Bengaluru, Jan 29 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Wednesday his government has introduced a free bus pass facility for rural journalists who do not possess media accreditation certificates.

Through this initiative, he said, the government has fulfilled its budget announcement by effectively implementing the scheme, demonstrating its commitment to “walking the talk”.

Taking to X, the CM said, applications for the free bus pass are invited online.

“Journalists who are permanently employed in electronic or print media listed under the Department of Information and Public Relations and have at least four years of experience are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide one of the following documents as proof of their service tenure: appointment order, salary slip, or bank statement,” wrote Siddaramaiah in his official X page.

According to him, eligible journalists can travel for free on Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses within their district limits under this scheme. They must also submit a residence certificate issued by the Tehsildar.

Bus passes will be issued based on appointment letters and recommendations provided by editors of daily newspapers and satellite news channels, he added.

He said eligible journalists can visit their nearest Grama One, Karnataka One, or Bangalore One centers to apply online through the Seva Sindhu portal.

“They must upload the required documents and submit a printed copy of the online application along with the uploaded documents to their district's Public Relations Officer (PRO) office for self-verification,” added the CM.

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.



Hyderabad: A 15-year-old girl, Aliya Begum, lost her life after being attacked with stones while trying to protect her father from a mob lynching. The incident took place in Antarum village, Zaheerabad, Telangana. Police have arrested two accused in connection with the case.

What happened?

Muhammad Ismail, a resident of Antarum village in Zaheerabad, was allegedly urinating near the house of Veera Reddy and Vijay Reddy. This led to an altercation between them, after which Veera Reddy, Vijay Reddy, and around 40 others attacked Ismail.

Seeing her father being assaulted, Aliya intervened to protect him. However, the attackers pelted stones at her as well. Aliya sustained severe injuries and was hospitalised. After fighting for her life for three days, she succumbed to her injuries on February 15.

Initially, Aliya's parents had not filed a complaint. However, lawyers Afsar Jahan and Sujat approached the Superintendent of Police (SP) and provided details of the incident, following which a case was registered against the accused.

What did the police say?

Zaheerabad DSP P. Satthayya stated that the attack took place on February 11 when a verbal altercation over Muhammad Ismail urinating near a house escalated into a physical assault. Vijay Reddy and Veera Reddy, along with others, attacked Ismail. When Aliya intervened to save her father, the mob pelted stones at her.

Aliya was also suffering from cancer, which was discovered during the investigation. Her family had not informed hospital staff about the attack. Villagers later reported the incident to the police. Following a post-mortem, Aliya’s body was handed over to her family. Two accused have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

Demand for strict action against the accused

The incident has left the entire village in shock, with many demanding strict and immediate action against the accused.

Local MLA Kausar Mohiuddin, who visited the victim's family, stated that this brutal attack was not just on Aliya and her father but on the entire community. Amjadullah Khan of the ‘Majlis Bachao Tehreek’ demanded a judicial inquiry under a High Court judge, the arrest of all accused, ₹25 lakh compensation for the victim’s family, a government job for a family member, and housing under the Indiramma Housing Scheme.