Crime Branch issues another notice against BJP Kerala State President Surendran in bribery case
Kasaragod: Concerning the case of offering a bribe to the Manjeshwar constituency BSP candidate in a bid to have his nomination withdrawn in the previous Kerala Vidhana Sabha elections, BJP Kerala’s State President K. Surendran has once again been issued a notice by the investigative team of the Crime Branch.
It is learned that the notice has directed for the mobile phone belonging to the BJP Kerala state president to be submitted for investigation.
On September 15, the Crime Branch had reportedly conducted an inquiry against Surendran. To disclose more information on the case, the Crime Branch has now issued a notice seeking the submission of the mobile phone for further investigation.
According to the registered complaint, K. Surendran, who had participated in the previous Kerala Vidhana Sabha elections as the BJP candidate had allegedly bribed the BSP candidate K. Sundara with money, smartphone, and also threatened him, it is learned.
Reportedly, K. Surendran’s claim about losing his mobile phone proved to be a crucial clue in the case as the investigation team found that the mobile phone in question was still being used. It is learned that the Crime Branch has issued the notice demanding the submission of the mobile phone within a duration of one week.
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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