Will cooperate with CBI probe in DA case: D K Shivakumar

Agencies
November 25, 2020

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Bengaluru, Nov 25: Ahead of appearing before the CBI in connection with a disproportionate assets (DA) case on Wednesday, Congress Karnataka unit president D K Shivakumar said he will cooperate with the officials of the country's premier investigating agency.

The Kanakapura MLA told his supporters that there was no need to worry and he has done nothing that will bring a bad name to them.

"On the day of my daughter's engagement, CBI had come to issue me summons, as we were not available, so they waited and served it to me asking to appear on November 23, but as I had a pre-scheduled tour to Maski (where assembly bypoll is likely soon), I had requested for November 25," Shivakumar said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said he had planned to go and pay last respects to veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel, but had to appear before the CBI, and would travel immediately after that.

"...as I had told them (CBI) that I will appear, it will not be right to skip.I have always cooperated with officials, even with ED and Income Tax. Now I will also cooperate with CBI," he said, as he requested his supporters not to come to the CBI office when he appears.

On November 19, Shivakumars daughter Aishwarya had got engaged to senior BJP leader S M Krishnas grandson and late Cafe Coffee Day founder V G Siddharthas son Amartya.

Responding to a question about CBI summons to him despite his claims of having shared all information to officials, Shivakumar said he will not question the agency's style of functioning. The officials have not troubled him during raids and have only done their duty,the congress leader said.

"They (CBI) have a manual, they will go by it. I have gone through the manual...what will officials do? they go by the instructions given to them," he said, adding that he was ready to cooperate with the CBI in every way.

To a question about recent claims of political vendetta against him, Shivakumar wanted to know against which politician in the state permission was granted to the CBI to investigate in a disproportionate assets case.

".....have I taken bribe or indulged in any misuse during my tenure as Minister? What was the need to give to CBI (probe).. Yediyurappa (CM) could have got it investigated," he said.

The Advocate General too had advised the government it was not a case to be given to CBI for inquiry, and the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau could investigate, but there was pressure, he claimed.

The CBI on October 5 had conducted searches at 14 locations, including in Karnataka, Delhi and Mumbai at the premises linked to Shivakumar and others. The investigating agency had said the searches have led to recovery of Rs 57 lakh cash and several documents, including property documents, bank related information, computer hard disk etc, and that the investigation is continuing.

The CBI had also registered a case against Shivakumar and his family members on the allegations of possession of disproportionate assets worth Rs 74.93 crore.

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News Network
January 3,2025

Mangaluru: The long-awaited DC office complex in Padil is nearing completion, with plans underway to inaugurate the facility during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Mangaluru for the State Olympics meet on January 17. Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader inspected the site and emphasized the urgency of completing the ₹75 crore project within the set deadline.

“We aim to finish the work by January 10 so that the inauguration can align with the Chief Minister’s visit. However, the final decision will depend on the project’s readiness by then,” Khader stated during his site inspection.

The ambitious project, reflecting the rich Tulu Nadu heritage in its design, received administrative approval on April 28, 2015. Following delays, the work order was issued on February 3, 2018, and construction began on March 17, 2018. Khader assured that the building's traditional architecture will extend to its surroundings, including an aesthetically designed entrance gate.

Spread across 5.89 acres, the complex boasts a total plinth area of 21,054.88 sq m, encompassing multiple levels:

Basement: 4043.88 sq m
Ground Floor: 7553.36 sq m
First Floor: 4158.94 sq m
Second and Third Floors: 2561.28 sq m each
Roof 1 and 2: 88.07 sq m each

The facility aims to centralize government services by housing most departments—except Revenue and RDPR—under one roof. This initiative, Khader highlighted, will streamline operations, save time, and enhance convenience for both officials and the public.

"Officials have been directed to expedite the remaining work, ensuring its timely completion," he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating a functional and visually iconic administrative hub for the region.

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News Network
January 15,2025

The US consulate in Bengaluru will hold its ‘site-dedication ceremony’ on January 17, with officials confirming that the location of the upcoming consulate will be disclosed during the event. Sources indicate that the site could be in either the Central Business District or Whitefield.

While the consulate building is under development, visa services may temporarily begin at the JW Marriott hotel, which currently houses the United States Commercial Service (USCS) office.

Bengaluru has long advocated for the establishment of a US consulate, and with its opening, residents of the city and Karnataka will no longer need to travel to other states for their US visa applications.

It was in January of the previous year that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Bengaluru, expressed his intention to urge the US Ambassador to India to establish a consulate in the city. This move follows the announcement during Prime Minister Modi’s June 2023 visit to the US, where it was revealed that two new US consulates would open in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, and India would set up a mission in Seattle.

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News Network
January 9,2025

Mangaluru: In a significant development, Mescom has proposed a phased electricity tariff hike starting with Rs 0.70 per unit for the fiscal year 2025-26. The proposal has been submitted to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for approval, signaling a potential increase in electricity costs for consumers.

Mescom emphasized that the current tariff structure is insufficient to meet operational expenses and manage revenue effectively. To address this, the company has invited public objections to the proposed hike.

Currently, the electricity supply cost is Rs 9.23 per unit, while the consumer tariff stands at Rs 8.53 per unit, leading to a shortfall of Rs 0.70 per unit. For the financial year 2023-24, Mescom reported revenue of Rs 5,924.73 crore against an expenditure of Rs 6,310.39 crore, resulting in a deficit of Rs 367.66 crore. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, projected revenue is Rs 5,850.81 crore, with an actual requirement of Rs 5,961.63 crore, creating a deficit of Rs 110.82 crore.

In a first, Mescom has submitted a multi-year tariff revision proposal to KERC. The plan outlines a hike of Rs 0.70 per unit for 2025-26, followed by Rs 0.37 per unit for 2026-27 and Rs 0.54 per unit for 2027-28.

"An increase in electricity tariff is inevitable," stated Jayakumar R, Managing Director of Mescom. "Mescom has submitted a proposal in this regard to KERC."

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