Karnataka

In a major crackdown on international drug trafficking, customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) have arrested a foreign national for attempting to smuggle 7.72 kilograms of cocaine into India by concealing it inside the pages of children’s storybooks. The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth ₹38 crore in the illicit market. Books Used as a Cover for Smuggling According to customs authorities, the accused passenger, a resident of São Paulo, Brazil, arrived in Bengaluru from Brazil and was intercepted during routine screening based on specific intelligence inputs. During inspection, officials recovered several books from his luggage, which he claimed were meant for his children. However, when officers examined the books more closely, they found the pages un...

Bengaluru/Davos: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar showcased Bengaluru as a global investment hub at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, calling it the “City of the Future.” Addressing international investors, business leaders, and policymakers, Shivakumar highlighted the city’s talent, opportunities, and potential for inclusive growth, appealing for greater corporate and foreign investment. A Strategic Move on the Global StageShivakumar’s speech was widely seen as a strategic effort to position Bengaluru not just as a city, but as a powerhouse of technology, knowledge, and innovation. As both Deputy CM and Chief of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, Shivakumar also used the platform to strengthen the city’s image ahead of the upcoming municipal elec...

Koppal: Karnataka Congress MP K. Rajashekhar Hithnal has come under intense criticism after describing last year’s rape of a foreign tourist and the murder of another visitor in Sanpur village as a “minor incident.” His comments have sparked widespread outrage among locals, political leaders, and civil society groups. The statement was made during the ‘Discover Koppal’ event held at the district administration office on Wednesday night. The program was jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism’s Bangalore unit and the District Tourism Committee. MP Labels Serious Crimes as ‘Minor’Addressing the gathering, MP Hithnal referred to the rape and murder in Sanpur as a “minor incident,” adding that such events should not occur because they negatively impact tourism. He repeated this asse...

Bengaluru: Known nationwide for its traffic snarls, Bengaluru has now earned an unwelcome global distinction. According to the TomTom Traffic Index 2025, the Karnataka capital has been ranked the second most traffic-congested city in the world. The report reveals that traveling just 10 kilometres in Bengaluru takes more than 36 minutes on average, while during peak hours the journey can stretch beyond 40 minutes. The ranking places Mexico City at number one, making it the most congested city globally. Ireland’s Dublin ranks third, followed by Łódź in Poland at fourth place. Pune, Maharashtra’s fast-growing city, stands at fifth position, making it the second Indian city in the global top five. 10 Kilometres, 36 Minutes — A Daily Struggle The TomTom report highlights that an averag...

Bengaluru: Karnataka Police is once again embroiled in controversy following the viral circulation of a video allegedly showing DGP Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao in inappropriate conduct with a woman inside his office at the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has suspended Dr. Rao pending investigation into the matter. Dr. Rao has denied the authenticity of the footage, describing it as “false and fabricated.” Speaking to reporters, he stated, “I am trying to understand when and how this happened, and who is behind it. I have no information about it. If the video is old, it dates back eight years to when I was posted in Belagavi.” Profile of Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao is a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer currently servin...

Bengaluru, January 12, 2026: Bengaluru police have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with the murder of a 34-year-old software engineer, Sharmila DK, in Subramanya Layout, Ramamurthy Nagar. The accused allegedly entered the engineer’s rented home, demanded sexual relations, and killed her when she resisted. Police investigations revealed that Sharmila did not die due to a fire, as initially assumed, but was strangled by the teenager. The accused, a second-year undergraduate student residing nearby, reportedly used a pillow to suffocate her. After the killing, he set fire to parts of the apartment to destroy evidence and fled with Sharmila’s mobile phone. Investigation Details Sharmila’s body was discovered on January 3 in her bedroom, where belongings had been partially bu...

Bengaluru:In a shocking incident from Karnataka’s Chitradurga district, a 35-year-old man allegedly killed his father following a prolonged dispute over marriage and family issues. The accused, identified as S. Ningraja, was reportedly upset that his father had not arranged his marriage, while himself having married twice. The incident occurred late Wednesday night in Hosadurga town, police said. According to investigators, the dispute escalated after an argument between the father and son over the issue of marriage, which had been a long-standing source of tension within the family. Anger Over Father’s Two Marriages As per the complaint filed by the elder son S. Maruti, Ningraja frequently argued with his father T. Sannalingappa, blaming him for remaining unmarried at the age of ...

A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday at a sugar factory in Belagavi, Karnataka, when a boiler suddenly exploded, leaving two workers dead and eight others seriously injured. All the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise, as several of the injured are in critical condition. Explosion Sends Workers Into PanicThe blast took place at the Inamdar Sugar Factory in Markumbi village around 2 PM. The sudden explosion created panic among the workers inside the factory. Ramrajan, Superintendent of Belagavi Rural District, confirmed that eight people sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital for immediate care. Investigation UnderwayPolice and emergency response teams reached the site soon after th...

New Delhi: After being appointed as Venezuela’s interim president following the dramatic removal of Nicolás Maduro from power, Delsy Eloína Rodríguez has drawn attention for her spiritual connection with the Indian guru, Sathya Sai Baba. Rodríguez, a devout follower of Sathya Sai Baba, has visited his ashram, Prashanti Nilayam, in Puttaparthi, Karnataka, multiple times, furthering the ties between her and the Indian spiritual leader. Spiritual Connections Amid Political TurmoilRodríguez’s bond with Sathya Sai Baba has come to light amid Venezuela's ongoing political turmoil, where she has assumed leadership following Maduro’s ousting. She has visited the ashram, located approximately 150 kilometers from Bengaluru, on several occasions. Her spiritual journey with Sathya Sai Baba reflects...