Latest news with #RamPrasad


New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Bengaluru lakes under siege with new lake law
BENGALURU: Lake activists in Bengaluru have raised strong objections to the state cabinet's approval of the Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which proposes reducing buffer zones around lakes to as little as 3 metres, allowing commercial and industrial activity. Activists feared that he move will accelerate encroachments and endanger lake ecosystems. With less than 5% of wetlands left in the city, activists have called the government's move extremely irresponsible and dangerous, claiming it is not in the interest of the public but rather serves real estate lobbies. They alleged that the bill is designed to legitimise large-scale encroachments under the guise of development. Buffer zones are an integral part of wetlands but are being taken for granted, activists argued. They emphasised that the state government cannot override central legislation. 'It is absurd that citizens now have to approach the courts to remind the government of this basic constitutional principle,' they said, referring to existing central laws like the wetland rules and NGT rulings. 'We have lost nearly 95% of our original wetlands in Bengaluru. What remains is barely 5%, and now even that is under threat,' said Sandeep Anirudhan, Convenor, Coalition for Water Security and Citizens Agenda for Bengaluru. He added that buffer zones are not separate entities that can be tampered with, as they play a critical role in filtration, flood mitigation, and providing sanctuary for flora and fauna. Drawing from satellite data, he said, 'In 1970, Bengaluru had over 70% green cover and 20-30% wetlands. Today, green cover is down to 2-3%, wetlands are just 4-5%, and concrete has taken over 95% of the city. This kind of destruction is a one-way path to environmental collapse.' Ram Prasad, co-founder of Friends of Lakes, said, 'The government doesn't have the courage to remove illegal constructions in lake buffer zones. Instead, they are trying to legitimise these encroachments by passing this bill. This is nothing but a pro-builder, real estate-driven move, done at the cost of public safety.'


Time of India
15-07-2025
- Time of India
Man held for communally sensitive post on WA
Mangaluru: Surathkal police arrested a man for allegedly spreading communally sensitive and false messages about a local resident across multiple WhatsApp groups. The accused has been identified as Ram Prasad alias Pocha,42, a resident of Kulai, Mangaluru. Mangaluru City police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH said a complaint was filed by Rajesh, a resident of Kulai. In his complaint, he alleged that malicious and fabricated messages targeting him were being circulated on social media with the intent to incite communal hatred. The accused allegedly spread claims that the complainant was involved in the religious conversion of over 20 Hindu women, selling obscene content, and converting female employees at his office. Further, it was alleged that preperations were on to get a 24-year-old Hindu married to the complainant's brother, and that she stopped following Hindu customs like applying vermilion or visiting temples, and instead began attending church prayers regularly. Based on the complaint, a case was registered at the Surathkal police station on July 13 under Sections 352, 353(1), and 353(2) of the BNS. A police team led by Surathkal inspector Pramod Kumar and sub-inspector Raghunath Naik, along with HC Annappa Vandse, traced and arrested Ram Prasad on Monday. During interrogation, the accused is said to have confessed to the offence. He was produced before the II JMFC court in Mangaluru, which remanded him in judicial custody. Another accused in the case, Lokesh Kodikere, was already arrested in an unrelated case registered at Padubidri police station, and is currently lodged in Udupi District Jail, Hiriyadka. He will be produced before the court through a body warrant, police said.


Time of India
15-07-2025
- Time of India
Mangaluru man arrested for spreading communally sensitive false messages on WhatsApp
MANGALURU: The Surathkal police arrested a man for allegedly spreading communally sensitive and false messages about a local resident across multiple WhatsApp groups. The accused has been identified as Ram Prasad alias Pocha, 42, a resident of Kulai, Mangaluru. Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH said a complaint was filed by Rajesh, a resident of Kulai. In his complaint, he alleged that malicious and fabricated messages targeting him were being circulated on social media with the intent to incite communal hatred. The accused allegedly spread claims that the complainant was involved in the religious conversion of over 20 Hindu women, selling obscene content, and converting female employees at his office. Further, it was alleged that preperations were on to get a 24-year-old Hindu married to the complainant's brother and that she stopped following Hindu customs like applying vermilion or visiting temples, and instead began attending church prayers regularly. Based on the complaint, a case was registered at the Surathkal Police Station on July 13 under Sections 352, 353(1), and 353(2) of the BNS. A police team led by Surathkal Inspector Pramod Kumar and Sub-Inspector Raghunath Naik, along with HC Annappa Vandse, traced and arrested Ram Prasad on Monday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Premium 3 & 4 BHK ( 1079 - 1829 ) from ₹72.03 Lacs* at Jessore Road Srijan Realty Learn More Undo During interrogation, the accused is said to have confessed to the offence. He was produced before the II JMFC Court in Mangaluru, which remanded him to judicial custody. Another accused in the case, Lokesh Kodikere, was already arrested in an unrelated case registered at Padubidri Police Station and is currently lodged in Udupi District Jail, Hiriyadka. He will be produced before the court through a body warrant, police said.


Qatar Tribune
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
ICC's ‘Wednesday Fiesta' showcases India's rich cultural heritage
Tribune News Network Doha The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the aegis of the Embassy of India, in collaboration with Bharathimandram and Sathagakuyilinangal, presented another vibrant edition of its weekly cultural showcase 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta' at the ICC Ashoka Hall on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Dedicated to celebrating the diversity and richness of Indian arts and culture, this week's event drew a large and appreciative audience, including prominent dignitaries and community members. The programme was marked by a wide array of cultural performances by members of Bharathimandram and Sathagakuyilinangal, who enthralled the audience with their artistic prowess and passion. The evening began with a warm welcome address by The programme was marked by a wide array of cultural performances by members of Bharathimandram and Sathagakuyilinangal, who enthralled the audience with their artistic prowess and passion. Ram Prasad, Vice President of Samanvayam, who greeted the assembled dignitaries and guests, emphasizing the importance of such platforms in preserving and promoting the multifaceted Indian heritage in Qatar. ICC President AP Manikantan, in his presidential address, commended the performers for their dedication to the arts and lauded the role of cultural forums in fostering unity through creative expression. He reaffirmed ICC's commitment to offering regular cultural programs that serve as a vibrant platform for Indian expatriates to remain connected with their roots. The evening's lineup featured captivating performances that highlighted traditional and contemporary expressions from various Indian linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The cultural variety on display exemplified the essence of India's unity in diversity and reflected the shared spirit of community collaboration. The event was gracefully hosted by Meena Karthik, whose seamless compering kept the audience engaged and the programme running smoothly. A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Ravindra Prasad, ICC Head of Affiliation, who expressed gratitude to the performing groups, ICC management, and all attendees for making the evening a memorable celebration ofIndian culture. The event witnessed the gracious presence of several distinguished guests, including ICC Advisory Council Chairman P N Baburajan, Indian Sports Centre (ISC) President Mohd Abdurahman E P, Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) President Shanavas Bava, ICC Vice President Shantanu Deshpande, as well as other members of the ICC Managing Committee, presidents of associated organizations, and senior leaders of the Indian community. With each edition, 'ICC Wednesday Fiesta' continues to grow as a key cultural platform in Qatar, providing a unique opportunity for Indian community members to showcase their talents while reinforcing cultural ties.


New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Handover of Maoist leader's body: Pleas filed for compliance to Andhra Pradesh HC order
SRIKAKULAM: Even six days after a major encounter in the Abujhmad forest region of Chhattisgarh, authorities have yet to hand over the bodies of slain Maoists to their families. While Nambala Keshava Rao's younger brother Ram Prasad is in Narayanapur, working to secure the body, unconfirmed reports circulated on social media claiming the cremation of the slain Maoist leader and Sajja Nageswara Rao's bodies by the Chhattisgarh police. Speaking to TNIE, Ram Prasad and his advocates representing in the AP High Court have refuted these claims. They confirmed filing writ and contempt petitions in the High Court demanding implementation of its earlier orders for the body release. Notices have been served to the Chief Secretary, DGP, and Bastar Range IG of Chhattisgarh. The petitions will be heard on Thursday. Srikakulam SP KV Maheswara Reddy confirmed to TNIE that he has yet to receive official information about the cremation. Meanwhile, agitation demanding the release of Maoist leader Nambala Keshava Rao's body intensified on Monday.