Free WiFi across Bengaluru within 6 months: DCM Parameshwar
Bengaluru, September 23: Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwar said that within next six months, free WiFi facility would be provided across the city.
Inaugurating the BBMP Soudha, Atalji Sports Complex, free WiFi, Kempe Gowda statue and Prime Minister’s Janaushadha centre at Govindaraj Nagar here on Sunday, he said that free WiFi facility was provided in Govindaraj Nagar and in the same way, all 198 wards would be provided the facility. Because of the farsighted plans, Bengaluru city has identified itself in the world. More than any city planners and designers, Kempe Gowda had designed the Bengaluru town. Now, Bengaluru city has been growing so fast along with the development works, he said.
Optical fibre cables were laid across the city illegally and the government has been removing them. Strict decision was taken to collect tax in the city. The officials have been directed to collect Rs 2500 crore tax and steps were taken to accumulate the resources from other sources, he added.
Following the High Court direction, the flex and banners were removed in the city and on filling pot-holes on the roads, white tapping work was going on, he added.
MLA Somanna has appealed for 200-bed hospital at Govindaraj Nagar and shortly, the hospital would be sanctioned, he assured.
On the present political developments, Parameshwar said that the coalition government was safe in the state. But some leaders have been creating confusion among the people that the government would collapse. There was no need to worry about it. Instead of who was ruling the government, it was very important how fast and best the public works were being taken up, he said.
MLA V Somanna, Mayor Sampath Kumar and others were present.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
