Mangaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Mangaluru division’s special Dasara tour packages have received an exceptional response, setting a new record for passenger participation. On Sunday, the KSRTC operated 24 buses under these packages, surpassing the previous record of 22 buses in a single day set during the program's inaugural year in 2022.

The Mangaluru-Madikeri package covered popular tourist spots such as Madikeri, Raja Seat, Abbey Falls, Nisargadhama, and the Golden Temple. The Mangaluru-Kollur package included visits to the Uchila Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, Kamashile Shri Bramhi Durgaparameshwari Temple (where lunch was provided), Kolluru Mookambika Temple, and Maranakatte Shri Bramhalingeshwara Temple.

The Mangaluru-Murdeshwar package featured stops at the Murudeshwara Temple, Chandika Durgaparameshwari Temple Kumbashi, Anegudde Ganapathi Temple, and Uchila Mahalakshmi Temple. Meanwhile, the Mangaluru-Navadurga package took pilgrims to several prominent temples, including Shri Mangaladevi Temple, Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, Bappanadu Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, and Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple.

According to Rajesh Shetty, KSRTC Mangaluru Divisional Controller, a total of 1,119 passengers utilized the service to various destinations across Karnataka.

The Mangaluru-Madikeri package, which operated seven buses, attracted 350 passengers, while eight buses running the Mangaluru-Kollur route carried 400 passengers. The Mangaluru-Murdeshwar package saw 150 passengers across three buses, and four buses under the Mangaluru-Navadurga package transported 120 passengers.

Other routes also saw significant ridership, with 46 passengers traveling on the Udupi-Kollur package and 53 on the Udupi-Idagunji package.

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Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.

The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.

The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.

Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.

Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.

“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.

It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.

“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”

“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”

Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.

State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.

Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.