Karnataka HC stays probe in FIR against Minister Karandlaje for linking Tamilians and café blast
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Friday stayed further investigation of a criminal case filed against Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje by the Election Commission Flying Squad for a controversial statement by the minister during a recent protest in the city.
Karandlaje, who is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, had alleged during the protest at Nagarathpet in Bengaluru, "Law and order in Karnataka has deteriorated. People who come from Tamil Nadu plant bombs here, people from Delhi chant 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans and people who come from Kerala were involved in acid attacks." Following severe criticism for linking the blast at The Rameshwaram Café with Tamil Nadu, the minister had withdrawn her statement on her 'X' account and also posted an apology to the people of Tamil Nadu.
ALSO READ: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje says people from TN plant bombs in Karnataka, Stalin fumes
The single-judge bench of Justice Krishna S Dixit, which heard the petition on Friday, stayed further investigation in the FIR filed against the minister by the Cottonpet Police.
The judge also advised Karandlaje to exercise restraint while speaking, adding that this applied to all leaders, regardless of the party. "We live in a civilized society. Therefore, tell your client that the judge has requested her to be measured in her speech," Justice Dixit told Karandlaje's advocate.
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Dengue fever cases surge in Udupi, health authorities launch larva survey to combat outbreak
Udupi: After the recent rains, Udupi district has witnessed a concerning increase in dengue fever cases, prompting swift action from health authorities.
The district's health department has launched a comprehensive larvae survey aimed at combating the outbreak.
With a focus on city areas where larvae infestation is suspected to be high, the department is spearheading an anti-larval and mosquito eradication programme across the district. Since January this year, Udupi has already reported 47 cases of dengue. Last year's total number of cases was 635.
Dr Prashanth Bhat, Udupi's district vector-borne disease control officer, emphasised the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and preventing water from stagnating, especially as the rainy season approaches. "Larvae are commonly found in unused freshwater, air coolers, and discarded tires. Early detection and elimination of these breeding grounds are crucial," Dr Bhat stated. Recalling last year's surge in dengue cases in Udupi city areas during October, efforts were mobilised to control the mosquito population.
Medical students from Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, collaborated with the Department of Community Medicine, Udupi District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (DVBDCP), and District Health and Family Welfare Department to conduct mosquito control initiatives. Similar concerted efforts are underway this year to curb the spread of dengue.
Over the past few years, dengue cases in Udupi have fluctuated, with 513 cases reported in 2022, 380 cases in 2021, and 139 cases in 2020. Notably, the presence of migrant worker accommodation units in the district necessitates extra vigilance, as migrant labourers are considered a high-risk group for dengue fever, the official said.
