Ullal: Masterminds of Kotekar Cooperative Bank robbery case arrested
Mangaluru: The Ullal police have arrested two more individuals in connection with the robbery at Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Sahakari Sangha Bank, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to six.
One of the accused has been identified as 69-year-old Bhaskar Belchappad, also known as Shashi Thevar, a resident of Kanyana. He was taken into custody near Bengaluru railway station on February 24. During interrogation, crucial details about the robbery came to light, leading the police to another suspect, Nazir, a resident of K.C. Road, who was arrested on February 25.
Investigations revealed that Shashi Thevar had been in contact with Nazir and had conspired with other accused for nearly six months to execute the heist. Nazir played a role by providing the gang with key information about the society’s building, security details, the date and time of the robbery, the number of staff members present, and possible escape routes.
The robbery took place at Kotekar Cooperative Bank on January 17, creating panic among the locals. The Ullal police had earlier arrested four accused in connection with the case.
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Karnataka govt to establish Gig Workers’ Welfare Board
Bengaluru, Apr 3 (PTI): The Karnataka government decided to establish a Gig Workers’ Welfare Board, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s office said on Thursday.
The decision was made following a discussion between Siddaramaiah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Rahul Gandhi inquired about the timeline for formulating the Gig Workers' Welfare Act, which he had promised during his Bharat Jodo Yatra and the elections.
"The Karnataka government has decided to establish a Gig Workers' Welfare Board to ensure the well-being of workers employed by companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Ola, Uber, and others," the statement said.
It further stated that a five per cent cess would be collected from the concerned companies, while the state government would provide the remaining funds required to support welfare schemes for gig workers.
"A comprehensive bill covering all aspects of gig workers' welfare will be prepared and presented before the state cabinet for approval," the statement added.
Three gig worker representatives—Rakshitha Dev, Sheikh Salahuddin, and Nikhil Dev—were also invited to the meeting.
They appreciated the government's initiative and expressed hope for improved working conditions.
State ministers Santosh Lad, Priyank Kharge, and M B Patil were present at the meeting.
Santosh Lad was quoted as saying that Rahul Gandhi, who had earlier advocated for gig workers' rights during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, welcomed the eight-point proposal prepared by the Labour department.
Rahul Gandhi also emphasised the need for swift implementation to safeguard gig workers' interests.
"The Karnataka Labour Department has already introduced three key bills—covering workers' gratuity, cinema workers' rights, and now, gig workers' welfare. The unorganised workers' sector has lauded the government's efforts and extended full support for this progressive move," the statement quoted Lad as saying.
