bangalore news times

Bengaluru: A shocking electric scooter explosion inside a residential house in Halasuru has claimed the life of a 65-year-old man, raising fresh concerns over battery safety in EV vehicles. The deceased has been identified as Lourdes Nathan, a resident of Mersy Town, Halasuru. Police said the incident occurred when the electric scooter, belonging to the victim’s son, was being charged inside their home. As per routine, Lourdes Nathan had plugged in the Okinawa electric scooter on Monday night around 11 pm and gone to sleep. Around 3 am, a loud blast was heard, followed by fire spreading rapidly inside the house. The explosion reportedly occurred near the scooter’s battery unit, causing severe burn injuries to the elderly man who was sleeping nearby. His son and daughter-in-law, staying on the upper floor, rushed down after hearing the sound and found him critically injured. Despite being shifted to a nearby hospital immediately, he died on the way due to severe burns....

Chikkamagaluru: In a major wildlife crime crackdown, the Crime Investigation Department Forest Mobile Squad police have arrested five persons for allegedly attempting to sell a rare two-headed red sand boa snake, estimated to be worth over Rs 1 crore in the illegal wildlife market. The accused were caught during a raid conducted at Vajpayee Layout in Chikkamagaluru city following credible information about the illegal transaction. Forest officials said the suspects were trying to strike a deal for the highly protected reptile when the team intercepted them. The arrested accused have been identified as Vamsikrishna and Arif Basha from Andhra Pradesh, along with Yatheesh, Shafi and another Arif Basha from Karnataka’s Shivamogga and Tumakuru districts. Also Read Karnataka: Hunt to capture leopard underway after boy killed near MM Hills According to investigators, the gang had allegedly procured the rare snake and was attempting to sell it to prospective buyers for a hug...

New Delhi: In a major relief to Congress leader TD Rajegowda, who had recently lost his MLA position following a recount of postal ballots in the Sringeri Assembly constituency, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Karnataka High Court order directing recounting of votes and allowed him to continue as MLA until further hearing. The apex court issued notice to the Election Commission of India and adjourned the matter to May 21. With the interim stay order, the status quo in the constituency will continue, effectively restoring Rajegowda’s position as the sitting legislator. The development also comes as a temporary setback for BJP leader DN Jeevaraj, who had been declared elected after the recount and had recently taken oath as MLA. The Supreme Court heard a petition filed by Rajegowda challenging the Karnataka High Court ’s order that had directed recounting of postal ballots in the 2023 Assembly election. During the hearing, the court stayed both the High Court verdict and ...

Chikkaballapur: Allegations of medical negligence have surfaced at a government hospital in Chintamani taluk after a 24-year-old woman reportedly died following complications arising from a sterilisation surgery. The incident triggered protests by family members and relatives, who staged a demonstration in front of the hospital with the woman’s body, demanding strict action against the doctors concerned. The deceased has been identified as Narmada G.N., a resident of Batlahalli village. She is survived by her husband and two young sons. According to family members, Narmada had undergone a family planning sterilisation procedure at the Chintamani Taluk Government Hospital. However, during the surgery, doctors allegedly damaged her small intestine, leading to severe infection and subsequent deterioration in her health. Relatives alleged that the complication was concealed initially and proper treatment was not provided in time. They claimed the woman’s condition worsened due to...

Koppal: A major controversy has erupted surrounding donations made to the famous Anjanadri Hill temple, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, after ornaments claimed to be worth Rs 2.5 crore in gold were allegedly found to be gold-plated copper items during official verification. The incident came to light after Hyderabad-based businessman Mahesh Reddy donated a decorative crown arch, chakra and gada to the temple on May 8. The businessman had visited the temple along with Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy, who had publicly stated that his close associate had donated gold ornaments worth around Rs 2.5 crore to the deity. However, before officially accepting the ornaments into the government treasury, district authorities conducted a mandatory verification process. During the inspection led by Assistant Commissioner Mahesh Malagitti, officials reportedly discovered that the ornaments contained only around 28 grams of actual gold. The remaining portions were alleged...

Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, May 10, launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Karnataka, alleging that it has spent more time managing internal conflicts than focusing on governance. Addressing a large gathering of BJP workers at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Airport (HAL Airport) in Bengaluru, the Prime Minister said the state had become an example of “political instability and confusion” under the Congress rule. Modi arrived in Bengaluru following the BJP’s electoral performances in West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry. A felicitation ceremony was held at the airport, where he was welcomed by senior state and national BJP leaders. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said, “In Karnataka, it is not even clear how long the Chief Minister will remain in office,” accusing the ruling party of keeping leadership matters uncertain. He further alleged that the Congress “does not have a governance chapter in its book” and claimed that the pa...

Bengaluru: Tight security arrangements and large-scale traffic diversions have been put in place across parts of Bengaluru ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Art of Living Ashram on Sunday, May 10. The Prime Minister is scheduled to attend celebrations marking the 70th birthday of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the 45th foundation year of the Art of Living organisation. Traffic restrictions According to Bengaluru Traffic Police, movement of vehicles on the Bengaluru-Kanakapura Road stretch will remain restricted between 10 am and 2 pm. Commuters travelling towards Kanakapura and nearby areas have been advised to take alternative roads to avoid delays. Police said vehicles heading from Bengaluru to Kanakapura should use the Kengeri-Bidadi-Ramanagara route. Those travelling from Kanakapura towards the city have been instructed to enter Bengaluru through Harohalli, Kaggalipura and Bannerghatta Road. Authorities have also imposed temporary...