Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday paid respects to Bharath Bhushan, who was shot dead in the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Jammu-Kashmir, and urged the central government to eliminate terrorists and ensure that such incidents don’t repeat.

Asserting that everyone is with the Centre in its action against the terrorists, he, however, reiterated intelligence failure in stopping the attack from happening.

Bodies of two tourists from Karnataka who were killed by the terrorists in the Pahalgam terror attack were brought to the Kempegowda International Airport here in the early hours on Thursday.

Manjunath Rao and Bharath Bushan were among the 26 people killed in front of their families after confirming their religious identity in Pahalgam on Tuesday. Most of those killed by terrorists were tourists.

While Rao’s body was taken to his hometown Shivamogga, Bushan’s body was brought to his residence in Bengaluru. The last rites are likely to take place later in the day.

“On behalf of the government and seven crore Kannadigas, I pay my respects to Bharath Bhushan. Still young age, he was 41 years old and a BE, MBA graduate. An untoward incident has happened. This is an inhuman act. I strongly condemn it,” Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters here after paying respects to Bhushan, he said that eliminating terrorists is the responsibility of the government. Terrorism and terrorist activities should have no place in the country.

“For no reason the government (central) should show any discount towards this. We are all with the central government. I urge the Centre to eliminate all terrorists. Our full support is there for this” he added.

Pointing out that innocent people who had gone to Kashmir as tourists were killed in front of their wives and children, the CM said, there cannot be another heinous and inhuman act than this. He further said that he strongly condemned it.

Citing the Pulwama terror incident in which around 40 soldiers were killed, he said, “Now this incident has happened. It should be ensured that such incidents don’t repeat. The terrorists should be traced and they should be eliminated from the country. I urge the central government to take such measures. I somewhere feel that there was intelligence failure.”

Noting that two people from the state have died and another person from Andhra who was a resident of Bengaluru was also killed and his body has been taken to his home state, Siddaramaiah said, Minister Madhu Bangarappa will be paying respect to Manjunath Rao in Shivamogga, on behalf of the government.

The government has announced Rs 10 lakh each to the family of the deceased, and will always be with them, he said.

A team of officers and Minister Santosh Lad rushed to Jammu and Kashmir to get back bodies to the state, and to ensure the return of Kannadigas who had gone there as tourists. 177 Kannadigas are being brought back. “It is the responsibility of the government,” the CM said.

Bharath Bhushan was shot dead by the terrorists while his wife Sujatha and their three-year-old son were spared. While Manjunath Rao, a realtor, was also killed in the presence of his wife and son.

Nasheman news

Easter marks the glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ – not merely as a historical event, but as a profound spiritual reality that continues to inspire faith, courage, and transformation in the hearts of believers and all people of goodwill.

Rev. Dr. Peter Machado Archbishop Of Bangalore

The message of Easter is universal. It speaks of peace where there is conflict, of reconciliation where there is division, and of compassion where there is suffering. When the Risen Lord appeared to His disciples, His first words were, “Peace be with you.” These words resound through the ages, reminding us of our collective call to nurture harmony, extend forgiveness, and build bridges of understanding in our communities and nation.

In the spirit of Easter, may we rise above despair and discouragement, embracing instead a renewed commitment to love, justice, and solidarity. May this holy season fill your hearts and homes with divine grace, inner strength, and lasting joy.

Our prayers and blessings extend beyond the boundaries of faith, reaching out to all the people of our State and Country. May this Easter inspire in each one of us a new dawn of peace, hope, and countless blessings.

Nasheman news

“Washing of the feet” – a profound gesture of humility and love demonstrated by Jesus at the Last Supper – was reverently reenacted by Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, during the Maundy Thursday evening service held at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Bangalore.

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan requesting for implementation of price deficiency payment scheme under Market Intervention Scheme for red chillies in Karnataka.

In the letter, he expressed deep concern for the lakhs of red chilli farmers in Karnataka, particularly in the Kalyana Karnataka region, who are facing an “unprecedented crisis” due to the drastic fall in market prices.

The Chief Minister noted that the Government of India has approved the Price Deficiency Payment (PDP) scheme under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for Red Chillies (Guntur Variety) in Andhra Pradesh, fixing the Minimum Intervention Price (MIP) at Rs 11,781 per quintal with coverage for up to 25 percent of production.

“While this is a welcome step, the distress faced by Karnataka’s red chilli farmers remains unaddressed,” he stated in the letter dated March 10.

Siddaramaiah highlighted that in Karnataka, the cost of production for Guntur variety of red chillies (Rain fed) has been assessed at Rs 12,675 per quintal by the Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission.

“However, farmers are forced to sell their produce at distress prices as low as Rs 8,300 per quintal in markets like Sindhanur. This not only results in massive financial losses but also threatens their very survival,” he said.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the Kalyana Karnataka region, one of the most backward and drought-prone areas in the country, is home to thousands of small and marginal farmers dependent on red chilli cultivation.

“The continued neglect of their plight will only deepen the economic distress and push many farmers into a debt crisis. It is therefore imperative that the Union Government extends the Price Deficiency Payment scheme under the Market Intervention Scheme to Karnataka, ensuring parity with Andhra Pradesh,” he said.

In addition, Siddaramaiah strongly urged certain modification to the existing scheme to better serve farmers.

The CM urged the Centre to increase MIP to Rs 13,500 per quintal.

“The current MIP of Rs 11,781 per quintal is inadequate considering the rising input costs and the significantly higher cost of production in Karnataka,” he said.

“Expand coverage to at least 75 percent of production. Restricting the coverage to just 25 percent of production will leave a large number of farmers unprotected. A minimum of 75 percent coverage is necessary to provide meaningful relief,” he said.

Siddaramaiah urged the Union Government to bear the full burden of the price deficiency payment.

According to him, as per the existing scheme, the financial burden is shared between the Centre and State in a 50:50 ratio. The prices of red chillies are largely dependent on the Union Government’s domestic and export policies which directly influence market stability and farmer earnings.

“Therefore, we request the Union Government to bear the full amount of the price deficiency payment to ensure fair compensation for farmers,” he said.

Siddaramaiah said the red chilli farmers of Karnataka deserve the same level of support that their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh are receiving.

“A fair and just intervention by the Union Government at this crucial moment will not only provide immediate relief but will also reaffirm the Centre’s commitment to the welfare of farmers across the country, irrespective of the state they belong to,” he added.

Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said 137 illegal migrants, including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals, have been identified in the state and the government is initiating steps to deport them to their respective countries.

Replying to a question in the Assembly, the minister said 25 Pakistanis are kept in the deportation centres. There are Bangladeshis too in the centres, he added.

“In Karnataka, we have so far identified 137 outsiders, arrested them and initiated steps as per law for their deportation,” the minister said, while replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal.

According to him, 84 people were arrested in Bengaluru Urban district, 27 in Bengaluru Rural district, 12 in Shivamogga, 10 in Udupi, three in Hassan and one in Mangaluru. No one was arrested from Vijayapura.

“In 2016, 33 people from Bangladesh were found living there (Vijayapura). After due process, all of them were sent back to their country. Presently there are no Pakistanis and Bangladeshis in Vijayapura,” Parameshwara told the House.

He said the police continuously identify people from Pakistan coming to Karnataka.

“Thousands of people come to Bengaluru. Among them, foreigners come illegally from African countries. They indulge in drug peddling. This is a very big racket. We don’t let them go scot free,” the minister said.

Regarding the Bangladeshis, he said they get a job in the coffee estates in Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu. They get ration cards, and all kinds of identity cards, including voter ID cards, the minister said.

He added that the moment police get to know about their stay, they are arrested and sent to the detention centres.

“Our government does not compromise on this issue (illegal migrants). There is no need for it and our intentions are also not like that,” Parameshwara clarified.

Regarding the seizure of fire arms in Vijayapura, he said in 2022, three country pistols and six cartridges were seized; in 2023 three country pistols and 12 cartridges; in 2024, one pistol and one cartridge; and in 2025, 13 country pistols and 28 cartridges were seized.

About the land mafia operating in Vijayapura, the minister said police have registered 27 cases and the legal action is at different stages. In eight cases, charge sheets have been filed. In 10 cases, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) report has been sought. In nine cases, investigation is underway, he said.

Parameshwara said that the police have registered cases against 173 land mafias.

Explaining the modus operandi, he said the land mafia identify and target elderly people. They prepare duplicate ration card, election cards and submit it in the sub-registrar’s office, change the land records and sell it.

Regarding the rice mafia operating in Vijayapura district, he said the dealers clandestinely obtain rice meant to be distributed at the ration shop to the weaker section at subsidised rates, and sell it in the open market.

“Rice mafia is a big network spread across Karnataka. In Vijayapura in 2022, 23 cases were registered and 13.16 tonne of rice were seized. In 2023, 22 cases were registered and 176 tonne were seized; in 2024, 12 cases were booked and eight tonne were seized, This year, only one case has been registered and seven tonne were seized,” the minister said.

Bengaluru: Panic spread in Indiranagar on February 9 after social media messages claimed that a serial killer was attacking people in the area. However, police have dismissed these rumours, clarifying that the incident involved a rowdy sheeter and not a serial killer.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) East, D Devaraja, stated that the accused, who has a history of petty theft and multiple cases against him, attacked four people with a knife on the night of February 8. According to the police, he was intoxicated and got into an altercation with his family before turning violent and injuring four individuals. He then fled the scene.

The victims are receiving treatment and are out of danger. An FIR has been registered at Indiranagar Police Station, and efforts are underway to apprehend the accused.

Police have urged the public not to spread unverified information that could cause panic. They also noted that Indian law does not specifically define a serial killer, but the term generally refers to an individual who commits multiple homicides where the victims are unknown, and the crimes are not personally motivated.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addresses the media

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday alleged that the BJP led Centre is betraying the state by allocating a mere Rs 6,310 crore of the Rs 1,73,030 crore allocated to states.

He also criticised the Karnataka BJP leaders for their silence against the ‘betrayal’.

In a statement, Siddaramaiah said he deliberately waited a couple of days, hoping that the BJP leaders in Karnataka would muster the courage to speak up for Kannadigas, which they did not do.

Instead of fighting for Karnataka’s rightful share, they were busy singing praises of Modi for this worst betrayal of Karnataka, the Chief Minister said.

He asked whether “bowing to Delhi while Karnataka is robbed of its dues” was the BJP leaders’ idea of leadership.

“The NDA government’s betrayal of Karnataka continues in full swing. Of the Rs 1,73,030 crore allocated to states, Karnataka has been given a mere Rs 6,310 crore — a shocking drop from previous installments. This injustice mocks every hardworking Kannadiga,” Siddaramaiah alleged.

Despite making up only 5 per cent of India’s population, Karnataka contributes 8.4 per cent to the nation’s GDP, he pointed out.

Siddaramaiah also claimed that Karnataka ranks second in GST collection and lead the nation in GST growth with an impressive 17 per cent increase.

“However, despite Karnataka’s significant contributions, the Union Budget has doubled from Rs 24.42 lakh crore in 2018-19 to Rs 48.20 lakh crore in 2024-25, Karnataka’s share has stagnated,” he charged.

In 2018-19, according to Siddaramaiah, Karnataka received Rs 46,288 crore, but in 2024-25, it has been allocated only Rs 44,485 crore, with an additional Rs 15,299 crore in grants.

He observed that Karnataka should receive at least Rs one lakh crore annually, “but continues to be denied its rightful share”.

“Why should Karnataka, contributing Rs 4.5 lakh crore annually to the national exchequer, receive only Rs 45,000 crore in tax share and Rs 15,000 crore in grants — a mere 13 paise for every rupee we contribute?” the Chief Minister sought to know.

“Meanwhile corruption-ridden states like Uttar Pradesh (Ra 31,039 crore), Bihar (Rs 17,403 crore), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 13,582 crore), and Rajasthan (Rs 10,426 crore) are showered with funds. Is Karnataka being punished for excelling in governance, GST growth, and development?” he alleged.

Siddaramaiah also said that the 15th Finance Commission reduced Karnataka’s tax share from 4.713 per cent to 3.64 per cent, costing the state Rs 79,770 crore over five years.

Even the recommended special grant of Rs 5,495 crore to compensate for these losses was denied by the Modi government, he alleged. He hit out at the state BJP leaders.

“And where are Karnataka’s BJP leaders? Silent as always. Why are they not demanding our rightful share? Are they representatives of Kannadigas or mere puppets of Delhi? Their silence is a betrayal of Karnataka’s people and their aspirations,” the Chief Minister charged. As the nation celebrates Sankranti, Karnataka, despite its unparalleled contributions, is left to fend for itself, he said.

“While our tax money builds the coffers of BJP leaders in UP, Bihar and MP, our people suffer during floods, droughts, and other crises,” Siddaramaiah alleged.

“This injustice demands an answer: ‘Our Tax, Our Right’. Karnataka will not tolerate this bias any longer. We call upon every Kannadiga, cutting across caste, religion, and politics, to rise against this discrimination. Let’s fight for what is rightfully ours!” the Chief Minister said.

New Delhi: Amid a row over Waqf land in Karnataka, officials from the state government are scheduled to appear before the parliamentary panel examining the Waqf Amendment Bill on Thursday.

The Joint Committee on the Waqf Amendment Bill, chaired by BJP member Jagadambika Pal, is scheduled to hear views from representatives of the governments of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Delhi in sittings spread over two days beginning Thursday.

Delhi’s Food and Supply Minister Imran Hussain is also scheduled to address the committee on Friday, followed by the recording of evidence by the representatives of the Delhi government.

The deposition of officials from the Congress-led Karnataka government comes in the wake of a row over claims by BJP leaders that over 1500 acres of land belonging to farmers in the state were being taken over by the Waqf board.

Pal had visited Karnataka and interacted with the farmers who had received notices from the state government regarding encroachment over properties belonging to the Waqf Board.

The committee had also written to state governments seeking details of Waqf properties occupied by them in an unauthorised manner as per the Sachar panel report.

The UPA government constituted the Sachar Committee in 2005 to study the social, economic and educational status of the Muslim community in India.

The parliamentary panel was constituted on August 8, soon after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha.

Opposition parties have stridently criticised the amendments proposed by the bill in the existing Waqf Act, alleging that they violate the religious rights of Muslims. The ruling BJP has asserted that the amendments will bring transparency in the functioning of the waqf boards and make them accountable.

Bengaluru: The ‘Secret Santa’ event organised by the silent reading group Cubbon Reads in Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park was abruptly halted on Saturday afternoon after park authorities confiscated a large number of books and detained event curators. The disruption occurred when the event attracted a significantly larger crowd than the organisers had anticipated.

The Secret Santa event involved attendees bringing wrapped books, which were then randomly re-distributed based on a numbered chit. Following the confiscation, the group took to social media to express their frustration, saying, “We really hope they give the books back as it was merely a gift… we were not doing it for any commercial reason.”

While the authorities claim that over 1,000 people attended, the group maintains that the turnout was around 500, acknowledging that they had not expected such a big turnout.

Kusuma G, Deputy Director of Horticulture at Cubbon Park, told Deccan Herald that any gathering of more than 20 people at the park requires prior permission from the department, which Cubbon Reads had not obtained. She explained that to hold events, a fee of Rs 30,000 and a security deposit of Rs 20,000 are required, regardless of whether the event is free or non-commercial. She further clarified that while events like marathons, walkathons, yoga sessions, and book readings are permitted, religious activities are not allowed in the park.

In a another statement, Cubbon Reads alleged that the curators were detained for two hours and had to contact senior officials to leave along with the confiscated books. The group claimed they were also required to write an apology letter. They accused Cubbon Park authorities of threatening their curators’ careers and demeaning those who did not speak Kannada. Additionally, the group was allegedly threatened with an FIR and a fine of Rs 35,000.

One of the event curators told DH that they were asked to unwrap a book, as the authorities suspected it contained unlawful things. The curator suggested that the issue seemed to stem from a broader discomfort with young people, rather than the event itself.

Another curator claimed that the authorities’ tone and behaviour changed after a lawyer intervened and contacted a top-level officer. The confiscated books were eventually returned.

Former Karnataka Minister and BJP MLC CT Ravi

Chikkamagaluru: Former Karnataka Minister and BJP MLC CT Ravi has accused the state Congress government of selective justice and threatened to launch a “Belagavi Chalo” movement if no action is taken against those who allegedly attempted to assassinate him.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ravi alleged that the state government, led by Congress, operates on the “Hammurabi doctrine” rather than adhering to the Constitution. He criticized the swift police response to a complaint filed against him by Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar while claiming inaction on his own complaint regarding an alleged assassination attempt.

“Does the CM believe I don’t have the right to seek justice under the law? Should I also send goons to get justice?” Ravi questioned. He demanded a judicial investigation into the incident to uncover the truth.

Ravi alleged that he was detained and taken to “mysterious places” by Karnataka State Police, who acted on instructions from undisclosed sources. “I told them to record the calls they received during this operation,” he added.

He stated his intent to pursue legal recourse, file complaints with the Human Rights Commission, and ensure those involved in the alleged murder attempt are held accountable. “An FIR has not been filed yet on my complaint. If action isn’t taken, we will launch the Belagavi Chalo movement,” Ravi warned.