Police Inspector altered procession’s route in Nagamangala despite warnings from govt: K’taka HM
Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara affirmed the state government’s commitment to upholding law and order following the recent communal riots in Nagamangala, Mandya district. Speaking to reporters outside his residence in Sadashiva Nagar, Bengaluru, Parameshwara emphasized that his ministry is performing its duties effectively, stating that he does not require validation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Addressing the Nagamangala riots, the Home Minister condemned any attempts by communities to create unrest under the guise of religious celebrations. "No community is permitted to cause havoc during religious events, and legal action will be taken against those violating restrictions," Parameshwara remarked.
He confirmed that Nagamangala Police Inspector Ashok Kumar has been suspended for failing to adhere to his responsibilities. The authorities had designated a specific route for the Ganesha procession, but Inspector Kumar reportedly altered the route despite clear warnings from the state government. The minister highlighted that the government had explicitly warned the inspector that he would be held accountable for any disruptions during the procession.
ALSO READ: BJP constitutes "fact-finding committee" on Nagamangala violence
Dr. Parameshwara also informed the media that an ongoing investigation is examining the potential involvement of the Mandya Deputy Superintendent of Police in the riots. He stated that a report on the incident is expected soon, and further actions will be taken based on the findings.
When asked about criticism from the Opposition regarding the government’s handling of the situation, Parameshwara dismissed the claims. He maintained that the government neither favors nor discriminates against any community. "If people misinterpret or distort the state government’s stance, we will not be swayed by such objections," he added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Railway lines as fence could cut cost of barricading to curb man-elephant conflicts: MP Wadiyar
Bengaluru, Sept 17: MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has suggested that to bring down the exorbitant cost barricading – estimated to cost around Rs 1.3 to Rs 1.5 crore per kilometre – railway lines could be used to construct fences on Tuesday.
Wadiyar took to X to share the letter he had sent to Union Environment Forest & Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav.
Stating that “railway (lines) barricading” is proving to be an effective way to restrict the movement of elephants, he suggested that this should be taken up on a large scale.
“Upon consultation with the relevant authorities, it has come to my understanding that the cost of barricading per kilometre comes to Rs 1.3 crore to Rs 1.5 crore. Given that the border of the forests in my constituency stretches to over 400 km, with around 280 km of forest border requiring immediate barricading, the cost of such an exercise will reach Rs 350 crore to Rs 400 crore,” he wrote in his letter.
He said the environment ministry could make a direct request with the railway ministry for an allocation of railway lines, thus reducing the cost of the project to just that of labour cost.
“The benefits of this initiative are manifold, from reduction of human casualties, protection of property and livelihood, to conservation of elephants and, most importantly, promoting human-elephant coexistence, which is the need of the hour,” he added.
Working towards safer coexistence in Mysore-Kodagu! Submitted proposal to Union Environment Forest & Climate change Minister Shri Bhupendra Yadav Ji for railway barricading to reduce elephant-human conflicts. pic.twitter.com/VjOWIF1TTC
— Yaduveer Wadiyar (@yaduveerwadiyar) September 17, 2024
