Earthquake of 3.0 magnitude recorded in Kalaburagi
Bengaluru (PTI): An earthquake of 3.0 magnitude was recorded in Kalaburagi on Sunday, the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) said. The earthquake was felt two km north east of Kodadur in Kalgi Taluk of Kalaburagi district at 6.05 AM, it said.
"As per the Seismic Intensity map of the said earthquake from the Epicentre, the intensity observed is low and the earthquake might be felt up to a maximum radial distance of 7-12 km," the KSNDMC said in a statement. There was no loss of life or damage to property, officials said. KSNDMC said that these type of earthquakes do not create any harm to the local community, though there may be slight tremors observed locally. None need panic as the intensity observed is low and not destructive, it added.
On October 1 and October 5, mild tremors between 2.5 to 2.9 magnitude were felt near Basavakalyan in Vijayapura. The region where the tremors were felt is close to Latur and Killari, which had experienced a massive earthquake in September 1993.
The Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority commissioner Manoj Rajan told PTI that there were many factors behind the tremors, but there was no need to panic since these were mild jolts.
However, he said there will be a brainstorming session with prominent geologists very soon on the seismic activities in the region.
The Deputy Director of the Mineral Administration Dr Lakshmamma said the authorities are already on the alert following the earthquakes.
"The KSDMA officials are already alert on this issue and are studying the phenomena. We have also instructed the senior and junior geologists in our department to find out whether there is any disturbed area in terms of geological events in the past," she told PTI.
Lakshmamma said there was a need to create an awareness among people to minimise the damage in the event of a major seismic activity and added that she would soon speak to KSDMA officials in this regard.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
