Bengaluru, September 27, 2025: The Karnataka High Court has directed the Central Government to facilitate the repatriation of a Russian woman and her two children, who were found living in a cave on Ramatirtha Hill in Gokarna, to Russia.
The order was issued by Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad while hearing a petition filed by the woman’s husband, Dror Goldstein, a Russian resident. The court disposed of the petition with instructions to provide necessary travel documents for the woman, Nina Kutniya, and her two daughters to return to their home country.
The woman and her children had come to India from Russia and overstayed their visa, residing in the cave. Goldstein’s petition sought their return, urging the Centre to coordinate with the Russian government and provide all necessary details and permissions.
The court noted that the Russian government has also instructed its officials to assist in bringing them back. The bench emphasized the urgency of repatriating the mother and children with all required documentation.
On July 9, 2025, Gokarna police, during an inspection following a landslide, noticed clothes drying near the cave and discovered Nina and her children inside. Meanwhile, Goldstein, an Israeli businessman, had initiated a legal battle for custody of his two daughters.
Bengaluru, September 24, 2025 – Veteran Kannada writer and Padma Bhushan awardee S.L. Byrappa (94) passed away on Wednesday afternoon at a private hospital in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru.
Bhyrappa, renowned for his profound novels critiquing societal norms, authored 25 works including Vamshavruksha, Nayi Neralu, Parva, Gruhabhanga, Grahana, and Uttarakhand. His literary contributions earned him prestigious honors like Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Pampa Award, Saraswati Samman, and Sahitya Akademi Award.
Notable Novels:
Bhimakaya
Belaku Mooditu
Dharmashree
Door Saridaru
Matadana
Vamshavruksha
Jalapata
Nayi Neralu
Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane
Gruhabhanga
Nirakaran
Grahana
Datu
Anveshan
Parva
Neley
Sakshi
Anchu
Tantu
Sarth
Mandara
Avarana
Kavalu
Yana
Uttarakhand
Other Works:
Bhitti (Autobiography)
Satya Mattu Saundarya (Ph.D. thesis)
Sahitya Mattu Pratika
Kathey Mattu Kathavastu
Sandarba: Samvada
Naaneke Bareyuttene? (Why Do I Write?)
Bhyrappa’s demise leaves a void in Kannada literature, where his incisive explorations of identity, tradition, and modernity continue to resonate.
Bengaluru, September 22, 2025 – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a sharp verbal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, questioning the BJP’s tax policies. “You introduced GST, hiked it repeatedly, and now you’re patting your back for reductions—where was this concern when you were looting people with high GST?” Siddaramaiah asked.
Speaking after inaugurating the food fair at Maharaja College ground as part of the world-famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations, the CM mocked Modi as “Mahaan Dongi.” He challenged, “After eight years of reverse GST collections, will you refund the money to Indians? We opposed the 18% and 28% hikes. Those who collected now take credit—see how delicately they wear the topi. You shouldn’t return to this.”
Siddaramaiah highlighted his government’s Anna Bhagya scheme, providing 10 kg of rice to prevent the poor from sleeping hungry.
Addressing the controversy over inviting Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara, he noted that opponents lost in both the High Court and Supreme Court. “My name has two gods—Sidd (Shiva) and Ram (Vishnu). I love and devote to gods. We don’t spread hate in gods’ names like others. The Supreme Court told these fools opposing Banu to read the Constitution’s Preamble.”
He indirectly jabbed former MP Pratap Simha, who opposed Mushtaq despite being an MP twice, saying they don’t know Dasara is a state festival. “They tried to portray me as anti-Hindu and lost. I am a better Hindu than them.”
Beluru, September 20, 2025 – The incident of placing slippers on a Ganesh idol inside a temple in the Beluru Town Panchayat premises has sparked widespread outrage across Hassan district. A case has been registered at Beluru Police Station, and local police have launched an investigation.
Hassan District SP Mohammed Sujitha addressed the media in a press conference, revealing that the act occurred at night and was captured on CCTV footage showing a woman entering and exiting the temple. Preliminary information indicates the slippers found on the idol belonged to her, and she may be mentally unstable. “We do not yet know her origin or motive,” SP Sujitha stated.
To trace the woman, eight investigation teams have been formed. Locals report she frequently wanders in Beeluru and is known to remove and sell temple flowers. The inspection confirmed the slippers were directly placed on the idol, not tied with string.
The SP assured a thorough probe, emphasizing community cooperation to resolve the matter swiftly and maintain harmony.
New Delhi, September 19, 2025 – The Supreme Court today dismissed a plea challenging the Karnataka High Court’s order approving the state government’s decision to invite Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest for the Dasara festival inauguration at Chamundi Temple, Mysuru, on September 22. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected the petition after a brief hearing.
Senior Advocate PB Suresh, representing the petitioner, argued that a non-Hindu should not perform pujas, calling it a religious act and citing alleged past remarks by Mushtaq that hurt religious sentiments. Justice Nath repeatedly stated, “Dismissed,” and remarked, “We have said ‘dismissed’ three times. How many dismissals are required?” The plea was urgently listed yesterday after the petitioner noted the event’s proximity, with CJI BR Gavai agreeing to hear it today.
On September 15, the Karnataka High Court had dismissed similar petitions, stating that inviting Mushtaq, an accomplished Kannada author, lawyer, and activist whose anthology Heart Lamp won the International Booker Prize in May, did not violate constitutional values. The court emphasized that the state-organized Dasara festivities, not managed by a temple or religious body, have historically invited luminaries like scientists and authors, irrespective of religion. It ruled that Mushtaq’s participation, including lighting a sacred lamp or offering prayers, did not infringe any legal or constitutional rights.
The High Court noted the decision was made by a committee of elected representatives and officials, and no religious denomination’s rights were curtailed. The petitioners had argued that only Hindus should perform the rituals, but the state countered that the event’s secular nature allows non-discriminatory invitations.
Shivamogga, September 17, 2025: In a life-saving operation, a 21-year-old youth from Thirthahalli taluk, suffering from severe fever leading to multi-organ failure, was transported from Shivamogga Metro Hospital to Manipal Hospital under a zero-traffic corridor on Wednesday. The swift police-escorted ambulance run ensured minimal delays, highlighting inter-agency coordination for critical medical emergencies.
Shreyank (21), a resident of Shankarahalli village in Huncha hobli, Thirthahalli taluk, was admitted to Shivamogga Metro Hospital on Tuesday after developing high fever and subsequent organ complications. Medical assessments confirmed his critical condition, prompting doctors to inform his parents and recommend advanced treatment at Manipal Hospital.
Following the advice, Shreyank’s family arranged the transfer with police assistance. Under the leadership of PSI Thirumalesh from Shivamogga West Traffic Police Station, a zero-traffic corridor was established, clearing the route from Shivamogga to Manipal for the ambulance to proceed without interruptions.
Koppal, September 16, 2025 – An FIR has been registered against Vijayapura BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Dalit women during a public statement on a private TV channel. The complaint, filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, accuses Yatnal of insulting the Dalit community in the context of the ongoing controversy over the Mysuru Dasara inauguration.
Mallikarjun Poojar, the Koppal district convener of the Dalit Vimochane Human Rights Forum, lodged the complaint at the local police station on Tuesday. Poojar highlighted a viral video from Suvarna TV where Yatnal, opposing Booker Prize-winning author Bhanu Mushtaq’s invitation to inaugurate the Dasara festivities, stated that even Dalit women are not allowed to offer flowers to Goddess Chamundeshwari, reserving the right only for followers of Sanatan Dharma.
The incident stems from Yatnal’s comments made on September 12 during a visit to Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, amid protests against Mushtaq’s selection due to her Muslim identity. Poojar condemned the remarks as an open insult to Dalit women and the entire community, arguing that such statements reflect a “vile mindset” and promote communal discord. He demanded Yatnal’s immediate arrest under the SC/ST Atrocities Act, citing the MLA’s history of inflammatory speeches that allegedly incite youth and demean Dalits.
Yatnal, who was expelled from the BJP earlier this year but continues as an MLA, has been embroiled in multiple controversies, including recent FIRs for provocative speeches in Mandya and Maddur. In those cases, he faced charges under sections related to promoting enmity and outraging religious feelings.
Police have confirmed the FIR and stated that investigations are underway. Yatnal has not yet responded to the latest allegations, but in similar past incidents, he has defended his remarks as upholding religious traditions.
Bengaluru, September 16, 2025: The Bengaluru Mogaveera Sangha (Regd.), a prominent community organization serving the Mogaveera community for over four decades, has elected entrepreneur Shankar Kundar as its new president. The election, held during a recent executive committee meeting, aims to strengthen community welfare initiatives amid growing membership.
Established in 1973 and registered in 1974-75, the Bengaluru Mogaveera Sangha has been instrumental in uniting Mogaveera families in the city, providing job assistance for newcomers, matrimonial support, scholarships for underprivileged students, cultural and sports events, and blood donation camps.
Alongside Shankar Kundar, Lohith K Kanchan was elected as the General Secretary. The vice presidents include Uday Kawradi and Ravindra Kundar. Gaurish Kateel was chosen as Treasurer, with Raghavendra Kundar serving as Joint Treasurer.
The executive committee members elected are: Gunakar K, Chetan G, Umesh Kundar, Sudhakar Sural, Nitin Kanchan, Raju Shriyan, and Sunil Suvarna.
Mysore, September 15, 2025: The Karnataka High Court on Monday dismissed Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by former MP Pratap Simha and others challenging the state government’s decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest to inaugurate the world-renowned Mysore Dasara festival.
A division bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi, heard three separate petitions filed by Pratap Simha, Bengaluru-based entrepreneur T. Gireesh Kumar, and R. Soumya, the national vice-president of Abhinav Bharat Party. The petitioners sought a directive to the state government to withdraw the invitation to Mushtaq for this year’s Dasara inauguration.
The court ruled, “The petitioners have failed to demonstrate how the participation of a person from a different religion in a state-organized event violates any legal or constitutional rights. Therefore, these petitions are dismissed. A detailed order will be issued later.”
Advocate S. Sudarshan, representing Pratap Simha, argued that Mushtaq had made statements against Hindu traditions and Kannada culture. He further contended that the chief guest for Dasara is expected to visit the Chamundeshwari temple as per protocol, which Mushtaq had not followed. “Mushtaq does not believe in applying turmeric and vermilion. Dasara is a Hindu festival, not a secular one,” Sudarshan stated.
The bench responded, “What constitutional or legal right do you have to question Mushtaq’s selection? Following protocol is a personal matter.”
Advocate Ranganath Reddy, appearing for another petitioner, argued, “Hindu worship cannot be separated from Agama Shastra. The question is whether a non-Hindu can inaugurate Dasara. If Mushtaq clarifies her belief in Hindu deities, we have no objection.”
Advocate General K. Shashikiran Shetty, representing the state government, countered, “Pratap Simha should be fined. When he was an MP, Nisarga Ahmad inaugurated Dasara, and no objections were raised then. Bhanu Mushtaq, a Booker Prize winner, was chosen to inaugurate Dasara, a state festival, in line with Article 15 of the Constitution. The Dasara committee, comprising leaders from all parties, recommended the guest to the Chief Minister.”
Shetty further argued, “Those creating a Hindu-Muslim divide should face strict action. Dasara is a secular festival, but it is being portrayed as a religious event.”
When Simha’s counsel noted that Nisarga Ahmad had written poetry about Kannada and never made anti-Kannada remarks, the bench remarked, “Vijayadashami signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated across the country.”
When Simha’s counsel attempted to continue the argument, the bench warned, “We have passed our order. Should we impose a fine? Such arguments cannot be made in this court.”
Bengaluru, September 5, 2025: The Karnataka State Cabinet has accepted the report submitted by the Justice P.N. Desai-led single-member inquiry commission, which cleared Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family of any wrongdoing in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment controversy. The commission, appointed in July 2024 to investigate allegations of irregularities in MUDA’s site allocations, submitted its findings in two volumes on July 31, 2025.
Law Minister H.K. Patil, addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, stated, “The allegations against the Chief Minister and his family hold no merit, as clearly established by the Justice P.N. Desai commission. The report has been accepted by the government, and it recommends action against certain officials involved in irregularities.”
The inquiry was initiated following allegations of illegal site allotments, particularly involving Parvathi, the wife of CM Siddaramaiah, who was accused of receiving compensatory sites. The commission examined MUDA’s site allocation processes from 2006 to July 15, 2024, spanning 19 years, and identified significant irregularities, particularly between May 2020 and July 2024. It pointed to actions by commissioners, surveyors, staff, and unauthorized beneficiaries that caused financial losses to MUDA.
The report highlighted several issues:
Illegal allotments: Sites were allocated to ineligible beneficiaries, including cases where claims were made decades later using forged documents.
Non-existent or unsuitable sites: Compensatory sites were allotted despite being physically unavailable, unsuitable for habitation, or located near crematoriums, leading to financial losses for MUDA.
Systemic issues: The commission noted widespread irregularities at various stages of the allotment process and recommended structural reforms within MUDA to prevent future malpractices.
The commission’s report includes 80 recommendations, urging the recovery of losses from errant officials, surveyors, staff, and beneficiaries involved in the irregularities. It also calls for judicial and departmental inquiries to hold those responsible accountable.
