Karnataka govt rejects calls for probe into killing of Maoist leader
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said Maoist leader Vikram Gowda, who was shot dead in an alleged encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), was carrying "deadly" weapons, and rejected calls for a probe into the killing.
Had the ANF not shot him, he would have fired at all of them, he said, as he rejected any suspicion surrounding his killing on Monday.
"He (Gowda) was carrying a deadly weapon, an automatic machine gun-like weapon. If they (ANF personnel) did not shoot him, he would have fired at them. So I'm told that he was shot at first sight. So there is no need to suspect anything," Parameshwara said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said there are more than 60 cases against him, including murder charges.
"...so not taking any chances, he was 'encountered'. Further details I can share once it comes to me in writing from the department," he added.
Gowda (46) was killed in an alleged exchange of fire between the ANF and a group of Maoists near Peetebailu village in Kabbinale area near Hebri of Udupi district.
According to officials, he was one of the most wanted Maoist leaders from Karnataka, facing 61 cases, including murder and extortion, in Karnataka, and 19 in Kerala.
Reacting to Karkala BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar's statement that Naxal activities had surged after the Congress came to power last year, the Minister noted that the incident happened in his constituency -- Karkala, where the ANF is also headquartered.
"The ANF had constantly been keeping a watch on Naxal activities. Until recently there was nothing. Fifteen days ago two persons named Latha and Raju, who are Naxal leaders, were sighted and I was reported about it. So the Internal Security Division (ISD) started a combing operation. Meanwhile, information about Gowda came and ANF were trying to track him and the 'encounter' has happened," he said.
The Minister noted that there have been calls from some quarters demanding a probe into Gowda's killing, but pointed out that there were 60 cases against him, and he was carrying weapons when he was "encountered."
"Tell me, in what angle investigation should be done? Everything was done within the framework of law. The person who was involved in murders, carrying weapons like automatic machine guns, cannot be left and treated in a friendly manner," he said.
To a question on some "Leftists" allegedly targeting the government over the encounter saying that there is no "difference" between Congress and BJP, Parameshwara said it is not the question about the two political parties.
"It is the question of safety. For what purpose he had taken up Naxalism is important. He was told to surrender, his relatives also had asked him to quit and surrender, they had even written letters. He did not pay heed to them," he said.
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Rahman's children request privacy after musician and wife announce separation
Mumbai (PTI): Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman and Saira Banu's three children have asked for privacy and respect after their parent's announced that they were separating after 29 years of marriage.
The couple, who got married in 1995, broke the news on Tuesday night in a joint statement, which was released by prominent divorce lawyer Vandana Shah.
Their three children -- daughters Khatija, Raheema, and son Ameen -- posted messages on Instagram Stories after the news broke at night.
Ameen wrote, "We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding."
Khatija and Raheema both posted, "I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy & respect. Thank you for your consideration."
Raheema also reposted his father's post on X and captioned it, "Keep us in your prayers."
In their statement, Rahman and Banu said they took the decision to separate after "significant emotional strain in their relationship".
"After many years of marriage, Saira and her husband A R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship.
"Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time," read the joint statement, issued to media by Shah.
They said the decision to separate comes out of "pain and agony", and requested "privacy and understanding from the public" as they navigate this "difficult chapter" in their life.
Banu was first to announce the separation in a statement, which was followed by a joint statement.
Rahman later posted on X, saying that he had hoped to complete 30 years of marriage with Banu but "all things, it seems, carry an unseen end".
"Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter," he said.
The couple's most recent appearance was at the grand wedding of Mukesh Ambani's son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai in July this year.
Rahman's post on X came as a shock to his ardent fan base with many asking the music maestro to "stay strong".
"Even 29yrs not enough I guess to stay together," wrote one fan.
Another said, "Stay Strong Sir. Let us Respect their Privacy!!"
"Hope everything will be alright bhai," a user commented on Rahman's post.
"Stay strong RAHMAN sir we pray to give you peace of mind..." read a post.
A user said, "Hugs to you Sir. I have tears in my eyes and in my heart. Love you forever. I am so sorry to hear about this. It feels heart breaking. I pray for both of you to find peace and strength. Love you forever and forever."
Another fan said, "Stay strong sir. May Allah grant peace to both the hearts. You have always been an amazing son, husband and father. You will always be. We love you so much ARR sir. lots of love and respect to you. strong hugs."
There were also those who pleaded the couple to give their relationship another chance.
"Pls reconsider for sake of your children," one post read.
One fan wrote, "Stay strong sir. May time reunite you both again."
