CCB arrest 75 men involved in illegal foreign cigarette sale, cylinder refill, gambling in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: In a recent operation, the Central Crime Branch Police in Bengaluru successfully dismantled an illegal activity racket, resulting in the arrest of individuals involved in vending foreign cigarettes, illegal LPG cylinder refilling, and operating gambling outlets. The raids led to the confiscation of cash, cigarettes, and cylinders collectively worth lakhs of rupees.
Two individuals, identified as Parasmal (40) and Montu Singh (45) from North India, were apprehended during the raid conducted at a shop in Bhuvaneshwari Nagar under the Konanakunte Police Station jurisdiction and another shop located in the 'Indraprastha' building under the Puttenahalli Police Station jurisdiction. The Central Crime Branch Police seized foreign cigarettes valued at Rs 4 lakh from the arrested individuals. The crackdown occurred after receiving information about the illicit supply and sale of foreign cigarettes in the city.
In a separate operation, the CCB Police targeted 'Sharabish Enterprises' in Koramangala, suspecting illegal refilling of domestic LPG cylinders at the establishment. Harish, an employee at the outlet, was arrested, and the police seized 135 LPG cylinders from various companies, totaling Rs 14 lakh in value. Additionally, two refilling rods, one weighing scale, and a truck were confiscated. The raid was prompted by information suggesting unauthorized stocking and refilling of cylinders from Leo, MVR, Jyothi, Agni Surya gas companies.
In another raid, the CCB Police inspected two clubs in the city suspected of hosting illegal gambling activities. Over 70 individuals were arrested during the operation, and cash amounting to lakhs of rupees was seized. At the Konanakunte Cultural Association Club, 26 individuals were arrested, and Rs 1 lakh in cash was confiscated. Simultaneously, 46 people were arrested at the Indian Poker Association in the Young Man Indian Association in Pulakeshi Nagar Police Station jurisdiction, where Rs 2.29 lakh in cash was seized.
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Speaker Khader dismisses BJP's charges of 'delay' in swearing-in of Jeevaraj as MLA
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Wednesday rejected opposition BJP's allegations of delaying the swearing-in of D N Jeevaraj as MLA, asserting that the process was being handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and rules.
BJP candidate Jeevaraj, who had lost the 2023 Sringeri Assembly election to Congress leader T D Raje Gowda, was declared elected late Sunday night after reverification and recounting of postal ballots in compliance with a High Court order.
The recount reduced 255 votes from Gowda's tally, overturning his earlier victory margin of 201 votes and reversing the result.
The recount followed an election petition filed by Jeevaraj.
Addressing reporters, Khader maintained that there was no delay in administering the oath to Jeevaraj, who was declared elected from the Sringeri Assembly constituency after a High Court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
“Where have we delayed? The application was submitted at 11 am. If an application is given in the morning and by evening someone says it’s delayed — how is that a delay?” he said, dismissing the allegations.
The Speaker said the matter involved 'technical issues' that required examination before fixing a date for oath-taking.
“When such a matter comes, we also need to examine it and take a decision as per rules. If an application is given in the morning, at least 24 hours must be given,” he said.
Khader stressed that his role was bound by the Constitution and not influenced by political considerations.
“When an elected MLA asks for time, we must give it under the Constitution and law. Can we refuse? No, we have to give it,” he said, rejecting suggestions that he was acting under party pressure.
He also underlined the need for trust in democratic institutions amid the controversy.
“A democracy and parliamentary system must function on trust. Without that, how can democracy be strengthened? Trust is essential,” he said, cautioning against creating suspicion around constitutional positions.
On claims that the delay was linked to the ongoing political and legal dispute over the recount, Khader said the issue did not fall within his purview.
“My responsibility is to act as per the Constitution and rules. I will ensure that whatever is due to them is done as soon as possible,” the Speaker explained.
He said he had already communicated his position when contacted and would formally inform the concerned parties. “There is no delay, nor any intention to delay. I will discharge my duties as per the Constitution,” he said.
Khader also pointed to possible legal complications in hastily administering the oath.
“If I give the oath to one person and tomorrow the court declares someone else the winner, what happens then? Will it automatically cancel? Will confusion arise?” he asked, indicating the need for due diligence.
On concerns that Jeevaraj had lost over two years of tenure, the Speaker said representation was linked to that constituency rather than an individual.
“Whoever becomes the MLA represents the constituency. Benefits are not given to an individual,” he said, adding that issues of alleged irregularities should be examined by the Election Commission.
The remarks come after the Leader of Opposition BJP in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Speaker of 'deliberately' delaying the oath and approached Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking intervention, even suggesting that the Governor administer the oath if required.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the process 'Vote Dacoity' by Jeevaraj and said an FIR has been registered against the newly elected Sringeri MLA.
Defending the recount process, Jeevaraj denied allegations of tampering, while the High Court has stayed an FIR filed against him in connection with the postal ballot issue.
