BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde sparks controversy with derogatory remarks on media criticism
Karwar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Anantkumar Hegde has ignited fresh controversy with purported derogatory comments aimed at the media. This follows criticism of his earlier statement suggesting the party's intention to alter the Constitution if it secures 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Speaking at a BJP workers' convention in Hillur, Ankola taluk, Hegde allegedly compared himself to a majestic elephant walking down a road and referred to the media as insignificant dogs barking at it. He reportedly dismissed such criticism as normal and claimed it added to the majestic stature of a true leader.
During his speech, Hegde is quoted as saying, "A true leader stands unshaken in spite of controversies. The arguments we come across in newspapers and social media should not, therefore, bother us." He advised party activists not to be swayed by media discussions and stressed on the need for the BJP to focus on winning elections.
Hegde's remarks have sparked outrage, with critics condemning the derogatory language used against journalists. The MP has been known for making controversial statements in the past, contributing to his divisive reputation.
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South African police arrest suspect in mass shooting that killed 12, including 3 children
Johannesburg (AP): A 32-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting which claimed the lives of 12 people including three children at an unlicensed pub earlier this month, South African police said on Monday.
The man is suspected of being one of the three people who opened fire on patrons in a pub at Saulsville township, west of South Africa's capital Pretoria, killing 12 people including three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
At least 13 people were also injured during the attack, whose motive remains unknown.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested on Sunday while traveling to Botlokwa in Limpopo province, more than 340 km from where the mass shooting took place on Dec 6.
An unlicensed firearm believed to have been used during the attack was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.
“The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, a hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis,” police said in statement.
The suspect was arrested on the same day that another mass shooting at a pub took place in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, in which nine people were killed and 10 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police have since launched a search for the suspects.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides.
The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, according to authorities.
According to police, mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming a serious problem. Police shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 people for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
