Object was not firecracker, says Congress MLA N A Harris injured in explosion
Bengaluru, Jan 23: Congress MLA N A Harris, who sustained minor injuries in a suspected explosion, on Thursday demanded that the police thoroughly investigate the matter because the object that exploded was not a firecracker as it had ball-bearings inside it.
According to Harris' son Nalapad, the incident occurred at about 9.30 pm when the MLA was addressing a gathering in the city organised by party workers.
"Someone threw an explosive at him which exploded with a great noise. Somehow, my father escaped. In this incident, three others were injured," he said.
He was taken to a private hospital where the doctors kept him under observation for about 12 hours and later discharged him.
A family member said Harris sustained injuries in his leg and received stitches.
Speaking to reporters after coming out of the hospital, Harris said "The object that exploded was not like a (fire) cracker. It was round-shaped with ball bearings in it.
We have seen crackers as we celebrate Diwali but this was not a cracker. The Forensic Science Laboratory team has taken a sample."
The MLA said the state Home minister has spoken to him and he has faith in the police.
"We want to know the motive behind it," he said.
The congress leader said he can't recall having any enemy but this incident has scared him.
Harris said Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai, former chief minister Siddaramaiah and other Congress functionaries called on him and inquired about his well-being.
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Delhi to adopt fully digital system for time bound traffic challan disposal
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi government will soon implement amended Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, making the traffic challan process completely digital and time-bound, to curb violations and enhance road safety, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday.
Under the new framework, avoiding challans will no longer be possible and timely resolution will be mandatory for all citizens. Importantly, violators will not be able to approach courts directly to contest a challan without first going through the prescribed process, said a Delhi CMO statement.
Anyone committing five or more traffic violations within a year will be classified as a "serious offender" and will risk suspension or disqualification of their driving licence under the amended rules, it said.
Gupta noted that the issuance of challans will now be fully modernised.
Police or authorised officers can issue challans either physically or electronically. In addition, violations captured through cameras and digital surveillance systems will automatically generate challans. The e-challans will be delivered within three days to the violators through their mobile numbers, and a physical notice will be delivered within 15 days.
Once a challan is issued, the violator will have 45 days to either pay the fine or challenge it before a grievance redressal officer through the online portal, supported by documentary evidence. If no action is taken within this period, the challan will be deemed accepted, and payment must be made within the next 30 days, the statement said.
If a challenge is rejected, the individual can either pay the fine within 30 days or approach the court after depositing 50 per cent of the challan amount.
Failure to act within the stipulated time will result in the challan being treated as accepted, with payment required within 15 days thereafter.
Payments can be made through electronic modes. The grievance redressal officer will be required to upload a decision on the portal within 30 days, it said.
The chief minister made it clear that once deadlines lapse, daily electronic notices will be issued. Continued non-payment will lead to restrictions on all vehicle-related services, including payment of taxes and processing of driving licence or registration-related requests.
The vehicle will be flagged on the official portal as 'not to be transacted,' effectively blocking any further transactions until the dues are cleared. In cases where necessary, and subject to court orders, police or authorised officers may also impound vehicles involved in violations.
All challans will be issued in the name of the registered vehicle owner, who will be notified via SMS, email or other digital means, it added.
