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.
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.
Bengaluru, September 2, 2025: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has issued a notice to Kannada actress Ranya Rao, currently in custody for her alleged involvement in a gold smuggling case, to pay a fine of ₹102.55 crore. The notice, accompanied by approximately 2,500 pages of documents, was served in connection with the smuggling of 127.3 kg of gold, as confirmed by DRI investigations.
Additionally, three other accused in the case—Tarun Kondaraju, Sahil Sakaria Jain, and Bharat Kumar Jain—have been directed to pay fines exceeding ₹50 crore each, according to DRI sources. The notices were served to the four accused, who are lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail, on September 2, 2025.
The case traces back to March 3, 2025, when Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru for illegally smuggling gold. DRI officials seized 14.8 kg of gold from her possession upon her arrival from Dubai. Further investigation revealed that Ranya had made four trips to Dubai within a span of 15 days, smuggling gold each time. The total quantity of smuggled gold is estimated at 127.3 kg, with significant financial implications.
The DRI’s probe also uncovered connections to a larger smuggling network, leading to the seizure of assets worth ₹37 crore by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The agency has warned that failure to pay the fines could result in the attachment of the accused’s properties.
In a related development, the Karnataka High Court heard a petition under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA), which has been adjourned to September 11, 2025, for further proceedings.
Bengaluru, September 2, 2025: In a significant development in the high-profile Renuka Swamy murder case, the 57th Sessions Court in Bengaluru on Tuesday rejected the bail application of prime accused (A1) Pavithra Gowda, who is currently in judicial custody. Pavithra Gowda, a close associate of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, had filed the plea seeking relief, but the court dismissed it after considering arguments from both sides.
The case stems from the brutal murder of Renuka Swamy, a resident of Chitradurga, who was allegedly abducted, tortured, and killed for sending obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda. According to police investigations, Renuka Swamy was kidnapped from Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, and subjected to extreme violence in a shed in Pattanagere. The assault, reportedly orchestrated by Darshan and his associates, led to his death, with his body later discovered in a stormwater drain. Pavithra Gowda is named as the primary accused for allegedly instigating the crime.
Pavithra Gowda, who had recently been re-arrested following the Supreme Court’s cancellation of bail granted by the Karnataka High Court, approached the sessions court for bail. Her lawyer, Balan, argued that while not challenging a prior Supreme Court order, there were technical flaws in the chargesheet. He contended that the chargesheet was filed under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) instead of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), rendering it legally invalid. On this basis, he urged the court to grant bail to Pavithra Gowda.
Opposing the plea, prosecution lawyer Sachin raised strong objections, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the evidence against her. He requested the court to deny bail to prevent any interference in the ongoing trial.
After hearing the detailed arguments, the judge dismissed the application, citing the gravity of the offenses and the prima facie evidence of Pavithra Gowda’s involvement. This marks another setback for the accused, following the Supreme Court’s directive in August 2025 to cancel all bails and order immediate arrests. Consequently, Pavithra Gowda has been in custody since August 14, 2025.
The Karnataka High Court had earlier granted bail to all accused, including Darshan and Pavithra Gowda, but the Supreme Court set it aside, criticizing it as a “perverse exercise of power” and stressing that no one is above the law. The top court also warned against providing special treatment to the accused in jail.
The Renuka Swamy murder case continues to unfold, with the trial expected to proceed expeditiously as directed by the Supreme Court. More hearings on related matters are anticipated in the coming weeks.
Kundapura, August 30, 2025:The body of Bengaluru-based woman, Vasudha Chakravarthy (46), who had gone missing after being swept away in the Sowparnika river, was found today near Mavinakaru.
A resident of Tyagarajanagar in Bengaluru, Vasudha had been a frequent visitor to the Kollur temple. On August 27, she reportedly slipped while near the river and was dragged away by the strong current. A rescue team led by expert diver Eshwar Malpe and personnel from the fire department had been conducting searches, but the strong river flow had hampered operations.
After two days of continuous search, the body was finally recovered today near Mavinakaru. Kollur police, fire service personnel, Eshwar Malpe, and locals including Pradeep Bhat Sampre took part in the operation. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
Bengaluru, August 28, 2025 – The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka, issued a show cause notice on August 12, 2025, to 10 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, proposing their delisting due to inactivity and untraceable addresses. The notice, signed by V. Anbukkumar, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer, targets parties that have not fielded candidates in Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assembly, or bye-elections since 2019, indicating they no longer function as political entities for the purposes of the Act.
The listed parties include:
Akhila Bharatiya Rytha Party, Shravanabelagula Town, Channarayapatna Taluk, Hassan District
Badavara Shramikara Raitara Congress Party, Parvathi Nagar Main Road, Bellary
Bhaarateeya Janashakthi Congress, Paniyoor Road, Uchila, Udupi District
Young India Tangress Party, Yelam Galli, Bhalki, Bidar
Each party must submit a written representation, supported by an affidavit from the President or General Secretary and relevant documents, by September 1, 2025, to justify their continued registration. A mandatory hearing is scheduled for the same date, requiring attendance by the party’s President, General Secretary, or Head. Failure to respond will result in delisting without further notice, as per the Election Commission’s authority under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 29A.
