Bengaluru, May 10 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday directed officials to crackdown on illegal stockpiling and black marketing of essential commodities in the state.

Chairing a meeting with officials of various deparmtents, he highlighted the need to combat fake news and keep a close watch on those inciting communal tensions.

“There should be continuous monitoring of illegal stockpiling and black market activities, and attempts to increase the price of goods unnecessarily should be prevented,” he said.

He also directed all Deputy Commissioners (DC) and Superintendents of Police (SP) to hold daily media briefings until the ongoing crisis is brought under control.

“All DCs and SPs should prepare a list of all those who are exploiting the situation to threaten the harmony of the country and the state, inciting communal sentiments, creating communal divisions, and conspiring to endanger the security of the country, and to subject them to legal action,” the CM said.

At the meeting, officials were directed to take strict action against attempts to disrupt communal harmony. The list of communal mongers should be updated and they should be kept under surveillance.

Siddaramaiah stressed the need to curb fake news in the state and initiate strict action against those spreading it.

“Be careful to avoid spreading fake news in the media and social media. Nothing is bigger than the law and order of the state. Give first priority to the protection of the people of the state.”

Regarding security related exercises, he said mock drills should be conducted at important places.

“Instructions have already been given to take strict security measures along with law and order. Be prepared to face any situation. Guidelines should be prepared at the state and district levels in this regard,” Siddaramaiah said.

He also emphasised strengthening the intelligence network to ensure better security at public service delivery sites.

“Recruitment of volunteers for civil defence system should begin in all districts. Arrangements should be made for online registration. Security should be tightened along the coast. Continuous patrolling should be arranged at all important places,” the Chief Minister said in the meeting.

Siddaramaiah said fire brigade stations should be on a standby round-the-clock till normalcy returns. Further, help centres should be opened in all districts and helplines should be started.

Get all the latest, breaking news from Karnataka in a single click. CLICK HERE to get all the latest news from Karnataka.

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): A man has been booked for allegedly creating a public nuisance after a video surfaced on social media showing him naked on a busy city road, police said on Wednesday.

The incident took place on February 2 outside the premises of a private club on Lavelle Road here, they said.

According to police, the man arrived at the club and argued with security personnel, claiming his father was a member and demanding entry.

When he was denied access, he allegedly stripped naked and created a scene outside the premises, a senior police officer said.

In a video widely circulated online, the man can be seen obstructing a red car by clinging to its bonnet. He later falls onto the street as the driver manoeuvres the vehicle to move ahead.

Police officials said it is yet to be verified whether the man was under the influence of alcohol or had any mental health issues.

"In connection with the incident, we have registered two FIRs—one against the man for creating a public nuisance, and one against the car driver," the officer added.