Two robbers shot at in Dharwad
Hubballi/Dharwad (Karnataka), Jul 24 (PTI): Two suspected robbers were shot at when they tried to escape from the police in the wee hours of Thursday, near the Police Training School here, said Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N Shashikumar.
The incident happened at Vidyanagar police station limits.
According to Shashikumar, a Doordarshan employee was returning home on his bike when armed robbers tried to intercept and rob him on Wednesday night. He escaped and reported to the police.
Police swung into action and nabbed one of the accused, Hussainsab Kanavalli. He is a notorious criminal wanted in more than 35 theft cases across Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, the official said.
Interrogation of Kanavalli led police to the hideout of the remaining gang members.
When Kanavalli was taken to the hideout, he reportedly attacked the policemen and escaped. A scuffle broke out and two other accussed -- Vijay Annigeri and Muzammil Saudagar -- tried to flee. Police sub-inspector Mallikarjun warned them and, in self-defence, fired at their legs, Shashikumar said.
Both accused are residents of Rajiv Gandhi Nagar and are said to be part of an organised burglary gang.
Investigations revealed that the gang avoided phone conversations and used Instagram messages to plan their operations, attempting to elude police surveillance.
Shashikumar visited the Dharwad District Hospital and enquired about the condition of Mallikarjun and Constable Ishaq, who sustained injuries during the operation.
He also enquired about Annigeri and Saudagar, who are being treated under tight police security.
Shashikumar said that the trio had attempted to snatch the bike from the Doordarshan employee and their attempt failed.
Based on a tip-off, police teams from three stations in Dharwad set up checkposts and managed to apprehend Kanavalli. However, he escaped while being taken to the hideout to identify the other suspects. A search operation is underway to trace him, the police officer said.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
