CBI raids on ex-cop: 'No reason to panic,' says Kumaraswamy

Agencies

September 26, 2019

Bengaluru, Sept 26: As the CBI raided the office and residence of former Bengaluru police commissioner Alok Kumar on Thursday in connection with a phone tapping case, former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy said he is not worried as he has no connection with the matter.

"Let them raid whoever they want to. Why are you asking me? How am I connected to it?" Kumaraswamy told reporters in reaction to the raids on Kumar.

When it was pointed out that the searches pertained to phone tapping during his tenure as chief minister, Kumaraswamy said, "Everybody does it during their tenure.

If they investigate how the phone tapping happened in the past, then why should I be worried about it?"

Kumaraswamy said he has no reason to get worried because he has no connection with the matter.

To a question that the CBI may question him, the JDS leader said "Let them come. As per the law of the land, anyone can be questioned and investigated. Why should I panic?"

CBI sleuths on Thursday morning swooped down on the residence and office of Alok Kumar.

Police said about 20 CBI officials reached Kumar's residence at Adugodi and questioned him. They reportedly looked for some pen drive and computers.

While confirming the raids, a CBI officer declined to divulge details.

The Karnataka government handed over the phone tapping case to the CBI after a few MLAs alleged that their phone calls were intercepted.

A few police officers too complained that their phones were tapped including the present Bengaluru police commissioner Bhaskar Rao.

As the BJP government came to power, it removed Alok Kumar as the commissioner of police (COP) and appointed Rao in his place.

Days later, an audio clip went viral containing a purported conversation between Rao and a middleman where the former was allegedly lobbying for the post of Bengaluru police commissioner.

Taking a serious note of it, Rao complained to the director general of police Neelamani M Raju who ordered an inquiry led by joint commissioner of police (crime) Sandeep Patil in mid-August.

Chief minister BS Yediyurappa ordered an inquiry by CBI which took up the case on August 31.

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Rains lash Dakshina Kannada and Udupi amidst red alert

News Network

September 24,2024

Mangaluru, Sept 24: A blanket of gloom descended over Dakshina Kannada and Udupi as heavy rains battered the coastal Karnataka districts on Tuesday. Substantial rainfall has been drenching the region since Monday, intensifying as the day progressed.

In Dakshina Kannada, torrential downpours began early Tuesday, followed by overcast skies and humid conditions.

The showers persisted intermittently through the afternoon, with areas like Beltangady experiencing moderate rainfall, while Puttur and Bellare bore the brunt of heavier storms.

Overnight showers were reported in Bantwal, and Mangaluru city, along with its surrounding rural areas, witnessed a steady increase in rainfall, peaking by the evening.

After a brief respite, the return of intense rainfall has brought a welcome drop in temperatures. In Udupi, Karkala, Udupi city, Kundapur, and Hebri taluks all faced substantial rains throughout the day, continuing from late Sunday night.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the coastal districts, predicting more heavy rainfall in the coming hours.

A yellow alert has been placed for Wednesday, signaling the likelihood of additional downpours. Fishermen have been cautioned to remain vigilant, as the possibility of strong winds looms over the coastal waters.

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