Mangaluru: On Monday, Muneer Katipalla, the state president of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), leveled allegations against Mangaluru MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, accusing him of involvement in a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) scam. Katipalla called upon the state government to halt the proceedings and initiate an investigation into the matter.

Katipalla highlighted concerns regarding the TDR process, stating that under normal circumstances, land transactions must involve the direct participation of the legitimate landowner. However, he questioned the Mangaluru Municipality's acquisition of 10.8 acres of land adjacent to the Pachanadi waste dump through an agreement holder named Giridhar Shetty.

Allegations surfaced suggesting that Shetty had entered into an agreement with the actual landowner to purchase the property for a total sum of 7 crores, with an initial advance payment of 1 crore already made. However, Katipalla revealed discrepancies in the TDR land sale agreement, indicating an inflated valuation of 50 crores. This, according to him, implied an intent to invest a nominal amount while unlawfully profiting from a significant margin.

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Katipalla further implicated Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner Mansoor Ali, alleging that Ali, upon recognizing the technical irregularities in the deal, refused to endorse the agreement and pledged to inform the government. However, purportedly under pressure from MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, Ali was coerced into signing the document. Subsequently, Ali's resistance reportedly triggered an investigation by the Lokayukta against him.

Demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, Katipalla urged the government to probe the alleged malpractice and bring those responsible to justice.

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New Delhi (PTI): RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya says the dramatic Indian Premier League contest against Delhi Capitals was decided as much by skill as by staying "one step ahead" in the mental game.

Reflecting on the comprehensive nine-wicket win, which will be remembered for an incredible capitulation of Delhi, Krunal underlined that there no demons in the wicket but just that pacers Bhuvneswar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood were exceptional.

"To get six wickets in the powerplay, you have literally taken the game away from the opponent. The wicket wasn't that bad, but it was pure skill set and why they are among the best," Krunal said.

Krunal also shed light on his own evolution as a bowler, revealing that the introduction of variations like the bouncer and altered trajectory deliveries was a conscious attempt to outthink batters in a format increasingly dominated by power-hitting.

"Every year the opposition prepares for you, so it becomes a mental game as well. I was thinking what I can add to be one step ahead. That’s where the bouncer and change in trajectory came in," he explained.

The left-arm spinner acknowledged that executing such variations is physically demanding, particularly for a spinner.

"It's not easy for a spinner to bowl a bouncer. A lot depends on fitness. But I've never been scared to try new things. I took it as a challenge," he said.

Touching upon his cricketing roots, Krunal revealed that the seeds of his experimental approach were sown years ago while playing on matting wickets, where he was forced to innovate after being taken apart by batters.

"That's where I learnt things like bouncers and wide yorkers. Over time, roles change, but this year I felt the need to add something new, especially with how aggressively batters are playing," he said.

Despite the dominant performance, Krunal struck a cautious note on RCB's campaign, insisting that the team is not looking too far ahead in the tournament. As of now they are placed second in the table with 12 points from six wins in eight matches.

Along with Punjab Kings, RCB are favourites from here to claim top-two spot in the race to play-offs.

The 33-year-old lauded Virat Kohli for his sustained excellence, calling him a "flag bearer" of fitness culture in Indian cricket.

"To have that consistency for so many years is unbelievable. He has changed the way people see fitness in the sport," Krunal added.