BJP MLA K Gopalaiah alleges death threats from Bengaluru ex-Corporator, demands protection
Bengaluru: BJP MLA and former Minister K Gopalaiah on Wednesday told the Legislative Assembly that he and his family have received death threats from an ex-Corporator of the city's civic body and demanded protection.
Alleging that Padmaraj called him last night in an inebriated condition and used derogatory language against him and his family, he said, despite a complaint being filed immediately, police had still not arrested him.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, subsequently informed the Assembly that Padmaraj had been arrested some time ago, and legal action would follow.
''Last night around 11 pm, I received a phone call from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike ex-Corporator Padmaraj, he demanded money. I cannot repeat the words he used insulting me in this House. He made derogatory comments against my family. He has even threatened to loot my house and has issued death threats to me and my family,'' Gopalaiah said.
Raising the issue during ''Zero Hour,'' he said he had information about Padmaraj, in an inebriated condition, issuing similar threats to several former Ministers and legislators like senior BJP MLA Suresh Kumar in the past.
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Stating that Padmaraj runs clubs in Basaveshwaranagar limits and is ''intoxicated'' with the money he gains from it, the MLA said, the former had taken help from him in the past in getting job or medical seats for people from his family or friends.
Demanding action against Padmaraj and that he should be exiled, he also sought protection to his family, fearing danger to them from him. He also urged shutting down all illegal clubs in Bengaluru, to put an end to such elements.
Noting that he has already given a police complaint in this regard, Gopalaiah said police have been waiting since last night in front of Padmaraj's house. ''After coming out from the inebriated condition he is said to come out of his house....police are waiting outside his house for about 10-11 hours now.'' Several BJP legislators including Leader of Opposition R Ashoka backed Gopalaiah and demanded justice for him.
''Gopalaiah's family is in politics, his wife was a Deputy Mayor in the past, if such a family has to go through all this, what's the situation of a common man? It has been several hours since the complaint was made, are the police waiting for him to come out of his inebriated condition to arrest him? It seems like royal treatment is being given to him,'' Ashoka said, demanding immediate strict action.
There should be no politics in this issue, he said, adding Padmaraj had been with all political parties in the past.
As Home Minister Parameshwara was initially not present in the House, Minister H C Mahadevappa, replying on behalf of the government, said action will be taken as per law.
Questioning the delay in the police taking action, Speaker U T Khader too directed the government to get Padmaraj arrested by the evening or suspend the police inspector there. ''The government has to give a strict message to such elements.'' Later, when Parameshwara came to the Assembly, he said a case has been registered in the Kamakshipalya police station, and police will arrest him by entering his house if required.
He subsequently on receiving an update from the officials, told the Assembly that Padmaraj has been arrested and legal action will follow.
Earlier, BJP MLA and state General secretary Sunil Kumar said, the situation has come to such a pass that even a legislator is forced to seek protection in the House. ''The Chair has to come to the protection, and the Speaker should direct the government,'' he said, questioning the delay in the arrest.
Another BJP MLA Suresh Kumar said, Ashoka and himself too have faced similar ''things'' from Padmaraj, and his activities are going on for a long time now. ''No where in Bengaluru clubs are functioning, but he is still running...The complaint was given last night against Padmaraj, who is in his house, but still why arrest has been made, he asked.
Former Home Minister and MLA Araga Jnanendra too, expressing similar sentiments, asked for a clarification on police inaction.
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Thumbay Group’s GMU, Staque team up to transform healthcare with AI, advanced tech
Ajman (UAE): Staque, a global leader in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced technology solutions, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thumbay Group’s Gulf Medical University (GMU) and its Thumbay College of Management and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (TCMAIH). This strategic partnership aims to revolutionize the integration of artificial intelligence and quantum computing into healthcare education, training, and research, with far-reaching implications for the region’s healthcare and technology sectors.
Founded by Dr. Thumbay Moideen in 1997, Thumbay Group is a diversified international business conglomerate with operations across different verticals including Education, Healthcare, Medical Research, Diagnostics, Retail Pharmacy, Health Communications, Retail Opticals, Wellness, Nutrition Stores, Hospitality, Real Estate, Publishing, Technology, Media, Events, Medical Tourism, Trading and Marketing & Distribution. Headquartered in Dubai, the group presently employs around 3000 people.
The MoU establishes a collaborative framework to harness the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, focusing on both academic innovation and practical applications. This collaboration aligns with the UAE’s vision for technological leadership and aims to position GMU and Staque at the forefront of global healthcare advancements.
Driving AI Innovation Through Strategic Partnership
The agreement outlines several groundbreaking initiatives, including:
● Thumbay-Staque Lab in Artificial Intelligence: This state-of-the-art lab, to be established at GMU’s campus, will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and practical applications of AI in healthcare, focusing on areas such as diagnostics, personalized medicine, and healthcare operations.
● Internship and Employment Pathways: Staque will facilitate internships, short placements, and employment opportunities for TCMAIH students, fostering UAE Nationals’ empowerment and integrating local talent into the global healthcare technology landscape.
● Collaborative AI Programs: Together, Staque and GMU will develop fellowship, short-term, and long-term programs in healthcare AI, leveraging a revenue-sharing model to promote sustainability and scalability.
● Joint High-performance Computing Research Initiatives: The partnership will support joint research projects through the Thumbay International Research Grant, targeting high-impact areas in AI, quantum computing and healthcare.
● Global Collaboration and Expertise Sharing: Faculty and staff exchanges will enhance knowledge transfer, while industry partnerships will drive regional and international expansions of TCMAIH’s and Staque’s initiatives.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group UAE, commenting on the partnership said, “Our partnership with Staque is a natural extension of our commitment to advancing healthcare education and practice. By integrating AI into our curriculum and research initiatives, we are empowering our students and faculty to become leaders in a rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem.”
Dr. Muhammad Khan, CEO of Staque, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in merging AI and healthcare education. By establishing the Thumbay-Staque Lab, we are taking significant steps toward a future where AI drives meaningful improvements in patient outcomes, operational efficiencies, and healthcare innovation.”
Transforming Healthcare Through AI
Staque’s extensive expertise in AI, quantum computing, and robotics complements GMU’s reputation for academic excellence. This partnership aims to tackle critical challenges and unlock opportunities across healthcare and education, including:
● AI-Powered Diagnostics: Tools for early disease detection and personalized treatment planning, using advanced algorithms and quantum computing to process vast datasets with unparalleled speed and accuracy.
● Adaptive Learning Systems: AI-driven systems to create personalized educational experiences for healthcare professionals, addressing skill gaps and enhancing training efficiency.
● Healthcare Operations Optimization: Autonomous intelligence solutions to streamline administrative workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance the overall patient experience.
“Medical research and practices are ripe for innovation. Accuracy, accessibility and affordability issues have a critical impact on global health care. The adoption of AI and quantum computing are essential to address these issues” said Dr. Raees Tonse, Staque Board Member who catalyzed the partnership.
The Thumbay-Staque partnership also explores regional and international opportunities for expanding AI and quantum computing programs, enabling students and professionals to access world-class resources and tools. These initiatives will not only strengthen the UAE’s position as a global innovation hub but also set new benchmarks for integrating emerging technologies into healthcare systems.
About the Partners
Thumbay Group and Gulf Medical University
Thumbay Group, a leading private conglomerate in the UAE, operates Gulf Medical University (GMU), a premier institution recognized for its excellence in medical education, research, and healthcare delivery. The Thumbay College of Management and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (TCMAIH) is dedicated to marrying technology and medical education, ensuring students and health care professionals are equipped to thrive in a technology-driven healthcare landscape.
Staque Solutions
Staque Solutions bridges the gap between cutting-edge computer science and real-world business needs. With expertise spanning AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and software engineering, Staque empowers organizations to thrive in an era of rapid technological advancement through its autonomous intelligence and high-performance computing solutions. Founded in Calgary, Canada, Staque has grown into a global organization with presence in North America, the GCC, and Asia.
