BENGALURU: The State Government will submit its arguments before the Karnataka High Court with regard to the hijab issue on Friday. The arguments of the counsel representing some students in a batch of petitions questioning the ban on hijab in classrooms, concluded on Thursday.

During Thursday’s hearing, Dr Vinod G Kulkarni, a consulting neuropsychiatrist from Hubballi, argued on his own with regard to public interest litigation filed by him, that the hijab issue has created mass hysteria and disturbed the minds of all, particularly Muslim girl students. 

HC junks plea of social activist

Therefore, those students be permitted to wear the hijab on Fridays and in the ensuing month of Ramzan between April first week and May first week, he pleaded. The court dismissed a petition filed by Arif Jameel, a Bengaluru-based social activist, against the hijab ban on the ground that it was not maintainable as rules made for filing public interest litigation had not been followed.

Meanwhile, the court also permitted the counsel to withdraw a petition filed by five students in Bengaluru on the ground that the government order is likely to be affected, as the cause of action was not mentioned. But it gave liberty to the petitioners to file a fresh plea with full details.

Students protest denial of entry to colleges
About 40 hijab-clad students of Dr G Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College, Ajjarakad, returned home on Thursday in protest for being denied entry, while the situation at Women’s Government PU College in Udupi was normal as all students agreed to follow the court’s order. The Government First Grade College in Uppinangady, Mangaluru, declared two days holiday, after some students insisted they be allowed to attend classes. In Hassan, Kodagu, Chitradurga and Shivamogga students staged dharna outside colleges.

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MANGALURU: A day after he said that degree colleges do not have any dress code and students are free to wear anything, minister for higher education C N Ashwath Narayan did a volte-face on Wednesday.

In another tweet, he said: “All students must strictly comply with the interim court order on uniform/dress code. In colleges where there are no prescribed uniform guidelines, students should strictly adhere to the norms of College Development Committees (CDC).” A tweet from his office said “Schools-colleges violating dress code even after court’s direction is unpardonable.”

The minister’s U-turn led to severe confusion in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada on Wednesday. In Mangaluru police commissionerate limits, at least four colleges refused entry to a total of 49 hijab-clad students after which they returned home. A statement from police commissioner N Shashikumar said students returned home from Dayanand Pai Degree College, Pompei Degree College, Indira Nagara Degree College and Mahaveera College after they were denied entry. Whereas at Mudipu Degree College and Montepadavu College, a total of 33 students removed the hijab and attended the class.

In all these colleges, police said the principal and faculty discussed the issue with the students and explained to them about the High Court interim order. While some students were convinced and decided to attend the classes, some returned home stating that they will come back only after the High Court verdict, said city police commissioner N Shashi Kumar.

Meanwhile, principals of some degree colleges in Udupi and Mangaluru said that though the minister had said on Tuesday that there is no dress code here, they received instructions from higher authorities stating that the High Court’s interim order applies to even degree colleges and should be implemented.

Mangaluru: Congress workers on Thursday took out a rally from in the city protesting against state Rural Development Minister K S Eshwarappa’s remark about hoisting the saffron flag at the Red Fort.

The protestors, who took out a rally from Hampankatta to the clock tower, raised slogans demanding the minister’s resignation over his irresponsible statement.

Police foiled an attempt by the workers who tried to burn an effigy of Eshwarappa during the protest.

Addressing the protestors, former MLA J R Lobo said Eshwarappa appears to have lost control over his tongue. Being a senior leader who knows the Constitution, he should be more responsible while speaking to the media, Lobo said.

Former city mayor Shashidhar Hegde also condemned the statement of Eshwarappa. The minister should be sacked by the chief minister as he is unfit to hold the post, Hegde said.

Eshwarappa had recently made a controversial remark that a day will come when the saffron flag is hoisted atop the Red Fort in place of the tricolour.

Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday lifted the condition of a mandatory negative RT-PCR test report of passengers coming from Kerala and Goa.

“Passengers coming to Karnataka from Kerala and Goa, through all modes of transportation, no longer need a negative RTPCR report,” Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar tweeted.

He added that this waiver was given to passengers from Maharashtra last week.

However, vaccine certificate is mandatory for the passengers coming from these states, the minister said.

Following the third wave of COVID-19, which started from the last week of December 2021, the government had imposed restrictions and made a negative RT-PCR test a must along with the double dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“Following declining cases, less hospitalisation and less fatalities compared to the first two waves, the government took this decision”, a health department official said.

The state had reported 1,894 fresh COVID cases and 24 deaths on Wednesday. The active cases stood at 23,284.

Bengaluru: Protests by the Congress demanding sacking of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K S Eshwarappa and that he be booked for sedition, for his statement on the national flag, continued to rock the Assembly proceedings in Karnataka for the second consecutive day on Thursday.

While the Congress has decided to hold ‘day-and-night’ protests to take the issue to a “logical end”, Eshwarappa said he won’t quit.

Eshwarappa said there is no question of him resigning for any reason, and he is a patriot who had gone to jail during emergency.

“Let them protest, I won’t budge,” he said, and demanded that state Congress chief D K Shivakumar resign, accusing him and his party of ‘misusing’ the national flag for protests.

Recently, Eshwarappa had claimed ‘Bhagwa dhwaj’ (saffron flag) may become the national flag some time in the future and the same may be hoisted on the Red Fort then.

He however had said the tricolour is the national flag now, and it should be respected by everyone.

As soon as the House met for the day Congress members trooped into the well to mark their protest.

After the House paid tributes to former MLA Mallur Ananda Rao, who died on February 14, Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri took up the question hour, and Congress members began shouting slogans demanding action against Eshwarappa, calling him “Desha Drohi” (traitor).

The question hour took place amid sloganeering from Congress members, who did not participate in it, despite repeated requests from the chair.

Slogans like- “we want justice”, “we want resignation”, “Down down to corrupt government”, “Eshwarappa- desha drohi”, “this Government is RSS’ puppet”, “BJP government is anti national flag”- among others marred the proceedings.

After the question hour, the Speaker asked Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah to speak on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, but he did not speak and continued to protest from the well along with Congress legislators.

As the chaos continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till 3 pm.

The Chair in the assembly on Wednesday rejected the Congress’ adjournment motion demanding dismissal and sedition case against Eshwarappa.

In the Legislative Council too, proceedings were marred by Congress’ protest with placards from the well, demanding action against Eshwarappa, forcing Chairman Basavaraj Horatti to adjourn the House till 3 PM.

Addressing reporters outside the assembly, Siddaramaiah, accusing BJP and Sangh Parivar of disrespecting the national flag, said the Congress has decided to stage ‘day-and-night’ protests, to take the issue to a logical end.

Noting that the Governor, who is the constitutional head, should have intervened and given instructions for Eshwarappa’s dismissal, as his comments amount to treason, he said, “The Chief Minister is also not taking action against Eshwarappa, the RSS is implementing its hidden agenda through Eshwarappa.”

DHARWAD: The district has lost another prominent writer and poet in Chennaveer Kanavi (93) on Wednesday morning at SDM hospital in Sattur at Dharwad.

Kanavi was suffering from age-related health issues and was also tested positive for the Covid-19.

He was shifted to the hospital in January due to difficulty in breathing and a couple of days later, he tested positive for Covid. Upon treatment, Kanavi’s Covid test returned negative but his health deteriorated due to the infection in his chest and weaker condition of other body parts.

The District administration is planning to keep the mortal remains at KCD for public viewing until the last rites are performed at the writer’s farmhouse in Kelgeri. Kanavi’s wife was also cremated at the same farmhouse after her passing recently.

Speaking to TNIE senior writer Siddalinga Pattanshetty said that he was impressed when he saw Kanavi at the government school and later followed him and his writings beginning with Navyadvani which was edited by Kanavi and the past principal Gokak sir.

“He is the person who remained as a model for other writers. His innocence, politeness and humble character inspire young writers. My most memorable incident involving him is when Kanavi and the former vice-chancellor Pavate sir invited Kuvempu for the 1957 Sahitya Sammelana held in Dharwad. Without their intervention, it would not have been possible to witness Kuvempu at the Sammelana,” he added.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and other eminent guests visited the hospital during his hospitalization.

Kanavi was born on June 28, 1928, in Hombal village in Gadag district, while his education and career shaped in Dharwad. He is survived by five children.

Among Kanavi’s writings, Jeeva Dhwani Maduchandra, Nanna Desha Nanna Jana, Sahitya Chintana, Samatholana among others are very popular and have inspired literature lovers.

Numerous awards including Sahitya Akademi, Rajyotsava award, Maasti award and Doctorates by various universities have been presented to Kanavi for his work.

Photo Caption

Writer Chennaveer Kanavi and Chandrakanth Bellad at Sahitya Sammelana in Dharwad- Express

Poet Chennaveer Kanavi and his wife late Shanta Kanavi during voting in Dharwad few years ago

Parmesh S Jain

A 26-year-old woman ended her life after her infant died before her due to cardiac related problem at their house in in SG Palya on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Pallavi,a house wife married to Santhosh,a private company employee and the couple have seven month old son.

Senior officer visited the spot and after collecting information and taking stock of the situation he said,A two months ago the infant had heart ailment and the doctors had found a hole in the heart and suggested surgery a few days.

The couple had consulted the doctors for the operation and they were preparing for the surgery .

On Monday early morning Santhosh left for the work and Pallavi was taking care of the infant. She noticed that the infant had stopped breathing .

She went inside a room and hanged to the ceiling.Santhosh returned home evening and repeatedly knocked the door.

When there was no respond he broke open the door and found her hanging.He alerted SG Palya police who shifted the body for the postmortem.

The police found a death note that she was not able to bear the shock of her child’s death.She held no one responsible for the death.

Based on the death note,a case of unnatural death has been registered and police are awaiting post-mortem report for further investigations.

Those in distress or those having suicidal tendencies can call Arogya Sahayavani Ph.: 104 for help.

Parmesh S Jain

“I want Bengaluru to grow organically.Because organic growth takes care of all the needs like education,health and culture.

Bengaluru has got a very rich culture,rich past, which is different from other cities,Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.

Bommai in his address after inaugurating the 3-lane flyover at Manyata Tech Park connecting the Outer Ring Road lauded Manyata Tech Park for building the flyover which would benefit not only those working at the tech park but all Bengalureans.

Bengaluru is growing in all directions and those who come to the city for education, employment and business become Bengalureans as it is blessed with great climate,cosmopolitan people and good facilities,Bommai said.

Sharing his dream of futuristic Bengaluru, Bommai said,I have a dream of developing Bengaluru in its original bengaluru style. 

I need lot inputs,suggestions so that we can have a very planned and futuristic Bengaluru which would be the best place for living and a good future.

It is a challenge because the city is growing in all directions.Most of the growth is horizontal growth that brings more challenge unlike Mumbai where most of it is vertical growth,he said.

Metro from Hebbal to Airport

Referring to city biggest challenge of managing its traffic, Bommai said,Peripheral Ring Road is being built,the Hebbal Flyover would be widened, The BMRCL has taken up Metro from Hebbal to Kempegowda International Airport,the Chief Minister said.

The State government has provided Rs.6000cr for Bengaluru development.Another Rs.1500cr is being spent on improving the drainage system,12 seamless signal traffic corridors are being developed,he said.

IT BT Bengaluru

The IT BT capital is now set to be the capital of all new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy,Semiconductor.

The city’s rich science and technology manpower and great institutions like HAL,BEL,BHEL,BEML, HMT and ISRO have made Bengaluru the Science and Tech hub.There are over 180 R & D institutions in the city, he said.
[1:41 am, 16/02/2022] Parmesh Jain Press: Ashoknagar police Arrested trio including couple for Stealing Traffic Signal Batteries,68,cases solved,Seized 230 batteries,worth Rs.20 lakhs

The Central division police of Ashoknagar police on Tuesday arrested a couple who were stealing batteries installed at the traffic signal lights in and around the city.

With the arrest of the accused Sikandar, 30 and Najma,29 the police cracked 68 battery theft cases reported in and around the city and recovered 230 batteries worth Rs 20 lakh from them.

The accused has been identified as, Sikandar,30,Najma,29.and a receiver Dhanashekar.

Senior officer told media persons,based on series of complaints registered in various police station that traffic signal lights are missing.

A high level meeting was called by commissioner of police Kamal Pant,Addl CP,West,Sandeep Patil,DCP,Central MN Anucheth with ACPs,PI,and crime staff were part of the meeting.

Commissioner of police, Kamal Pant after collecting stock of the complaints instructed to form a special team and nab the culprits based on instructions a special team was formed under the supervision of DCP,MN Anucheth,a team led by ACP,Cubbon park,Rajendra DS,team headed by PI, Ashoknagar,Mallesh S Bolletin and his team swung into action.

The team visited the crime spots at various locations and analysed CCTV cameras more than 500 CCTV camera footage were analysed by the team the team got some clues that the culprits are two persons including a women and would operate between 3 am to 5 am in all Divisions and after commiting theft the couple would move towards Goraguntepalya area.

After getting clues a special team was stationed near Goraguntepalya signal to keep a watch on N-torque bike.

The team took the help of RTO and N-torque company and verified nearly 4000 vehicles registered and around 500 vehicle numbers were verified in and around Goraguntepalya to nab the couple.

The police team kept a close watch on the route and caught the one person and took into custody after getting clear identity in one of CCTV footage the team grilled who spilled the beans and arrested a women who was part of the crime on the same day only both couples were arrested.

During investigation the accused confessed to the crime and it was revealed that the accused hailed from Chikkaballapura used to move around the city on the ptetext of selling ready made garments on the scooter but also keep a watch the traffic signals to steal batteries in the wee hours between 3 am to 5 am .

Besides covering their faces the accused would disconnect the tail lamp of the scooter to avoid number plate being recorded in the CCTV .

Based on their confession the police team arrested Dhanshekhar,owner of a junk shop who was buying the stolen batteries from the accused the team grilled all the trio and recovered 230 stolen batteries and solved 68 cases with their arrest and further investigation is on.

Finally Bengaluru police commissioner,Kamal Pant has appreciated Addl CP West,Sandeep Patil,DCP,Central,MN Anucheth,ACP,Rajendra DS,PI,MS Bolletin,PSI,as,D L Srinivas,and crime staff as,Hariprasad,BR Devaraj,Jahangir, Shivakumar,Bhimrao Desai,Shivakumar Swamy,Basappa Darregound,Basavaraj Hosakoti,and others has been appreciated for their exemplary work and excellent investigation skills used in nabbing the notorious couple who used to steal traffic signal batteries to lead lavish are now cooling their heels in jail a reward of Rs.60,000 with appreciation letter will be given to the team he added.

Parmesh S Jain

State government would provide all necessary help to bring the Banjara community to social mainstream,Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said. 

Bommai who paid floral tributes to Sant Sevalal as part of the Sant Sevalal Jayanthi said,it is our wish to celebrate Sant Sevalal Jayanthi in a meaningful way.

Lambani,Banjara community has a huge cultural legacy. It is one of the few communities which have their presence from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”

Former Chief Minister and our senior leader BS Yediyurappa established Thanda Development Corporation with an intent to educate the youth of the community and for comprehensive development of the community.

Various programmes for economic development of the community would be incorporated in the coming budget,Bommai said.

Hardworkers

People of Banjara community are very hard workers. They have played a big role in the development of Karnataka. In this background measures would be taken to provide necessary help for the community, he said. 

Parmesh S Jain

The South Division police of Konanakunte police arrested a man who killed a 36-year-old bar waiter while the latter tried to rob his mobile phone in Jambusavari Dinne on Monday .

The accused has been identified as,Sharath Kumar,27.

Senior officer told reporters,the deceased Manjunath,who worked in bar and restaurant as supplier was murdered by a 27 year old man who resisted when a bar waiter and his friends confronted him and threatened him to handover mobile phone and valuables when they were drunk.

On Monday evening,the accused was returning home while talking to his mother over the phone when Manjunath with two of his friends confronted Sharath and demanded him to handover the mobile.

Heated argument turned into violent and ensued when Manjunath tried to snatch the mobile phone Sharath in resistance attacked him with a brick on his head.

A sudden blow rendered him fell down in a pool of blood and died at the spot.Passers-by informed the police immediately Konanakunte police rushed to the spot and arrested the accused.

During investigation the accused confessed the crime that he resisted the mobile Snatcher and to rescue himself and save his mobile phone he attacked the miscreant with cement brick and which resulted in killing him on the spot.

A detailed investigation by the team it was revealed that Manjunath was previously involved in a mobile snatching case and other petty offences against him.

The accused Sharath has been arrested under murder and taken into custody for further investigations he added.