HC stays Lokayukta hearing against Roshan Baig
Disproportionate asset case
Bengaluru, June 21: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday stayed a hearing in Lokayukta court against former minister and MLA Roshan Baig and his family members in amassing Rs 56 lakh worth assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
In their petition, Roshan Baig, his wife Sabeena Roshan and his son Ruman Baig Rehman have appealed the High Court to dismiss the hearing in the Lokayukta court and the summons issued to them. Hearing the case, a Single-Bench Judge Justice K N Phaneendra gave interim stay order for the Lokayukta hearing till further hearing of the case. The HC also served notices to Lokayukta police and private complainant Abdul Haq Surati before postponing the hearing.
About the case
Abdul Haq Surati had lodged a private complaint in Lokayukta against Roshan Baig on June 14, 2012 alleging that that the Congress leader had amassed assets through illegal means by misusing his power and position. Lokayukta court had ordered a probe into the complaint. Based on this, Lokayukta police had registered an FIR against Roshan Baig and his family members on July 12, 2012 and started investigation.
After the investigation, the Lokayukta police had submitted a B-Report to the Lokayukta Court on April 22, 2014 and dropped the charges against Roshan Baig, his wife and son. But the complainant opposed the B report. But the Lokayukta court had accepted the case after four years on May 5, 2018 for hearing and issued summons to Roshan Baig and his family members. It was challenged in the High Court.
However, it was mentioned in the appeal that as the investigating officers did not find suitable evidences on the charges made against Roshan Baig and his family members, the officers had submitted B report. Just for Rs 56.71 lakh disproportionate income, it was not fair to issue summons. But as per the Supreme Court order, if the disproportionate asset is less than 10 per cent, it would not come under the Anti Corruption Act. The case was filed with ulterior motive and though the complainant did not continue the case since 2014, the Lokayukta court did not take this into consideration while accepting the case. So, the case should be dismissed, it was appealed.
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Rising raw material costs push kite prices up by 40% ahead of Makar Sankranti festival
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (PTI): A sharp increase in raw material costs has led to a nearly 40 per cent rise in kite prices this year, affecting manufacturers ahead of the Makar Sankranti festival.
The minimum price of a kite, which was Rs 5 last year, has increased to Rs 7, a manufacturer told PTI.
The Rajput family from the Buddi Lane area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has been engaged in the kite-making business for over 60 years. They supply kites across Maharashtra and to neighbouring states.
Every year, both local and outstation buyers flock to their shops during the festive season. At present, kite manufacturing is in full swing at the Rajput brothers’ workshops.
Speaking about the price hike, kite manufacturer Anil Rajput said there has been a significant rise in the cost of raw materials compared to last year.
"Last year, the paper rim cost us Rs 900, which has increased to Rs 1,100 this year. A bundle of 1,000 bamboo sticks earlier cost Rs 1,050, but the price has almost doubled to around Rs 2,000," he said.
He added that the increase in production costs has directly impacted kite prices.
"The minimum price of a kite was Rs 5 last year, which has gone up to Rs 7 this year. We now have to convince customers about the revised rates,” he said.
Rajput also expressed concern about the future of the traditional family business.
"Kite making involves heavy physical labour. Our younger generation is not interested in continuing this work. At our age, we cannot switch professions, so we continue to run the business to support our family," he said.
The family works long hours, often starting at 9 am and continuing until 2 am.
"My wife was paralysed earlier, but as she is recovering, she has also started helping us with the work," he said.
Govardhan Rajput, another family member, said kite making is their ancestral occupation and continues throughout the year, with peak activity beginning after the Ganesh festival in August–September.
"Our kites are supplied to places like Nizamabad in Telangana, as well as Nanded, Vaijapur and Yeola," he said, adding that the family expects business to pick up significantly in the coming days with Makar Sankranti approaching.
