Udupi: Two arrested for assaulting biker with sword in Hiriyadka
Hiriyadka: Police have arrested two men in connection with a violent attack on a bike rider in the Hiriyadka police limits, where the victim was assaulted with a sword in an alleged attempt to kill him.
The arrested have been identified as Manjunand Hegde (49) of Kanajar Parari Mane and Jagadish Hegde (48) of Koppala. Police have also seized an iron rod said to have been used during the attack. Both accused were produced before court and have been remanded to judicial custody.
The incident took place on the night of Nov. 15. According to the complaint, Shivraj was returning home on his bike after work when he was stopped near Koppala in Kanajar village by Manjunand Hegde. Manjunand allegedly struck him on the head with a sword, causing him to fall off the bike, and continued the assault with the weapon.
The complaint further states that Jayananad Hegde, Chandrahas Hegde and a group of 7–8 others were present and also attempted to attack the victim. A case was registered at Hiriyadka Police Station.
During investigation, a police team led by Hiriyadka PSI Puneeth Kumar arrested accused Jagadish on Nov. 17. Police later learnt that main accused Manjunand Hegde had admitted himself as an inpatient at Ajjarkad District Hospital after the incident. Once discharged, he was arrested on Nov. 18.
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Guv Gehlot clears bill paving way for Panchayat elections through ballots
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has given his assent to the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act that will pave the way for holding the Panchayat elections through ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Following the assent, the Act was notified in the state gazette on Wednesday.
The bill was passed by both houses of the Karnataka legislature in March during the budget session, amid protests by the opposition BJP.
As per the law, the principle of secrecy of the ballot is a cornerstone of free and fair elections, as recognised by the judiciary, which emphasised that the secrecy of the ballot protects voters from coercion, intimidation, and undue influence, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the democratic process in several judgments of the Supreme Court.
Some concerns have been raised regarding the functioning of EVMs, necessitating a return to the robust secret ballot paper system to restore public trust, according to the Act.
Justifying its decision, the Karnataka government said there is “a growing consensus on the need to strengthen electoral mechanisms that prioritise anonymity and transparency”.
