Bengaluru (PTI): Eleven Nepali nationals were arrested while two minors were detained in connection with a clash that broke out between two groups in front of Vidhana Soudha here, police said on Friday.

A video of the incident that occurred on November 16 went viral on social media, prompting police action.

According to police, the incident involved two groups of Nepali nationals who frequently visit popular landmarks in Bengaluru to create reels in their native language, which gain traction in Nepal. The confrontation allegedly began when one group spotted the other filming reels near Vidhan Soudha, escalating into a fight.

When both groups started attacking each other, police intervened and used mild force to bring the situation under control.

Citing preliminary investigation, a senior police officer said that the rivalry between the two groups dates back to a month ago when they picked up a fight over multiple issues, including a dispute over a stolen mobile phone.

In connection with the incident in front of Vidhan Soudha, a case was registered and all those involved in the incident were identified. So far, 13 Nepali nationals have been taken into custody, including two minors, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Akshay M Hakay said.

Police suspect more individuals may be linked to the case and further investigation is underway.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Saturday called for renewed efforts and innovation to tackle neurovascular diseases, infections and a widening range of mental health challenges.

Speaking at the 28th convocation of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) here, he acknowledged ongoing and emerging concerns, including a rise in psychiatric and psychological disorders.

Patil said the state government has proposed setting up NIMHANS-like institutes in Mysuru and Kalaburagi to strengthen regional access to specialised care.

"Not only in Karnataka, but NIMHANS-like institutions should be established across the country," the Medical Education Minister said.

ALSO READ: BJP to lay siege to Suvarna Vidhana Soudha on Dec 9: Vijayendra

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also attended the event virtually from New Delhi.

Announcing key infrastructure plans, Patil said land provided by the state government, along with approval from the Union Finance Ministry, will enable the construction of a new north campus at Kyalasanahalli, Bengaluru, to function as a polytrauma centre for augmenting critical care services.

He thanked the Finance Minister for sanctioning a new Outpatient Department (OPD) complex at NIMHANS.

He further highlighted the need to address urban mental health issues, maternal and child mental health concerns, teenage suicides, substance use disorders and geriatric mental health services.

Underscoring Karnataka’s role as a partner in neurological care, Patil said the state operates two Tele-MANAS cells at NIMHANS and Dharwad and is implementing the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (Ka-BHI) with NIMHANS as the apex centre.

The Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) toll-free helpline numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 offer multi-language support and have been pivotal in facilitating communication between callers and mental health professionals.

Launched by the government in October 2022 to enhance mental health service nationwide, the programme operates 51 Tele-MANAS cells across all states and Union territories.

Reassuring the institute and its alumni of continued support, Patil said the state government would remain open to discussion, collaboration and assistance to strengthen mental health and neurosciences in Karnataka and across the country.