Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah rules out SIT probe into washroom video incident
Mangaluru (PTI): Ruling out an investigation by a special investigation team into the recent washroom video incident at an Udupi college, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said a Deputy SP-level probe is going on.
The Chief Minister said National Commission for Women (NCW) member Khushbu Sundar had said after her enquiry that no hidden camera was placed in the washroom. The issue can be discussed in detail after the probe is over, he said.
"I will make a comment on the issue only after the investigation is complete. When an investigation led by a Deputy SP is going on, the question of demanding an SIT probe does not arise," Siddaramaiah, who arrived here to attend review meetings in the twin coastal districts, told reporters at the airport.
On the recurring moral policing cases in Dakshina Kannada district, he said anyone who indulges in moral policing will be sternly dealt with. No one will be allowed to take law into their hands and the police department has been directed not to show any leniency towards such crimes, he said.
Siddaramaiah said action will also be taken against those who spread rumours on social media. "The government will not take action over criticism, but fake things will not be entertained," he said.
Earlier, Siddaramaiah was accorded a warm welcome at the airport on his first visit to the coastal districts after assuming charge as Chief Minister for a second term.
Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan, ZP CEO Dr Anand, city police commissioner Kuldeep Kumar R Jain, SP Rishyanth, DCP Anshu Kumar and other officials welcomed the Chief Minister.
Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao accompanied the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister is scheduled to attend review meetings on the recent floods in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts during the day.
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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.
