Koppal: In a tragic incident, a soldier from Koppal district passed away while on duty due to a heart attack. The deceased has been identified as Veerappa Hirehala, aged 39, hailing from Kadiwala village in Kushtagi taluk.

Veerappa was posted in Punjab Unit 4 at the time of the incident. He was serving as a Havaldar in the Indian Army for the past 20 years. According to sources, the unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday. Veerappa had joined the MEG Battalion in Bangalore in 2003 and was scheduled to retire on August 30, 2023. However, fate had other plans, and he passed away two months before his retirement.

The soldier's mortal remains will be transported to his hometown and are expected to arrive on Friday. The deceased leaves behind two young sons, aged 6 and 8 years.

It is reported that the villagers are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of the soldier. However, they have expressed disappointment that no officials have visited the village to pay their respects or offer condolences.

This incident highlights the immense sacrifice and dedication of our armed forces, who selflessly serve our nation and put their lives on the line every day. The loss of Veerappa Hirehala is indeed a great loss for his family and the country, and his service will always be remembered with pride and gratitude.

All the latest news from Karnataka, just one click away. CLICK here to read all the important news from Karnataka in a single click.

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.



Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI): Police have opposed the bail plea of the Bangladeshi national arrested for allegedly stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan with a knife and injuring him at his home here in January this year, telling a Mumbai court there was "strong evidence" against the accused.

Citing a Forensic Science Laboratory report, police reiterated before the sessions court their earlier claim knife fragments that got lodged near the actor's spine during the attack as well as a part found at the crime spot have matched with the weapon recovered from the accused, Shariful Islam.

These three pieces were part of the same weapon (knife) used to attack the filmstar, the police said in a written response to the accused's plea submitted in the court on Thursday (July 24).

Khan was repeatedly stabbed with a knife by an intruder inside his 12th floor apartment in upscale Bandra on January 16 during a robbery attempt.

The 54-year-old actor underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital to remove a piece of knife that got lodged near his spine during the attack. He was discharged from the private hospital after five days.

Shariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was arrested two days later for allegedly stabbing Khan.

The police, in their response, highlighted that the accused is a Bangladeshi citizen residing illegally in India.

If granted bail, there was a possibility that he may flee India and not appear before the court during the trial. The crime committed by the accused is of a "very serious nature, and strong evidence" is available against him, they argued.

In his bail plea, filed through advocate Vipul Dushing, the accused asserted he was innocent and had no prior criminal record.

Investigation into the case has practically concluded with only the filing of a chargesheet pending, the accused contended while seeking bail.

The alleged attacker has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections related to house trespass, robbery and dacoity with attempt to cause death or grievous injury.