Bengaluru IT body urges probe after Kurnool bus blaze kills 20
Bengaluru (PTI): The Greater Bengaluru IT Companies and Industries Association (GBITCIA) urged government agencies and stakeholders to conduct a thorough investigation into the bus accident in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, that left 20 people dead.
The association called for urgent action by transport authorities and service providers to ensure the highest safety standards for all intercity commuters, particularly those connected to the technology sector.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time," GBITCIA said in a statement.
Citing initial information, the association said 36 of the passengers were connected to the IT corridor, highlighting the tragedy’s profound impact on the technology ecosystem.
"It is deeply distressing to learn that two software engineers are among those who have lost their lives," it added.
Urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future, GBITCIA said, "We remain committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected families and supporting coordination between our member companies, local administration, and emergency services."
"We join the community in remembering the lives lost and reaffirm our commitment to advocacy for safer travel and working environments for all IT professionals along the corridor," the statement added.
On Friday, a Bengaluru-bound private bus caught fire in Kurnool district after colliding with a two-wheeler. The blaze was reportedly triggered when the motorcycle, with its fuel cap open, was dragged under the bus, killing 20 people.
Most of the victims were charred beyond recognition, police said. The dead included two children and the biker, while nine others sustained injuries.
The bus was carrying 44 passengers at the time of the accident.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa laid to rest with full state honours
Bengaluru (PTI): Veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa was laid to rest with full state honours on Monday.
The 94-year-old former minister, who passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Sunday, was cremated at the Kalleshwara Mill premises, following Veerashaiva-Lingayat traditions.
Earlier in the day, Shivashankarappa's mortal remains were brought to his native Davanagere, where they were kept at the high school grounds for the public, his followers, and well-wishers to pay their last respects.
ALSO READ: Karnataka Speaker U T Khader condoles death of Shamanur Shivashankarappa
Expressing deep sorrow over his demise, the Karnataka government ordered that his last rites be performed with full state honours.
Both the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Council also mourned his passing, adjourning their sessions for the day after paying tributes.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa, several ministers, opposition leaders, legislators, and political figures paid their respects.
A number of seers from the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community also attended the last rites.
Shivashankarappa represented the Davanagere South Assembly constituency. He had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for some time before succumbing to age-related ailments.
The senior-most legislator in Karnataka, Shivashankarappa, was also one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the country, sources said.
He is survived by three sons, including S S Mallikarjun, the Karnataka Minister for Mines, Geology, and Horticulture, and four daughters. His daughter-in-law, Prabha Mallikarjun, is the Member of Parliament from Davanagere.
A six-time MLA, Shivashankarappa also served as a minister and an MP.
He was a prominent educationist, establishing several educational institutions, and was an industrialist.
Additionally, he served as the treasurer of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) for decades and was the president of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, the apex body of the influential Veerashaiva-Lingayat community.
