Two, including cop held for 'robbing' man of Rs 26.5 lakh in Karnataka
Bengaluru: A police sub-inspector and another person, claiming to be a journalist, have been arrested for allegedly robbing a man of Rs 26.5 lakh here.
SI Jeevan Kumar Thomas (31) and Gnanaprakash Anthonappa (44), who claims to be a reporter with a Kannada newspaper, had allegedly colluded with a gang to rob a person identified as Shiva Kumaraswamy on August 19, police said on Monday.
They said the incident took place in the morning when Kumaraswamy reached near the Chikkapet metro station.
Three people intercepted and abducted him in a car, they said, adding the accused snatched his mobile phone and turned it off. They then took Kumaraswamy to the Unity Building and robbed him of his money.
Later, the robbers drove him to a hotel near the Lal Bagh, where they dropped him off with a warning to leave the place without making any noise.
Based on a complaint, a case of abduction, illegal confinement, threat, robbery and conspiracy was registered. Investigation revealed the involvement of the sub- inspector and his accomplices following which the two were arrested, the police said.
It is learnt that their friend had allegedly tipped them off about Kumaraswamy carrying the huge sum.
Police have launched a manhunt for other accused.
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TN govt reaffirms 21-yr age limit for liquor sales
Chennai (PTI): Seeking to curb rising alcohol consumption among minors in the state, the Tamil Nadu government has reinforced the legal age requirement of 21 for all liquor purchases and consumption.
The government has also ordered the closure of 717 liquor outlets across the state and warned of strict action against those who violate the new directives.
The state-owned Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), the agency which holds a monopoly on sales of liquor, will be shutting 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 outlets near bus stations.
A senior TASMAC official on Thursday said that the staff at liquor shops have been instructed to check identity proof, including Aadhaar card, for all customers whose age is in question.
The official also said that the state government is considering a reduction in operational hours.
Currently, the liquor shops across the state operate from 12 noon to 10 pm.
"They are weighing a proposal to move the closing time to 8 pm," he added.
At present, the TASMAC operates a total of 4,765 liquor shops across the state. After the closure of 717 shops, it would come down to 4,048 outlets.
In 2025, the revenue from liquor sales stood at Rs 48,344 crore, which is the second highest after the registration department.
