India becomes 8th largest tourism market for Western Australia
Mumbai (PTI): India has emerged as the eighth largest international tourism market for Western Australia, a top official of Tourism Western Australia said on Monday.
“India is a priority inbound visitor market for Western Australia, with 35,000 visitors from India travelling to WA in the year ending June 2024, injecting AUD 118 million in visitor spend into our state,” Tourism Western Australia Managing Director Anneke Brown told PTI.
India has leapt to become Western Australia's eighth largest market for international visitors from 11th largest in 2019, with the accelerated growth indicating surging demand from Indian visitors, driven by a large Indian community in WA of approximately 61,000 residents, including around 9,600 international students, Brown said.
“Given the enormous growth opportunities in the market, we remain dedicated to delivering direct aviation access between India and WA, as our top international aviation priority,” she said.
“While a direct service is still in development, there are many convenient existing routes via global aviation hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and we continue to collaborate with airlines like Batik Air Malaysia, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Scoot on marketing campaigns to boost bookings via these seamless one-stop services,” Brown said.
“We look forward to continuing to activate our ‘Walking on a Dream’ global brand across India and working with industry in the region to build awareness of Western Australia as a desirable destination and drive visitor demand for our state,” she said.
As Australia’s largest state, Western Australia is vast and diverse and covers nearly one-third of the country. The tourist attractions range from baffling rock formations and ancient aboriginal sites to sweeping green vineyards of world-class wineries and unbelievably clear ocean waters.
Tourism Western Australia is the state government agency responsible for promoting Western Australia as a leading holiday destination.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
