New airport in Shivamogga already in controversy as netizens object to Hindi announcement
Karnataka Minister responds
Shivamogga witnessed the historic arrival of its first flight from Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon, marking a significant milestone for the region. However, a wave of discontent surged through social media as a few netizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the Hindi language announcement displayed at the airport. Given that both Shivamogga and Bengaluru primarily uphold Kannada as their language, questions were raised about the appropriateness of having announcements in Hindi.
One user, Rupesh Ranjanna, took to social media to voice his concern. He shared a snapshot of a digital notice board at Shivamogga airport, showcasing the Hindi announcement. In his post, he asserted, "This is not some Hindi state, this is Karnataka. Hindi is not required here. Remove this and put it in Kannada." Notably, the Shivamogga airport, now operated by the Karnataka government, initiated its flight services between Bengaluru and Shivamogga.
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Karnataka Industries and Commerce Minister, MB Patil, responded to the tweet by assuring that only Kannada and English would be given priority. He acknowledged the issue and stated, "This has not come to my notice, I will definitely discuss with concerned officials! Kannada and English will be prioritized."
Thursday heralded another momentous occasion as the inaugural commercial domestic flight landed at the Kuvempu Airport in Shivamogga. Notable figures, including former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and State Minister for Industries MB Patil, were present on the flight that traversed from Bengaluru to Shivamogga. The flight, operated by IndiGo Airlines, marked the commencement of daily services between the two cities, thereby enhancing connectivity for the region.
This had not come to my notice, will definitely discuss with concerned officials! Kannada and English will be prioritized # ಕನ್ನಡ in ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ https://t.co/PzC2Jx3TLP
— M B Patil (@MBPatil) August 31, 2023
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Gold smuggling racket busted at Bengaluru airport, 5 arrested
Bengaluru (PTI): The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a major international gold smuggling syndicate operating through Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru following a coordinated operation, according to an official statement.
Five people have been arrested so far in connection with the case and efforts are underway to identify the key masterminds and dismantle the entire network, officials said.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, officers of the DRI’s Bengaluru Zonal Unit mounted surveillance at Terminal 2 of the airport, leading to the interception of a network involving foreign nationals and local facilitators.
The operation, conducted over April 6 and 7, culminated in the seizure of 3.356 kg of high-purity gold worth about Rs 5 crore in paste form.
“The officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Bengaluru Zonal Unit, have successfully busted a major international gold smuggling syndicate operating through Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL), Bengaluru,” the agency said in a press release.
Officials said the contraband was ingeniously concealed in paste form inside capsule-shaped packets, highlighting the sophisticated methods adopted by the syndicate.
Investigations revealed that carriers arriving from abroad deliberately chose Bengaluru as a transit point, exploiting longer layovers to facilitate covert transfers within the airport premises.
“The gold was concealed on the body and transferred using a pre-arranged passcode system inside sensitive areas such as washrooms and smoking zones, thereby bypassing Customs scrutiny,” the statement said.
The use of coded exchanges within restricted zones enabled the syndicate to evade routine checks, it said, adding that the probe also uncovered insider involvement within the airport ecosystem.
“The syndicate had further infiltrated the airport ecosystem, with the involvement of an insider who misused authorised access to restricted zones to receive and smuggle out the contraband,” the DRI said.
The operation also revealed the use of encrypted communication platforms featuring coded messages and disappearing chats.
Authorities said preliminary investigations indicate the involvement of a wider international network.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the network is part of a larger cross-border smuggling syndicate involving foreign operatives, suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals, working in tandem with domestic handlers and facilitators,” the DRI said.
Officials said the case reflects the increasing sophistication of smuggling operations and reiterated that the agency remains committed to curbing such organised economic offences.
