Kalaburagi: In a significant judgment, the Kalaburagi Bench of the Karnataka High Court has upheld the death sentence awarded to two brothers convicted of killing their sister in an alleged case of honour killing. The court also confirmed life imprisonment for five other members of the same family.

The convicts, identified as Ibrahim Saab (31) and his brother, truck driver Akhtar (28), both residents of Gundakanal village in Muddebihal taluk of Vijayapura district, were found guilty of burning their pregnant sister, Banu Begum, alive. The motive behind the crime was her marriage to a Dalit youth named Saibanna, which the family reportedly opposed.

According to case records, Banu Begum was nine months pregnant when her brothers poured kerosene on her and set her on fire, resulting in her death. The horrific incident occurred in 2017.

Following the investigation by Talikote Police, a charge sheet was filed against the accused. The Vijayapura District Court had earlier sentenced the two brothers to death and five other family members, including the victim’s mother, to life imprisonment.

The Kalaburagi Bench of the Karnataka High Court, comprising a division bench, upheld the lower court’s verdict. Public Prosecutor Siddaling Patil confirmed the details of the judgment, calling it a strong message against the brutality of honour killings.

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Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.

The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.

Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.

The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.

The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.

The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.

During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.

Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.

"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.

He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.

Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.

The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.

He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.

Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.