Karnataka

Bengaluru police had flagged staff shortage and CCTV issues hours before the RCB IPL victory event, yet it went ahead. The resulting stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives. A probe is now underway.

In a major development following the tragic Bengaluru stampede, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has raised the ex gratia amount for victims’ families from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh. The stampede occurred during a public event organized by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Police have filed a case against KSCA officials, RCB executives, and the event partner, while the Karnataka High Court has granted interim protection to KSCA office bearers. A high-level inquiry is underway amid mounting public outrage and demands for accountability.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday denied making comments about changing the Constitution to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims. He claimed he was misquoted and warned of filing a breach of privilege motion. "I have never said that we will change the Constitution," Shivakumar stated, clarifying that his remarks were about expected changes following various judgments, not altering the Constitution. The controversy erupted after the BJP raised concerns in the Lok Sabha, with Minister Kiren Rijiju calling the alleged remarks unacceptable and demanding clarification from the Congress.

As summer approaches, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has imposed a ban on using potable water for non-drinking and non-cooking activities such as vehicle washing, gardening, and construction work. Violators will face a fine of ₹5,000, with an additional ₹500 penalty per day for repeated offenses. The ban aims to prevent a repeat of last year's water crisis, driven by declining groundwater levels and insufficient rainfall. The BWSSB has also urged residents to use Cauvery water and report violations to its helpline, stressing the importance of water conservation as Bengaluru faces an escalating water shortage.

Bengaluru is under an orange alert for heavy rain, prompting the Karnataka government to advise IT-BT and private firms to allow employees to work from home on October 16. The recommendation comes as significant rainfall is expected to cause traffic congestion and potential flooding across the city. The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society emphasized the need for employee safety, noting that transportation disruptions could pose risks for commuters. Additionally, all schools and colleges in Bengaluru will remain closed on Wednesday. Manyata Tech Park is currently flooded, complicating commutes, and the Hebbal flyover is experiencing severe traffic delays.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been booked by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to the MUDA land allotment issue, along with his wife Parvathi and others. This action follows a recent FIR from the Karnataka Lokayukta. Parvathi announced plans to return 14 controversial land sites to MUDA in light of the case. The FIR names several individuals, including Siddaramaiah and his brother-in-law, and alleges irregularities in the allotment of compensatory sites to Parvathi in a high-value area of Mysuru. Siddaramaiah maintains that he is being targeted for political reasons and insists he will fight the allegations legally. The Congress party has condemned the actions of the ED, claiming it is being used as a tool for political harassment.