Former cricketer Prakash Rathod, social worker U B Venkatesh nominated to Legislative Council

Bengaluru, July 29: The Central Crime Branch arrested four international drug peddlers belonging to Kerala and recovered drugs worth Rs 1.25 crore from them, said Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday.

"We have started a war on drugs. Our agenda is to curb the drug mafia not only in Bengaluru, but in entire Karnataka. Many people are involved in the drug mafia. They are targeting students, other states, and international students who can spend and afford to become victims," said Bommai.

The recovered items include 2,000 kg LSD strips, 110 grams MDMA Cristol, 10 ecstasy tablets, 5 kg Ganja, five cell phones, weighing machine and pouches.

"When we raided a house in Soladevanahally police station area, we arrested Shahad Mohammed, Azmal, Ajin KG Verghese and Nitin Mohan. All are from Kerala and we will arrest their contacts as well. They are involved in the dark web mafia," Bommai said.

He said the peddlers were using post offices and couriers for their business.

"I'll speak to the central government, the home ministry and postal department, and other issues related to this mafia. Canada, Netherlands, and other nations are also involved in this mafia," said the state home minister.

"People from influential backgrounds are also involved in this mafia, but our objective is zero tolerance. We are using our intelligence. Drugs are coming from other states like AP, Goa, and other states," he said.
Bommai said he was personally addressing this case and appealed for support from parents, schools and colleges.

"I'm addressing this issue personally because it's important to curb the drug mafia. I need support from schools and college managements and parents. I'll also call college and hostel managements before colleges start. We will make managements responsible," he said.

Bengaluru, Aug 9: A youth was killed and three others injured as a pillar of an old temple on the outskirts of Bengaluru fell on them as they and five others dug under it in search of treasure, police said on Saturday.

"One treasure hunter got crushed under a pillar, three suffered injuries and have been hospitalised while five are on the run," a police official said.

The incident occurred at a centuries-old Anjaneya temple in Hindiganala village near Hoskote, around 50 km away from the city, on Thursday night.

Suresh, 23, got crushed to death while Manjunath, 23, Srinivas, 22, and Sebastian Raja Rathna, 22, were injured.

Following the unexpected accident, the injured treasure hunters called a 108 ambulance, leading to the entire incident coming to light.

The ambulance staff helped the youth stuck under the temple pillars and took them to hospital.

Police have registered a case under various sections of the Ancient Monuments Act, the Karnataka Treasure Trove Act, and the Indian Penal Code.

According to the official, local youth the village as well as a nearby village were involved in the hunt.

Police are on the lookout for the five treasure hunters on the run.

However, the police official said that it was an old ruined temple and there was nothing there.