BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar accuses Congress of 'hindering' Udupi tourism development
Karkala (Karnataka), Nov 13: Karkala BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar on Wednesday criticised the local Congress leadership and the state government for "obstructing" the progress of Karkala’s tourism project over the past year.
His remarks come in the wake of opposition from the Congress camp in Karkala, which raised questions about the authenticity of the 33-foot bronze statue of Lord Parashurama.
Speaking to reporters, Kumar, former Minister for Kannada and Culture, emphasised the importance of the Parashurama Theme Park, a project with administrative approval and funding of Rs 11.05 crore aimed at "boosting local tourism" in Karkala.
The park, located atop Umikkal Hill in Bailoor, Karkala, is seen as a unique stop for travellers journeying between Dharmasthala and Udupi.
Kumar accused Karkala Congress leaders and the state government of "blocking the initiative due to political motives", pointing out that Rs 4.33 crore of the allocated funds remains unreleased.
Addressing the controversy, Kumar explained that sculptor Krishna Naik, who was recently detained following a private complaint by Nallur Krishna Shetty, had sought permission from the district administration to realign the statue based on expert recommendations.
An evaluation by the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, had suggested minor adjustments in the statue’s alignment. With official approval, the statue was temporarily disassembled, but Congress leaders claimed that it was not constructed with bronze, Kumar alleged.
Kumar also noted that while the tourism department was supposed to release Rs 6.5 crore for the project, only Rs 2.67 crore has been disbursed. He expressed concerns over the release of the remaining funds, given the state’s current financial situation, which he argued is "stalling Karkala’s tourism development".
Rejecting allegations of corruption, Kumar reiterated that the statue was temporarily removed solely for minor alignment adjustments as recommended by NITK experts and will be reinstalled in due course.
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Drug peddler's property worth Rs 1 crore attached in Srinagar
Srinagar (PTI): Property worth Rs 1 crore belonging to a notorious drug peddler was on Saturday attached in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, police said.
A double-storey house on eight marlas of land situated at Wantpora Eidgah, belonging to Basit Bilal Dar, a notorious drug peddler, valued at approximately Rs 1 crore, a police spokesperson said.
He said Dar is involved in two cases registered under various sections of the NDPS Act.
During investigation, it was established that the accused had acquired the said property through illicit proceeds generated from drug trafficking activities, the spokesperson said.
Consequently, the property was attached under the provisions of the NDPS Act. The attachment proceedings were conducted in the presence of the two independent witnesses, strictly in accordance with the prescribed legal procedures, he said.
As per the attachment order, the owner has been restrained from selling, leasing, transferring, altering, or creating any third-party interest in the property till further orders, the spokesperson added.
