Life limping back to normal in most parts of Karnataka as restrictions are eased
Bengaluru: Life was limping back to normalcy in most parts of Karnataka with easing of COVID-19 induced restrictions on Monday as the State headed into the third phase of lockdown started since March 24.
According to the guidelines issued by the Centre, industrial activities, construction works, essential, non-essential shops,delivery of essential goods through e- commerce, courier and postal services, Banking and agriculture activities, four-wheelers,two-wheelers, plying of buses, along with inter-state movement of goods vehicles, were allowed in the green and yellow zone districts.
This apart, sale of liquor was also allowed at the designated shops. Police said vehicular movement is allowed only from 7am to 7 pm for ordinary citizens.
Clarifying about the movement of people, Bengaluru police commissioner Bhaskar Rao tweeted, "From tomorrow (Monday) you don't need a pass to move in Bengaluru between 7 am and 7pm.
After 7 pm andup to 7 am the following morning, even if you have a pass you are not allowed to move except medical and essential service.Checkpoints will remain and your ID may be asked.Please be responsible."
After the restrictions were lifted, heavy vehicular movement was witnessed in parts of Bengaluru leading to traffic jam in some areas.
Chikpet, which is the main trade area in Bengaluru, saw some activities. With restrictions on public transport continuing, this unusually crowded place had very less footfall.
"Movement of public is limited due to ban on public transport such as city buses and Metro Rail.
The trade activities are taking place between retailers," trade activist and joint secretary of JainInternational Trade Organisation Sajjanraj Mehta told PTI.
Select liquor shops in the city and other parts of the State Pulled up shutters after being closed for about six weeks due to the lockdown with tipplers thronging them in huge numbers at many places.
Some traders in the city complained that they received notice regarding the Tax Deduction at Source for the month of April "though there were no trading activities."
Meanwhile, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced on Monday that free bus service for migrant labourers, which is operating smoothly, has been extended till Thursday.
On Sunday, 951 Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses were provided and around 30,000 people have travelled to their towns and villages, a government statement said.
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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.
