Bengaluru: A drunken driving incident on Christmas Eve left a motorcyclist injured after his Royal Enfield bike was dragged for nearly 500 metres by a Hyundai Creta following a collision on Bengaluru’s Ring Road, NDTV reported on Friday.

The incident occurred on the evening of December 24, when Srinivasa KV (38) was allegedly driving the car in a rash and negligent manner while under the influence of alcohol. According to police, the accident took place around 7:15 pm when the Creta rammed into a motorcycle from behind.

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Rohit S, who was riding from Sumanahalli flyover to Nagarabhavi Circle, was thrown off the bike in the impact. He suffered injuries to his chest, legs, and hands and is now under treatment.

Police said Rohit’s Royal Enfield motorcycle became lodged under the car after the collision. The driver continued driving, dragging the bike for nearly half a kilometre. Dashcam footage from a car behind showed sparks flying under the car.

The car continued speeding on the road and rammed several other vehicles, police said. Srinivasa was eventually caught by the public, who assaulted him and handed him over to the police.

As per the report, a case has been registered at the Kamakshipalya Traffic Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act. Further investigation is underway.

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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has achieved a significant milestone in grassroots governance, with 5,943 gram panchayats across the state recording higher tax collection and revenue realisation in 2025-26 compared to the previous financial year, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.

The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj reported total tax collections of Rs 1,382.57 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore over Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25, the minister’s office said in a statement.

This represents a record 89 per cent realisation of the current demand, the highest in recent years, it added.

The Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj said, “Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities.”

“It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he added.

Karnataka had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.

In 2024-25, gram panchayats had, for the first time in the department’s history, collected Rs 1,272.54 crore, achieving 80 per cent of the current demand.

Building on this momentum, the state further improved performance in 2025–26, reaching a record 89 per cent collection efficiency, the statement said.

This achievement has been driven by extensive awareness campaigns, targeted tax collection drives, and the sustained efforts of officials at all levels—from gram panchayat bill collectors to senior administrators, the minister said, congratulating all staff and officers for their contribution.

Highlighting district-level performance, Priyank noted that Raichur district recorded an exceptional 129 per cent tax collection, while 11 districts across the state achieved over 100 per cent collection, demonstrating strong local-level execution and compliance.

Over the past three years, Karnataka has witnessed a steady upward trend in tax collection. The increased revenue is being channelled into public works, improved civic services, and local development initiatives, contributing to the overall progress of rural communities, he added.