Argument over dog walk in apartment complex in Bengaluru escalates into scuffle, FIRs filed
Bengaluru (PTI): A dispute between a pet owner and a group of senior citizens over walking a dog inside an apartment complex here allegedly escalated into a scuffle, with both sides filing complaints accusing each other of assault, police said on Saturday.
The incident occurred around 7.30 am on March 3 when Tarun Arora (42) had taken his pet dog for a walk inside the premises of the apartment complex in Varthur where a group of senior citizens were practising yoga and exercise, they said.
A video footage also shows both the parties seen engaging in a heated argument which later escalated into a scuffle.
In his complaint, Arora said he initially did not notice the group and continued walking his dog.
According to him, some members of the group later stopped him and told him that dogs should not be walked in that area, leading to an argument.
Arora alleged that during the altercation, the group verbally abused him using offensive language.
He argued that it was a common area and that he was not causing any obstruction, but the argument continued. As the situation intensified, he tried to call the emergency helpline 112, the FIR stated.
Arora further alleged that while he was moving towards the amphitheatre exit gate, some members of the group continued the verbal abuse. When he attempted to record the incident on his mobile phone, one of them Om Prakash Bajpai (69) allegedly snatched it.
Soon after, about five to six people allegedly attacked him, pushed him to the ground and assaulted him with hands and legs, causing injuries. He later received treatment at a nearby hospital, the complaint stated.
However, members of the senior citizens’ group have levelled counter-allegations against Arora.
As per their complaint, Arora frequently brings his pet dog to the place where they perform yoga despite the apartment association having arranged a separate dog park.
Bajpai and his wife alleged that the dog often moves around behind them and defecates in the area where they sit, making the place unclean, and that Arora continued to bring the pet there despite repeated requests.
On March 3, Arora again came to the same spot with his dog and behaved similarly, they alleged.
The complainants claimed that when they tried to prevent him from taking photographs, his mobile phone accidentally fell to the ground. Enraged by this, Arora allegedly grabbed Bajpai's collar and attempted to choke him by pressing his neck.
They further alleged that when Bajpai’s wife intervened to rescue him, Arora pushed her to the ground, causing injuries.
Based on the complaints from both the parties, two separate cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation among other charges and further investigation is underway.
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KPTCL sets target to complete Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15
Mangaluru (Karnataka) (PTI): The KPTCL has set a target to complete the strategically important Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15, aiming to ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply to the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, officials said on Wednesday.
The target has been fixed by the KPTCL (Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited) following the directions of State Energy Minister K J George, they said.
The project, located at Kadandale village in Moodbidri taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, had remained stalled for nearly three years due to land-related litigation affecting the 400 kV transmission line works, officials said.
However, the hurdles were successfully resolved through the sustained efforts of Energy Minister George and Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, they said.
Following the minister's directions, KPTCL Managing Director Ram Prasath Manohar visited the project site on Wednesday to review the progress of the works, according to an official statement.
"Mangaluru is one of Karnataka's key industrial hubs and requires a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. As directed by the Hon'ble Minister, we are working towards completing the project before the onset of the monsoon and commencing transmission operations at the earliest," Manohar said.
According to officials, the Kadandale 400 kV substation is expected to significantly strengthen the power infrastructure of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, which are major industrial and commercial regions of the state.
Manohar said the project would provide a long-term solution to recurring monsoon-related voltage fluctuations and low-voltage issues in the coastal belt.
"The new substation will improve grid stability and ensure quality power supply to the region. In the event of a technical fault in any one station, load can be quickly diverted through this substation, enabling faster restoration of electricity supply," he explained.
To expedite completion of the project, KPTCL has planned to obtain line clearance on the existing 400 kV UPCL-Hebbanahalli transmission corridor between May 6 and May 24, 2026, the statement said.
During this period, alternative arrangements have been made to manage transmission loads and maintain supply based on demand conditions, it said.
However, officials stated that short-duration load shedding may become unavoidable under technically exigent situations.
"This project is crucial for the long-term energy security of Mangaluru and the coastal region. We request consumers and the public to extend their cooperation during this temporary operational phase," the KPTCL MD stated.
Minister George said that ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the benefit of the public and the industrial growth of the coastal region is one of the government's top priorities.
"Due to certain legal hurdles, the 400 kV transmission line work was delayed. The department has taken special initiative to resolve these obstacles. The Kadandale substation will ensure high-quality power supply for Mangaluru and Udupi regions," he said.
"The department continuously monitored the land-related disputes affecting the project and ensured timely resolution through coordinated intervention. KPTCL has been instructed to complete the works within the stipulated timeline and dedicate the project to public service at the earliest," Gupta stated.
