Mysuru: MLA S A Ramadas, on Wednesday issued a press note and clarified that the bus stand that has triggered controversy over its purported look like that of a mosque, and added that the bus stand does not indicate or depict any linkage or connection with any particular religion.

The statement comes a day after BJP MP Pratap Simha threatened to demolish the newly constructed bus stop in the Krishnaraja constituency as it looked like a mosque.

Ramadas also clarified that against the claims made in the rumors, the contractor who worked on the project was not Muslim, and linking the look of the bus stop to any religion was not right. "The designs were made keeping in mind the designs of Mysuru Palace, we wanted it to look like the iconic palace." the MLA added. 

He added that, on learning of the spread of such rumors on social media, he complained to the city police commissioner to take necessary measures.

“There are many other bus stands, built with a similar design. Contrary to Pratap Simha’s allegation, the dome atop the roof of the bus stand was not installed overnight – the work was completed last week itself. The contractor Mahadev is overseeing the work that is under progress,” said the legislator.

“The government has been asked in writing to form a panel of experts to inspect the design. We have no objection to redesigning the bus stand if the experts advise or if they feel that it would lead to controversy,” he clarified.

“The development work in Krishnaraja constituency is underway. Since we found the need to provide more shelters for travelers, we are getting bus stands built with the MLA funds,” Ramadas said in the press note.

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Bengaluru, Dec 26: A Japanese national, Hiroshi Sasaki, who works in Bengaluru, lost Rs 35.5 lakh after being 'digitally arrested' by cyber fraudsters, police said, on Thursday.

 

The incident occurred between December 12 and 14, police added.

Sasaki, who lives in a flat near Dairy Circle, received a phone call on December 12. The caller was claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. The caller informed him that his phone number would be blocked due to its unauthorised use.

To avoid the disconnection Sasaki was asked to dial a number.

Upon dialling the number, he was immediately connected to a WhatsApp call from someone claiming to be from the Cyber Crime wing of Mumbai Police. The caller informed Sasaki that he was involved in a money laundering case.

The fraudsters "digitally arrested" him and siphoned off Rs 35.5 lakh by having him make payments through various means, including RTGS.

He was also told that the money would be returned after the investigation was completed.

After realising that he had been duped, the victim approached the South East Cyber Crimes, Economics and Narcotics (CEN) police station and lodged a complaint.

'Digital arrest' is a new cyber fraud, where the fraudster poses as law enforcement agency officials from agencies like CBI, and customs and threatens people of arrest by making video calls.

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