BJP, MEP publicity materials found in single-luggage component; seized
Belgavi: On duty election officials were taken by surprise when they found caps and scarves with the symbols of BJP and Mahila Empowerment Party (MEP) aboard a bus in Sulaga in Nippani on Sunday.
Over 40,000 caps with the symbol of the MEP and around 3,000 scarves with the BJP symbol were packed in bags but were kept as a single-luggage component by a passenger.
The Static Surveillance Squad stopped the bus for a routine check at the check-post at Sulaga. Police and poll staff checked the baggage and found the bags.
The private bus was on its way from Mumbai to Bengaluru.
Police have detained the bus driver Jitendra Patil.
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VHP warns of statewide stir in Karnataka against move to ease cattle transport law
Udupi (Karnataka) (PTI): The VHP on Saturday demanded the immediate withdrawal of a proposed amendment to the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, accusing the state government of weakening a law that has deterred illegal cattle transport.
The organisation's Go Raksha Wing, Karnataka South, has also announced district-level protests on December 8.
According to officials, the existing law mandates a bank guarantee for securing the release of vehicles seized for alleged illegal cattle transportation.
On December 4, the state Cabinet proposed an amendment enabling the release of such vehicles on an indemnity bond instead.
Addressing reporters in Udupi, VHP leader and Prantha Goraksha Pramukh Sunil K R, said the government's move amounted to "sympathy for cattle lifters" and claimed that it was part of broader actions "targeting Hindus".
He argued that the law in its current form is stringent and has played a crucial role in reducing incidents of illegal cattle transport and theft.
Under the Act, vehicles involved in offences can be surrendered and, upon conviction, permanently seized by authorities. "Diluting these provisions will embolden offenders," Sunil said.
The VHP leader warned that easing the process of vehicle release would not only encourage violators but also result in rising cruelty against cattle.
Sunil further claimed that the strict enforcement of the 2020 law had brought down cases of cattle-related offences significantly. Rolling back these provisions, he said, could reverse those gains and would lead to an increase in illegal transport.
He reiterated that the government must reconsider its decision and preserve the integrity of the existing law.
