Karnataka govt considering law against hate speech, online betting: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru, May 31 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that his government is "seriously considering" a law against hate speech.
He also said that discussions are on regarding enacting a law against online betting.
The CM said this at the end of a two-day review meeting with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts and CEOs of all Zilla Panchayats here.
"I have said if anyone makes hate speech, action should be taken against them. We will bring a law against it. The government is seriously considering it," Siddaramaiah said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Merciless action should be taken against those making hate speeches irrespective of how influential they are. Criminal cases should be filed against them."
Reiterating that there is a direct relationship between law and order and development and that they should be ensured across the state, the CM said he has given strict instructions to the DCs and SPs to nip in the bud, the forces that disrupt the intentions and objectives of the Constitution.
This statement has come in the wake of recent communal murders that have taken place in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada.
Regarding online betting, Siddaramaiah said Law Minister H K Patil and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge are discussing the action that needs to be taken in this regard and if there is need for a legislation.
"Based on what they suggest after the discussion, necessary action will be taken," he said.
Youngsters are falling prey to the cricket betting, and activities such as gambling, matka should be strictly controlled in the districts, he further said, this menace should be curbed ruthlessly without giving in to any pressure.
Also, instructions have been given to take strict action against those violating the law that has been enacted, aimed at protecting borrowers from harassment by microfinance institutions (MFIs), he said.
Noting that about 700 child marriages took place in the state last year (2024-25), Siddaramaiah said he has instructed to ensure that child marriages don't happen at all at any cost.
"There are laws against child marriage. Preventing them is one part. It should also be ensured that they don't happen at any cost. Also child pregnancy cases should also be prevented," he said, adding that the officers at the grassroot level should be used to ensure that they are stopped in both urban and rural areas.
Officials have been asked to bring down the Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Rate in the state, he said.
The DCs, CEOs and SPs are the three most important posts in the districts and these officers should leave their ego and work as a bridge between the government and the people. "Only if there is coordination between these three, the development of the district is possible," he said.
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3 Indians arrested in Canada for shooting outside home
Ottawa (PTI): Three Indian nationals have been arrested by Canadian police on an anti-extortion patrol and charged after bullets were fired at a home.
Harjot Singh (21), Taranveer Singh (19) and Dayajeet Singh Billing (21) face one count each of discharging a firearm, and all have been remanded in custody until Thursday, the Surrey Police Service (SPS) said in a statement on Monday.
The suspects were arrested by patrol officers after an early morning report of shots fired and a small fire outside a home in Surrey's Crescent Beach neighbourhood, the LakelandToday reported.
On February 1, 2026, the SPS members were patrolling in Surrey’s Crescent Beach neighbourhood when reports came in of shots being fired and a small fire outside a residence near Crescent Road and 132 Street.
The three accused were arrested by SPS officers a short time later, the statement said.
SPS’s Major Crime Section took over the investigation, and the three men have now been charged with Criminal Code offences, it said.
All three have been charged with one count each of discharging a firearm into a place contrary to section 244.2(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. All three have been remanded in custody until February 5, 2026.
The SPS has confirmed they are all foreign nationals and has engaged the Canada Border Services Agency, it said.
One of the suspects suffered injuries, including two black eyes, the media report said.
Surrey police Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said on Monday that the suspect had refused to comply with instructions to get out of the ride-share vehicle and started to "actively resist."
"As we were trained, he was taken to the ground and safely handcuffed," said Houghton.
A second suspect with a black eye was also injured in the arrest after refusing to comply, Houghton said.
The arresting officers were part of Project Assurance, an initiative that patrols neighbourhoods that have been targeted by extortion violence.
Houghton said the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is also involved because the men are foreign nationals, and the trio may face additional charges.
It's not clear if the men are in the country on tourist visas, a study permit, or a work permit, but Houghton said CBSA has started its own investigation into the men's status.
Surrey has seen a number of shootings at homes and businesses over the last several months, but there's been an escalation since the new year.
