Timeline India

Category: State

  • Bengaluru: Home Minister Parameshwara Issues Stern Warning to YouTubers Over Misinformation

    Bengaluru, August 18, 2025 – Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara issued a strong warning to YouTubers during a Legislative Assembly discussion, responding to complaints from opposition leaders about baseless propaganda videos targeting individuals, organizations, religious centers, and the state government. He urged YouTubers to cease such activities, warning that failure to comply would result in stringent legal action, as unregulated reporting could harm societal well-being.

    Addressing the Assembly, Parameshwara expressed concern over YouTubers violating confidentiality and spreading misinformation without evidence, stating, “YouTubers must stop here, or we will take tough measures.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to maintaining confidentiality, noting that ministers are bound by an oath of secrecy and cannot disclose sensitive information as demanded by some members. Responding to dissatisfaction from certain legislators about his replies, he retorted, “I have answered responsibly. Some call it evasive, but former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and Law Minister Suresh know the internal protocols. I assumed you understood the Lakshman Rekha.”

    On the topic of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Parameshwara welcomed the opposition’s support for its formation and assured that any shortcomings would be addressed to uncover the truth. He noted that the SIT has been instructed to submit its report as soon as possible, though the timeline could range from one to six months depending on the investigation’s complexity.

    Concluding his remarks, the Home Minister reiterated the need to regulate YouTubers’ activities, emphasizing that unchecked reporting could disrupt social harmony. “We have noticed individuals, organizations, and the government being targeted with unverified reports. This must stop, or we will be forced to act,” he warned, underscoring the government’s resolve to maintain order and protect public trust.

  • Weather Alert for August 18, 2025: Heavy Rainfall Expected in Karnataka, School Closures Announced

    Bengaluru, August 17, 2025 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted extremely heavy rainfall in Karnataka’s coastal and south interior districts on August 18, 2025, prompting a red alert for Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga. An orange alert has been issued for north interior districts, including Hassan, Kodagu, Haveri, and Belagavi, while a yellow alert covers Bidar, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur, Vijayapura, Vijayanagara, Yadgir, Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Kolar, and Mysuru. Rainfall is expected to persist across the state until August 23, with the Tunga River flowing above danger levels, raising concerns about flooding and landslides.

    School Closures

    • Chikkamagaluru District: Due to torrential rains in the Malenadu region, the district administration has declared a holiday for anganwadis and schools on August 18 in Mudigere, Kalasa, Sringeri, Koppa, Narasimharajapura, and specific hoblis in Chikkamagaluru taluk (Jagar, Khandya, Aldur, Vastare, Avathi). District Collector Meena Nagaraj issued the order as a precautionary measure.
    • Uttara Kannada District: With a red alert in place, the district administration has announced a holiday for primary and high schools across Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Dandeli, and Joida taluks. District Collector Lakshmipriya issued the directive to ensure safety.

    Public Advisory

    The Udupi District Disaster Management Authority has urged residents, tourists, and fishermen to avoid rivers, water bodies, and the sea due to high waves and strong winds expected in the Arabian Sea. People are advised to stay indoors during rain, wind, or lightning, avoid agricultural activities, and steer clear of unstable trees, power lines, or weak structures. Residents in landslide-prone areas should contact tahsildar offices or gram panchayats for relocation to care centers. Emergency contacts include the toll-free number 1077 and the Udupi District Control Room at 0820-2574802.

    The public is requested to adhere to these safety measures to mitigate risks during this period of intense weather activity.

    Heavy rain forecast | Maravanthe | Photo:Waqqas Kazi

  • Hassan: Landslide on NH-75 Halts Traffic on Shiradi Ghat, Stranding Thousands

    Hassan, August 16, 2025 – Continuous heavy rainfall in the Malenadu region of Hassan district has caused multiple landslides on National Highway-75 (NH-75) near Maranahalli in Sakleshpur taluk, leading to a complete suspension of vehicle movement on the Shiradi Ghat road. The landslides, which brought down soil, trees, and shrubs onto the highway, have resulted in severe traffic disruptions, stranding hundreds of commuters.

    The weekend has intensified vehicle movement, exacerbating the traffic jam on Shiradi Ghat. Persistent rain is hindering police efforts to clear the congestion, with the road remaining impassable. Authorities have set up barricades near Maranahalli and are directing vehicles to use alternate routes. District Collector Dr. Latha Kumari has instructed vehicles traveling from Bengaluru to Mangaluru to take the Hassan-Belur-Charmadi Ghat route, while those from Mangaluru to Hassan should use the Sampaje or Charmadi Ghat routes.

    The landslides have severed the Bengaluru-Mangaluru connectivity, and efforts to clear the debris are ongoing but face challenges due to continuous rainfall. Police and local administration are working to manage the situation and have urged commuters to exercise patience and use the designated alternate routes.

  • Hassan: District Administration Bans VHP and Bajrang Dal Leaders from Entering Sakleshpur for Rally

    Hassan, August 14, 2025 – The Hassan district administration has prohibited Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal leaders Sharan Pumpwell and Puneeth Kerehalli from entering the district for a Panjina procession organized by the two organizations in Sakleshpur town on the evening of August 14, 2025. The order, issued by District Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari, will remain in effect until 8:00 AM on August 15, 2025.

    The ban was imposed to maintain law and order, following concerns that the leaders could deliver provocative speeches during the event. The decision was based on a recommendation by Hassan District Superintendent of Police Muhammad Sujeetha, who advised restricting their entry to prevent potential disturbances. Police are ensuring compliance with the order, and further details regarding the rally are under monitoring.

  • Renukaswamy Murder Case: Actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda Arrested After Supreme Court Cancels Bail

    Bengaluru, August 14, 2025 – Following the Supreme Court’s decision to cancel the bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, Pavithra Gowda, and other accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, Bengaluru police took both Darshan and Pavithra into custody on August 14, 2025. Pavithra Gowda was arrested by Annapoorneshwari Nagar police in the afternoon, while Darshan was apprehended near an apartment in Hosakerehalli, Bengaluru. Arrangements are being made to bring Darshan to the Annapoorneshwari Nagar Police Station.

    The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, overturned the Karnataka High Court’s bail order of December 13, 2024, criticizing it as riddled with “serious infirmities” and resembling a pre-trial acquittal. The court emphasized that “all are equal before the law” and cancelled the bail due to the potential risk of the accused influencing witnesses and derailing justice. The bench ordered immediate arrests and directed the trial to proceed expeditiously.

    The Renukaswamy murder case came to light on June 9, 2024, when the body of 33-year-old Renukaswamy from Chitradurga was found near a stormwater drain in Sumanahalli, Bengaluru. Police allege that Renukaswamy was abducted, tortured, and killed for sending obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, a close associate of Darshan. In September 2024, Bengaluru police filed a 3,991-page chargesheet, naming Pavithra Gowda as accused number one and Darshan as accused number two, along with 15 others. The investigation revealed that the victim was held in a shed for three days before his death.

  • Kadur: Police Arrest Thief, Recover ₹17.50 Lakh Worth of Stolen Gold Ornaments

    Kadur, August 14, 2025 – In a significant breakthrough, the Kadur police, under the leadership of Circle Police Inspector (CPI) Rafiq M., arrested one individual involved in a jewelry theft that occurred on July 25, 2025, at a residence in Lakshmeesh Nagar, Kadur town, Chikkamagaluru district. The police team successfully recovered stolen gold ornaments valued at ₹17.50 lakh.

    The operation was conducted by a team comprising PSI Sajith Kumar, PSI Dhananjay, PSI Leelavathi, and police personnel Madhukumar, Harish, Swami, Mohammad Riyaz, Dhanapala Naik, and Parameshwar Naik. The recovered ornaments have been subjected to legal procedures, and investigations are ongoing at Kadur Police Station to uncover further details related to the case.

  • Renukaswamy Murder Case: Supreme Court Cancels Bail of Actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and Other Accused

    New Delhi, August 14, 2025: The Supreme Court, in a significant ruling, set aside the Karnataka High Court’s order granting bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, actress Pavithra Gowda, and five other accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. The bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, delivered the verdict on an appeal filed by the Karnataka government challenging the High Court’s December 13, 2024, bail order. The court cited the risk of witness tampering and the seriousness of the crime as key reasons for the cancellation.

    The case pertains to the brutal murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy from Chitradurga, who was allegedly abducted, tortured, and killed in Bengaluru on June 8, 2024, after sending inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda. His body was found near a stormwater drain on June 9, 2024. Darshan was arrested on June 11, 2024, along with Pavithra Gowda and others. The Bengaluru police filed a 3,991-page charge sheet in September 2024, naming Pavithra as accused number one and Darshan as accused number two.

    During hearings, the Supreme Court criticized the Karnataka High Court’s bail order as a “perverse exercise of discretionary power,” noting that it appeared akin to a pre-trial acquittal without due consideration of the case’s gravity, forensic evidence, and witness statements. The bench emphasized that the High Court failed to apply judicial discretion appropriately, especially given the serious allegations and potential for evidence tampering.

    On July 24, 2025, the court directed both sides to submit written arguments within a week, which were reviewed before the verdict was reserved. The Supreme Court’s ruling on August 14, 2025, also included a stern warning against providing special treatment to the accused in custody, stating that any “five-star treatment” would lead to the suspension of jail officials.

    The verdict reinforces the principle that no one is above the law, with the court underscoring the need to maintain the rule of law in such grave cases. The accused have been ordered to be taken into custody immediately, and the trial court is deemed the appropriate forum for further proceedings.

    Supreme Court Cancels Bail of Actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and Other Accused | File Photo

  • PM Modi Inaugurates Three Vande Bharat Express Trains in Bengaluru

    Bengaluru, August 10, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched three Vande Bharat Express trains on Sunday, marking a significant step in bolstering India’s high-speed rail network. The inauguration took place at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station in Bengaluru, where Modi personally flagged off the Belagavi–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express.

    Arriving in Bengaluru at 10 AM on a special flight from New Delhi, the Prime Minister landed at HAL Airport and proceeded by helicopter to a military base near Mekhri Circle. From there, he traveled by road to KSR Railway Station for the event.

    In addition to the Belagavi–Bengaluru train, Modi virtually inaugurated two other Vande Bharat Express trains: the Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and the Ajni (Nagpur)–Pune routes, further expanding the reach of India’s semi-high-speed rail services.

    The launch underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing rail infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across key regions.

    PM Modi Inaugurates Three Vande Bharat Express Trains in Bengaluru | Photo Credit : Suchith Kidiyoor | X

  • Mallikarjun Kharge Alleges Vote Theft Led to His First Electoral Defeat in 2019

    Bengaluru, August 8, 2025: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, known for his undefeated record in elections, alleged on Friday that his first-ever defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was due to widespread electoral fraud orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

    Speaking at a massive Congress protest against alleged vote theft at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, Kharge claimed, “In my over 50 years of political life, I won more than 12 elections. However, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, I faced my first defeat due to electoral rigging.”

    Kharge accused the BJP of engaging in “fake voting” across five Assembly segments within the Gulbarga Lok Sabha constituency, where he contested in 2019. He alleged that the BJP secured approximately 20,000 votes per segment through fraudulent means.

    Targeting the Modi government, Kharge further claimed that the BJP has misused agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Income Tax Department to intimidate opponents and cling to power.

    Citing Karnataka as an example, he said, “Despite lacking a clear majority, the BJP toppled the then-ruling coalition government by inducing defections of several MLAs. The same tactics were used in Goa, Maharashtra, and Manipur. They didn’t win elections but bought governments with money.”

    Kharge also alleged that the BJP’s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was not legitimate. “The secret behind BJP’s win has now been exposed. They secured victory through vote theft,” he stated, adding that the Congress would take this issue to the people across the country.

  • South Western Railway Records Remarkable Growth in Freight and Revenue

    Hubballi, August 06, 2025: South Western Railway (SWR) has achieved significant growth in freight transportation and revenue during the first four months of the financial year 2025-26, from April to July 2025, reflecting its operational excellence and customer-centric strategies.

    During this period, SWR transported a total of 16.27 million tonnes of freight, marking a 15.8% increase compared to 14.05 million tonnes in the same period last year. This 2.22 million tonne surge highlights SWR’s efforts in optimizing operations and strengthening ties with key industries. Major commodities transported include iron ore, which led with 6.41 million tonnes (a 15.8% increase from 5.54 million tonnes last year), steel, which saw the highest growth at 3.54 million tonnes (a 42.1% increase from 2.49 million tonnes), and coal, which rose by 13.4% to 3.32 million tonnes. Raw materials for steel plants recorded the highest percentage increase, rising 51.4% from 0.47 million tonnes to 0.71 million tonnes. Fertilizer loading increased by 12.6% to 0.42 million tonnes, and container freight grew by 29.4% to 0.32 million tonnes.

    On the revenue front, SWR reported strong performance across all major streams. Passenger revenue reached ₹1,064 crore, with 59 million passengers traveling compared to 55 million in the same period last year. Coaching services, including parcels and other non-passenger services, generated ₹113 crore, up from ₹107 crore last year. Freight revenue, a key contributor, amounted to ₹1,716 crore, a significant rise from ₹1,387 crore in the previous year, reflecting robust demand and operational efficiency. Miscellaneous revenue from rentals, advertisements, and other sources grew to ₹79 crore from ₹62 crore. Overall, SWR recorded a total revenue of ₹2,972 crore, a ₹338 crore increase from ₹2,634 crore in the corresponding period of 2024.

    This consistent and broad-based performance underscores South Western Railway’s commitment to financial prudence, enhanced service delivery, and strategic growth in both freight and passenger sectors.

    Press Statement by Dr. Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer, South Western Railway, Hubballi.