Mangaluru police fire at accused in Kotekar bank robbery case after alleged escape bid
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Feb 1 (PTI): A suspect in the Kotekar Co-opeartive bank dacoity case was injured in a police shooting while allegedly attempting to flee during an evidence recovery operation in Ullal.
The accused, identified as Murugandi Thevar, had been taken into police custody until February 3 as part of the investigation into the robbery case registered at the Ullal Police Station.
During interrogation, Murugandi disclosed details regarding the planning and execution of the dacoity, including the involvement of a local associate, Shashi Thevar.
According to a press release, issued by police on Saturday, Murugandi had allegedly admitted that the trio had convened in November 2024 near Ajjanadka, within the Ullal Police Station limits, to plan the crime.
During the meeting, Shashi allegedly provided a firearm and shared information about the bank’s security lapses, which facilitated the robbery.
The police said Murugandi further claimed that Shashi had hidden the gun near the same location.
Acting on this information, a team led by the Ullal police inspector, accompanied by a sub-inspector and two constables, took Murugandi to the spot for evidence recovery and reconstruction of the crime sequence.
While at the scene, Murugandi allegedly assaulted Constable Manjunath, who was holding his restraint chain.
Police said he struck the constable and attempted to strangle him with the chain before making a bid to escape.
The Ullal police inspector initially fired a warning shot into the air.
However, when Murugandi continued to flee, the police fired a second shot, hitting him below the knee to prevent his escape.
Both the constable and Murugandi were taken to Yennepoya Hospital for treatment.
Police confirmed that their injuries are not life-threatening, and they are currently under medical care.
Incidentally, another accused, Kannan Mani, was also shot and injured by police when he attempted to escape after perpetrating the crime.
Police have stated that a separate case will be registered, in connection, with the escape attempt and subsequent action.
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
