Writer and Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq has reacted to the criticism that emerged after her name was announced for inaugurating this year’s Mysuru Dasara festivities.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday defended the decision to invite writer Banu Mushtaq for the inauguration of Mysuru Dasara, countering BJP’s objections.

 An incident of break-in and theft of 43 gram gold jewelry, 150 gram silver and Rs 1 lakh in cash was reported in Parvathi Layout situated under jurisdiction limits of Ashok Nagar Police Station.

In a shocking incident from Karnataka’s Belagavi district, as many as 21 people who were allegedly influenced by the sermons and writings of controversial Haryana-based godman Sant Rampal, currently serving a life sentence, had resolved to end their lives. Timely intervention by local authorities averted the tragedy.

H D Revanna, MLA from Hassan defended the state government’s decision to have writer Banu Mushtaq inaugurate this year’s Dasara festival on Tuesday. He urged people not to oppose her selection on communal grounds.

Mysuru welcomed the second batch of five Dasara elephants, including three debutants, on Monday evening. Their weights were recorded Tuesday morning at the 60-year-old lorry weighing bridge on Dhanvanthri Road, as reported by Deccan Herald.

At least 80 lives have been lost in road accidents involving BMTC buses since the beginning of 2024, according to data from the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), cited by Deccan Herald on Tuesday.

Amid the investigation of the Dharmasthala mass burial case, senior officer of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) MN Anucheth, has reportedly traveled to the United States to participate in the Intelligent Transportation Society of America World Congress 2025.