Kannada film industry in the grip of drugs, claims filmmaker-journalist Indrajit Lankesh
Bengaluru: Filmmaker and journalist Indrajit Lankesh on Saturday sparked a row by claiming that a few film actors whom he knew were severely addicted to drugs.
His claim came close on the heels of the Narcotics Control Bureau of India busting a major drug racket with a drug haul from the City with the arrest of three people-- M Anoop, R Ravindran, and Anikha D.
The NCB said the trio was supplying drugs to musicians and actors in the Kannada film industry, popularly known as Sandalwood.
"The drug network in sandalwood is far and wide, Many young actors and actresses organize rave parties. I have heard many stories and also, I know many such incidents," Lankesh told reporters on Saturday.
Lankesh even claimed that a film actor high on drugs met with an accident a few months ago in a swanky car.
He added that if the police promise him protection, he would lay bare many such facts.
His claim was quickly rebutted by many in the Kannada film industry saying that there had been liquor parties but they have never come across rave parties.
However, following the claim, police issued a statement that they would summon Lankesh to share information.
A police statement said the Bengaluru Police have been raiding a lot of drug peddlers and even detected drugs supplied through 'Dark Net.'
"Regarding statements of Indrajit Lankesh on media channels, CCB Anti Narcotics Wing is issuing notice to him to come and share information and support Bengaluru Police in this fight against drugs.
We will investigate every information that he will share," the statement said.
Lankesh found a supporter in Excise Minister H Nagesh who said the drug racket in Bengaluru is very large.
"Bengaluru drug racket is very large and what was unearthed recently is just a sample," Nagesh said in Belagavi.
The minister said the drug menace has to be controlled, otherwise innocent students and children will fall prey to it.
Reacting to Lankesh's claim, former chief minister Siddaramaiah said the sale and consumption of marijuana is a great crime.
"If marijuana is sold in the state, it is because of government failure. Those who sell and consume marijuana must be tracked and punished," the veteran Congress leader said.
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Saffron shawls not allowed in schools in K'taka, clarifies CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday clarified that saffron shawls would not be allowed in educational institutions under the state government’s order on religious symbols, while practices already in existence such as hijab, turbans, rudraksha beads and sacred threads (Janeu) would continue to be permitted.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, the Chief Minister clarified that those religious attire which are in practice will be allowed.
The Karnataka government on Wednesday passed an order allowing students to wear Hijab, sacred thread, Shivadhara, Rudraksha in schools. The order scrapped the BJP government’s 2022 order, banning Hijab in government schools following the Hijab versus saffron shawl controversy.
The opposition flayed the move and termed it "appeasement politics".
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A section of Hindu right wing organisations even threatened to wear saffron shawls in the schools.
Now the Chief Minister has clarified that saffron shawls will not be permitted.
“Saffron shawls are not allowed. Those shawls cannot be worn. Turbans, sacred thread, Shiva dhara, rudraksha, and hijab can also be worn,” Siddaramaiah told reporters.
“See, it is not just the hijab. People can also wear sacred threads, Shivadhara rudraksha beads — everyone can wear things according to their beliefs. This is allowed up to Class 12, whether it is high school, college or primary school. It applies to all.”
Asked whether saffron turbans representing saffron identity would be permitted, the Chief Minister said only practices already in existence would be allowed and no new practices could be introduced.
“When we say turbans, we mean practices that already exist. Nothing new can be introduced. Only those practices and beliefs that already exist till now are allowed,” he said.
Responding to questions on Prime Minister Narendra Modi reducing his convoy to conserve diesel, Siddaramaiah said such measures would only have a temporary effect. “What the Prime Minister has said is not the right step. Instead, it would be better to speak with other countries and bring awareness and consciousness among them,” he said.
Replying to questions on the controversy surrounding the NEET examination, Siddaramaiah criticised the conduct of the exam and said students should not suffer because of lapses in the system. “Look, we conducted CET, and they introduced NEET. If they fail to conduct it properly, what will happen to the students who studied hard and wrote the exam? What about their future?” he asked.
