Udupi: Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat has leveled serious allegations against Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, accusing him of blocking the implementation of a traffic signal project at Kalsanka Junction, a key traffic point in the city.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Bhat stated that a tender for installing traffic signals had been approved during his tenure, but Suvarna halted the work, allegedly scolding the contractor to stop the project.
"The closure of Kalsanka Junction for traffic control is unscientific and has caused significant inconvenience to the public. The project to install a traffic signal must be implemented immediately," Bhat demanded. He argued that a flyover solution proposed by some would negatively affect commercial activities on the Kalsanka-Manipal road, emphasizing the need for public consultation and thorough discussions before making a final decision.
Bhat outlined his earlier initiatives, which included proposing a 70-meter roundabout without signals at Kalsanka Junction and Bannanje Circle to alleviate congestion. He urged MPs to advocate for the inclusion of this proposal in the upcoming Union Budget.
The former MLA criticized current traffic management strategies, stating that road closures and divider installations are temporary fixes that only exacerbate public inconvenience. He insisted that installing traffic signals would be a more sustainable and immediate solution to traffic woes.
Additionally, Bhat urged the relocation of the existing jail from the old taluk office land earmarked for a new Udupi Municipal Corporation building. He requested the Deputy Commissioner to transfer the one-acre plot reserved for the deputy commissioners' office and residence to the municipal corporation at no cost to maximize space for public infrastructure development.
Former municipal council member Mahesh Thakur accompanied Bhat at the press conference.
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Ranga Reddy: A 22-year-old pregnant woman was brutally assaulted by her husband on a public road in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district. The entire incident, which occurred in Kondapur, was captured on CCTV and the footage began circulating on social media on Monday.
The accused, 32-year-old Mohammed Basrat, allegedly attacked his wife Shabana Parveen during a family dispute. The video shows Basrat approaching her on a highway, pushing her to the ground and repeatedly hitting her on the head with a cement brick. Despite the presence of passers-by, no one intervened.
The woman was later rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Police arrived at the scene following the incident. Basrat fled on his motorcycle after the assault. A case has been registered and investigation is underway. However, no arrest had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Hyderabad: Man killed after argument with friend’s brother
In a separate incident in Hyderabad’s Malkajgiri area, a 29-year-old man was killed following an argument on Sunday. The deceased, identified as Akash Singh, was at ZTC Ground with friends when a confrontation broke out between him and a man named Imtiyaz, the brother of one of his friends. Imtiyaz allegedly struck Akash on the head with a brick. Akash succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Police are investigating the matter.