended as a publicity stunt to highlight infrastructure improvements, backfired by exposing the vehicle as a habitual traffic offender. With Rs. 19,500 in unpaid fines, lapsed insurance, and a history of violations, the incident has sparked a necessary conversation on accountability and leadership in road safety. As of August 6, there has been no direct official response from Shivakumar addressing the fines, but the incident has been mocked by various handles including Janata Dal (Secular) and BJP Karnataka. The latest update on the fines claim that all pending fines have been paid off. The Bengaluru Traffic Police has also taken cognisance of this incident through a post on X and had asked the Hebbal Traffic Police Station handle to look into the matter. However, that post has been deleted.
News18
17 minutes ago
- News18
GST fraud: ED raids in multiple states
Agency: PTI Last Updated: New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted fresh searches in Jharkhand, West Bengal and Maharashtra as part of a 'fake" GST invoices generation case to the tune of Rs 750 crore, official sources said. At least a dozen premises in the three states were raided under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources said. The case pertains to generation of Rs 750 crore 'fake" Input Tax Credit (ITC) involving shell entities and unauthorised financial channels in Jharkhand. The investigation stems from the arrest of a 'key mastermind" of the case Shiva Kumar Deora. He was chargesheeted last month following his arrest in May 2025, the sources said. The current searches are being undertaken based on 'credible evidence" that indicates involvement of several individuals and firms in laundering 'proceeds of crime". view comments First Published: August 07, 2025, 10:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
17 minutes ago
- News18
Elsa 3 Shipwreck: Company Denies Kerala's Rs 9,531 Crore Compensation Claim Over Vessel Capsize
The company claimed that the vessel had sunk approximately 14.5 nautical miles off the coast — a location outside the jurisdiction of the Kerala government. The owners of the ill-fated cargo vessel MSC Elsa 3 have strongly contested the Kerala government's Rs 9,531 crore compensation claim, arguing that the state has no legal standing in the matter and that no environmental or economic damage has been proven. In a detailed counter affidavit submitted to the Kerala High Court, the company claimed that the vessel had sunk approximately 14.5 nautical miles off the coast — a location outside both India's territorial waters and the jurisdiction of the Kerala government. Therefore, the state government lacked the locus standi to file the claim, they argued. The vessel sank earlier this year, leading to widespread concerns about marine pollution, damaged fisheries, and the safety of coastal communities. In response, the Kerala government filed an Admiralty Suit and secured a High Court order on July 7 to arrest MSC AKITETA II, another vessel allegedly linked to the same company, to ensure liability for damages. However, the company has refuted all allegations of marine pollution or damage to fisheries. It stated that only 13 containers on board Elsa 3 contained dangerous goods, and none of them had fallen into the sea. The affidavit emphasised that there was no release of hazardous chemicals and denied any discharge of pollutants, except for plastic nurdles that had washed ashore. According to the company, these nurdles are currently being collected by the Marine Emergency and Rescue Centre (MERC), a dedicated response agency. The clean-up operation is ongoing. The affidavit also cited analysis reports by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), which, it said, showed no significant changes in either sea water or air quality in the aftermath of the incident. These findings, the company argued, undermine the Kerala government's claim of environmental damage. Addressing the compensation claim related to the loss of fishermen's livelihoods, the company asserted that such claims were speculative and legally untenable. It stated that the Central Government holds exclusive jurisdiction over fisheries and has not imposed any fishing ban. If the Kerala government had independently issued a fishing ban — which the company denied — then it alone was responsible for the consequences of that action. 'The claim for economic loss due to a so-called market scare regarding fish quality is entirely arbitrary," the affidavit stated. 'There is no evidence of a drop in fish prices or demand, and thus no demonstrable loss." The company further described Kerala's Rs 9,531 crore claim as 'grossly exaggerated, fanciful, and unsubstantiated," calling for the amount to be substantially moderated or dismissed. Seeking to lift the arrest order on MSC AKITETA II, the company maintained that no basis existed for such a severe action, especially in the absence of proven liability. The matter continues to be heard in the Kerala High Court, as questions of jurisdiction, environmental accountability, and maritime law take centre stage. view comments First Published: News india Elsa 3 Shipwreck: Company Denies Kerala's Rs 9,531 Crore Compensation Claim Over Vessel Capsize Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
