Latest news with #Parameshwara
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Cabinet to discuss Virat Kohli's role in stampede case if named in report: Karnataka Minister
Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday said the state cabinet will discuss the role of cricketer Virat Kohli in connection with the June 4 stampede tragedy, which claimed 11 lives, if his name is mentioned in the judicial commission report. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said, 'The report on the stampede case, submitted by retired Justice John Michael D'Cunha, will be discussed in the cabinet meeting. I don't know how the discussion will proceed. The matter is on the agenda, but I can't say what decision the cabinet will take.' When asked whether the state government is planning to lodge criminal cases in connection with the incident, he responded, 'The recommendations of the report will be discussed, and ultimately, the cabinet will take a decision.' In response to a question on whether the report mentions the role of cricketer Virat Kohli, Parameshwara said, 'If the report refers to him, the matter will be discussed in the cabinet. If it doesn't, there will be no discussion.' He clarified that the judicial commission was assigned specific terms of reference related to the stampede and not with regard to any individual. 'The government did not direct the commission to investigate any particular person. The commission was instructed to probe what happened and make recommendations accordingly,' he said. Commenting on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations about irregularities in the conduct of elections, Parameshwara said, 'Rahul Gandhi has been raising concerns about electoral malpractice. The Election Commission keeps denying it. He has also said that such irregularities occurred in Karnataka. The Election Commission should take these concerns seriously. In every election, we raise issues regarding voter lists and other matters. The Commission must address them seriously.' On the necessity of conducting a caste census in Karnataka even as the Centre is also undertaking one, Parameshwara explained, 'We are conducting the census for our own state. There is no conflict between the Centre and the state. The Centre has announced its census, and we are proceeding with ours based on the parameters relevant to Karnataka.' He added that the Centre's exercise is limited to population and statistical data, while the state's survey would assess broader parameters including education. 'Censuses were conducted over many years in the past. Now, with modern methods, surveys can be completed more quickly,' he said. When asked about reports of an officer requesting to be relieved from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mass graves at a Hindu pilgrimage centre, Parameshwara said, 'I am not aware of any official communication. I have only seen media reports. Unofficially, I heard that the officer submitted a letter requesting to be dropped from the SIT for personal reasons. If needed, he can be replaced.' Regarding the recent murder of a father and son, who were BJP leaders from Bengaluru, in Andhra Pradesh, Parameshwara said the police in the respective state are investigating the case. 'Since the victims are from Karnataka, the Andhra Police will come here and we will fully cooperate. Ultimately, the accused must be tracked down,' he added.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Dharmasthala mass grave allegations: Govt won't give any direction to SIT, says Karnataka Minister
Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified on Monday that the government will not issue any directions to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the probe into the Dharmasthala mass grave allegations, which claim that hundreds of women and girls were allegedly raped and murdered. Dharmasthala is one of the major Hindu pilgrimage centres in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara stated, "Let's wait for the investigation. We will not give any instructions to the SIT officers. One of the SIT officers has formally met me. Once the investigation is ordered, they will carry out their responsibilities." Commenting on reports that two IPS officers were planning to withdraw from the SIT, Parameshwara said no such development had taken place. "I don't know about that. They are senior officers holding responsible positions, and they will do their job. They have not informed the government or me that they intend to withdraw from the SIT," he said. He further added, "Who demanded a high-level probe? Many local residents and progressive thinkers have called for it. A complaint has been lodged, and the complainant has alleged that bodies were disposed of. We need to ascertain the facts of the case through a proper investigation." "If statements are made without basis, it is not appropriate from a legal standpoint. In this context, an investigation has been ordered. We do not yet know the outcome. If the investigation reveals that there is nothing to the allegations, we can inform the public accordingly," he maintained. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, when asked about the formation of the SIT, said, "There is an ongoing debate for and against this issue. The Home Minister is handling the matter, and very senior officers have been appointed to the SIT. The truth will come out after the investigation." When asked whether the SIT was formed to divert attention from the issue, he replied, "Whatever we do, the BJP will oppose it." Responding to a question about the sudden formation of the SIT right after the Chief Minister had said that a decision would be taken based on the local police investigation, he said, "When the media highlights an issue prominently, shouldn't we also show respect to the media? In a democratic system, ensuring justice to society is your responsibility as much as it is ours. We must listen to your concerns and the suggestions of the opposition parties." The Dharmasthala temple management has welcomed the probe into the mass grave allegations in the region by the SIT. The government has announced the formation of SIT in this regard on Sunday. The SIT is led by senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, DGP of the Internal Security Department, along with DIG (Recruitment) M.N. Anuchet, DCP (City Armed Reserve) Sowmyalatha, and Jitendra Kumar, Superintendent of Police in the Internal Security Department. On July 11, the unidentified complainant, who had claimed that he was forced to bury several bodies of women who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala village, appeared before a court in Karnataka's Mangaluru district and recorded his statement. The man gave his statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) before Principal Civil Judge and First Class Judicial Magistrate Sandesh K. He requested that the police exhume the bodies in his presence. The complainant also sought protection for himself and his family. According to his statement, he fled Dharmasthala 11 years ago. He further alleged that the bodies of the women showed clear signs of sexual assault. They were found without clothes or undergarments and bore injuries suggesting violent acts. The revelations have shocked the state.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Pavagada now the epicentre of dramatic transformation
BENGALURU: Once infamous for its sky-high fluoride levels and Naxal terror, one of South Karnataka's most backward taluks-Pavagada-is now the epicentre of a dramatic transformation. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will reach Pavagada by helicopter on Monday to inaugurate a twin lifeline for the region: a drinking water project and a solar power facility that could soon reclaim its spot as the largest in the world. Only a few years ago, Pavagada's groundwater was so toxic it was unfit even for brushing teeth. Fluoride levels were reportedly five times above safety limits, crippling residents with skeletal and dental fluorosis. 'We are pumping clean, treated water all the way from the Tungabhadra - over 230 km away - to make sure not a single resident here has to drink poison again,' said Karnataka Home Minister and Tumakuru District Minister Dr G Parameshwara. Madhugiri, Pavagada, and the surrounding drought-prone belt will now receive this life-saving water through a web of pipelines-an engineering feat in its own right. 'This project will permanently solve the drinking water crisis in this region,' Dr Parameshwara said, who had briefly served as MLA from Madhugiri. But water is only half the story. The Chief Minister is also set to re-inaugurate the Shakti Sthala Solar Park, which, once its final phases go live, will reclaim the title of the world's largest solar power plant. Built across 13,000 acres and first launched by Siddaramaiah in 2018, the park pays 2,300 farmers annual leases of Rs 21,000 per acre, with built-in hikes. It is not just clean energy, but green prosperity for a region once known only for red terror and barren fields. 'Not long ago, Pavagada was a hub of Naxal activity. The People's War Group had set up base camps here. Today, there is no trace of that dark past,' Dr Parameshwara said, crediting development for defeating extremism.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
MLA fund allocation based on need, it's not uniform 50cr: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara
Bengaluru: A day after deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar assured equal treatment in fund allocation across all 224 assembly seats, home minister G Parameshwara clarified Saturday that not every constituency may receive the full Rs 50 crore announced earlier by CM Siddaramaiah. Parameshwara said the quantum of funds would be determined based on the developmental needs of each constituency. "Wherever more development work is needed, larger funds will be allocated. In relatively developed constituencies, a smaller amount will be provided," he said, addressing the media, reiterating that there would be no discrimination against opposition MLAs. No revenge politics, says Parameshwara You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru He also dismissed the allegations of "revenge politics" by the Congress govt. "No one has said funds will be denied to opposition MLAs—allocations will be based on the developmental needs of each constituency," he further said. Opposition leader in the legislative assembly, R Ashoka, had earlier accused the govt of unfair treatment, alleging that while Rs 50 crore was earmarked for constituencies represented by Congress MLAs, only Rs 25 crore was allotted to those represented by BJP and JD(S) members. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lodha Panache: Step Into Hinjewadi's Most Elite 2/3/4 BHK Lodha Panache Get Info Undo JD(S) also criticised the move, questioning the rationale behind what it termed "unequal treatment" in grants to opposition constituencies. Parameshwara countered the criticism, saying the Congress was merely continuing a precedent set by the previous BJP-led govt. "Has the chief minister said funds won't be given to BJP or JD(S) MLAs? They are the ones who started this practice during the previous govt. Then, the governing party MLAs were given one amount, and the opposition MLAs were given a different amount," he said. "They (BJP) had given Rs 50 crore to their MLAs, while we (Congress MLAs) were given Rs 25 crore, Rs 20 crore, or even Rs 10 crore. We are following the same system," Parameshwara added.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Mane Manege Police': Bengaluru cops to go door-to-door to connect with citizens
In an effort to build stronger ties with communities and make policing more approachable, the Karnataka police have launched a unique door-to-door initiative titled 'Mane Manege Police' (Police to Every Home), Times of India reported. Officers will visit homes across neighbourhoods, not to question or investigate, but to listen, assist, and connect. (Representational Image) As part of this outreach, officers will visit homes across neighbourhoods, not to question or investigate, but to listen, assist, and connect. According to a report in The Times of India, the programme was formally launched on Friday by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara in MC Layout, West Bengaluru. While it begins in the state capital, the initiative is set to be rolled out across Karnataka in the coming weeks. 'The police should not be feared. They should be seen as part of the community, as brothers and sisters,' said Parameshwara during the launch event, the report added. He emphasised that building mutual trust is essential for safer, more cooperative neighbourhoods. (Also Read: 'If 70% Hindi people leave, you...': Bengaluru massage therapist abuses Kannadigas, arrested) What will the police do? According to the report, under this initiative, beat constables will go door-to-door within their jurisdictions, interacting with residents, noting down grievances, and offering solutions where possible. Each household's basic details, such as names, ages, professions, languages spoken, and duration of stay in Bengaluru, will be logged into a register maintained by the local police. Homes that have been visited will receive a door sticker to mark the interaction. Officers will also raise awareness about cybercrime, drug abuse, and crimes against women and children, according to The Times of India. What can residents share? The initiative encourages residents to open up about their concerns, be it harassment from anti-social elements, suspected drug peddling, or bullying of children. Citizens can also alert police about new faces in the locality or neighbours who appear isolated or unapproachable. Home Minister Parameshwara noted that this initiative will also help parents stay informed about their children's peer groups, especially in cases where they may be unknowingly involved in harmful activities. The launch was accompanied by a live demonstration, with the minister and senior officials visiting homes in MC Layout, personally engaging with residents and entering their details in the police logbook. (Also read: Bengaluru's infamous Ejipura flyover gets yet another deadline, now pushed to 2026)
