Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has welcomed the state government's decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged serial murders in Dharmasthala. However, he stressed that the investigation must be conducted within a stipulated timeframe and adhere strictly to legal norms.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Bommai cautioned that the SIT should not function with a predetermined target in mind. "The people of Dharmasthala and the local police are well aware of the region. The complainants have alleged that they were under pressure. The source of that pressure must be investigated," he said.

Bommai further stressed that police should act responsibly and take appropriate legal action in connection with the incidents at Dharmasthala. "Dharmasthala is a historic and revered temple. Undermining public faith in such an institution must be strictly avoided," he said.

On a separate issue, Bommai criticised the state government for issuing tax notices to small and micro traders. He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of deflecting responsibility by blaming the Centre. "The notices have shocked small traders, but instead of addressing the issue, the Chief Minister is trying to wash his hands of it," Bommai alleged.

Commenting on internal developments within the ruling Congress party, Bommai predicted significant political shifts in the coming days. "No matter what anyone says, these changes are inevitable," he claimed. Responding to speculation about efforts to unite former ministers Sriramulu and Janardhan Reddy, Bommai dismissed it, stating that the trio has always shared a strong understanding.

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Mangaluru: This year’s Karavali Utsava will commence on December 20, with a wide range of cultural, adventure, and tourism-focused programs planned across Mangaluru and other parts of the Dakshina Kannada district, Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. said.

He was speaking while presiding over a Karavali Utsava preparedness review meeting held at the District Commissioner’s office.

The main event will be held at the Karavali Utsava grounds in the city. In an effort to promote beach tourism, special programs will be organised at six beaches across the district, which include Panambur, Ullal, Someshwara, Sasihitlu, Tannirbhavi, and the Blue Flag Beach.

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Outlining the schedule, the Deputy Commissioner said adventure sports will be held at Sasihitlu Beach, while a wine, cheese, and cake festival will take place at the Tannirbhavi Blue Flag Beach.

A music festival and triathlon are planned at Tannirbhavi Beach. Football, volleyball and other sports events will be organised at Ullal Beach, cultural programs at Panambur Beach, and a music evening and yoga program at Someshwara Beach.

In addition, food festivals featuring a variety of local and regional cuisines will be held at all beaches. The Kala Parba program and a flower and floriculture exhibition will be organised at Kadri Park, while a film festival is also planned in Mangaluru city.

A football tournament will be held at Nehru Maidan on December 27 and 28, and special programs will be organised at Pilikula Nisargadhama. To attract tourists, helicopter joyrides have also been arranged, the Deputy Commissioner said.

The review meeting was attended by Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narvade Vinayak Karbari, Mangaluru Deputy Divisional Officer Meenakshi Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mithun H.N., Deputy Conservator of Forests Antony Mariappa, and other officials.