Belthangady: Helium gas explosion guts craft store, two workers escape unhurt
Belthangady: A shop in Belthangady town was completely gutted in a fire accident suspected to have been triggered by a helium gas leak on Saturday morning.
The incident occurred around 7:30 am on February 14 at KAF Creative Art & Craft Store, owned by Muhammad Samil, located on the first floor of Heraje Complex in the Santekatte area.
According to reports, a helium gas leak occurred while balloons were being filled for an event. The leak allegedly led to an explosion, which sparked a fire that quickly spread across the shop.
Two workers were present inside the store at the time of the incident. They immediately ran out of the premises and escaped without injuries.
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On receiving information, fire brigade rushed to the spot and launched an operation to douse the flames with the help of local residents. The fire also caused damage to a few nearby shops. However, it is learnt that no major disaster occurred due to the gas leak.
Hundreds of people gathered near the spot to witness the incident, leading to traffic disruption for some time. Belthangady police and traffic police reached the location and brought the situation under control, ensuring smooth movement of vehicles.
Meanwhile, a shopkeeper who was watching the fire reportedly fainted and was shifted to a hospital by locals for treatment.
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Karnataka: College student dies by suicide in Dharwad, 3 policemen suspended
Dharwad (Karnataka) (PTI): A college student allegedly died by suicide here, following which three policemen were suspended over allegations of harassment linked to his death by the victim's family.
Aditya Myageri, a BSc student at a private college here, was among 18 students detained by the Vidyagiri police on April 25 during an anti-drug drive, police said on Wednesday.
He hailed from Belur village in Bagalkot district, but was staying with his friends at a rented accommodation in Girinagar area of Dharwad city, police said.
Among the 18 students tested, Aditya was among the 10 who had tested negative for ganja consumption and was subsequently released.
Some of his roommates, however, tested positive.
According to police, Aditya's family alleged that despite testing negative, he was harassed by police. They also claimed some policemen demanded Rs 2,000 to settle the matter and threatened legal action if he failed to pay.
He had called his mother asking for money, but she could not arrange it immediately, the family claimed.
On Monday night, Aditya allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan at his rented accommodation, with his family alleging police harassment and pressure over demand for money drove him to the extreme step, a senior police officer said.
Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar told PTI that an unnatural death case has been registered at Vidyagiri police station. Three policemen have been suspended over the allegations, and further investigation is underway.
