Chandrababu Naidu writes to ACB Court alleging security lapses in prison
Rajamahendravaram (Andhra Pradesh) (PTI): TDP supremo and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has written a letter to a special court alleging security lapses in the prison he is lodged in and appealed for foolproof security arrangements.
Naidu was arrested on September 9 for allegedly misappropriating funds from the Skill Development Corporation, which resulted in a purported loss of over Rs 300 crore to the state exchequer.
He is currently lodged in the Rajamahendravaram central prison.
"It is requested to undertake foolproof security arrangements in and around the central prison, Rajamahendravaram commensurate with the Z plus category security cover provided to me," wrote Naidu in the letter to the Vijayawada ACB Court Judge B S V Hima Bindu, a copy of which was shared with PTI by the TDP on Friday.
Recounting several alleged lapses such as unauthorised capturing of video footage and photographs while entering the prison complex and drones hovering over the jail two times, Naidu said these untoward incidents are endangering his life despite being a Z plus category security protectee.
The former CM alleged that video footage and photographs were leaked by the police which were later widely circulated in various media, including social media to damage his reputation.
According to Naidu, one remand prisoner incarcerated in the jail in a narcotics case is roaming with a pen camera.
Also, Naidu claimed that East Godavari district superintendent of police and jail authorities received an anonymous letter from left-wing extremists threatening to assassinate him, adding that crore of rupees exchanged hands for this purpose.
Delving on drones, the former CM alleged that unidentified miscreants flew a drone to capture his movements in the jail at the instance of people in power.
He noted that the drone came near the open jail where some prisoners were lodged and observed that police did not initiate any action to find the truth behind this incident or the mastermind behind it.
Naidu said another drone was flown over the main gate of the prison on October 6 to capture the images of his family members who came to visit him, noting that these incidents expose the security risks to him and his family.
Considering these alleged lapses, Naidu requested the Judge to arrange foolproof security in and around the Rajamahendravaram central prison where he is lodged in.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
