Karnataka announces 1 day holiday, 3 day mourning over Ananth Kumar's demise

Mangaluru, July 28: A screenshot of a death threat message against IAS officer Sindhu B Rupesh, the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, is now going viral on social media.

The threat comes in the wake of the Deputy Commissioner’s warning against attack on cattle traders by anti-social elements ahead of Eid al-Adha. 

It is learnt that a discussion was held about DC’s warning in a pro-Hindutva WhatsApp group. The death threat was issued in the same group in Tulu language. 

A police officer said that if the deputy commissioner doesn’t lodge a complaint, the police will file a suo motu case in this regard.

Also Read: Sindhu B Rupesh transferred; Dr Rajendra K V is new DC of Dakshina Kannada

Madikeri, Aug 7: Two days after massive landslides triggered by heavy downpour in Kodagu, five people including a priest are still missing. 

The landslide, which originating at Brahmagiri Hills in Talacauvery, swept away two houses on Wednesday night.

This missing people are: Talacauvery temple chief Narayana Achar (70), his wife Shantha (70), brother Ananda Theertha Swami (87) and two assistants — Ravi Kiran (26) and Srinivas (30). Achar’s neighbour had shifted out of Bhagamandala earlier, fearing a landslide. 

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had to stop rescue operations due to bad weather. The operations resumed today. 

“There are many minor landslides on the way to the spot,” said Kodagu Deputy Commissioner C Annies K Joy, adding that the flood situation at Bhagamandala was not permitting earthmovers to reach the spot. Heavy rain between Wednesday and Thursday triggered landslides. 

Bhagamandala Panchayat Development Officer Ashok said a notice was issued to the priest’s family to shift out of the house, but they chose to stay back. 

On Thursday morning, when the Talacauvery temple staff went to check on Narayana Achar, as he had not reached the temple for the daily puja, they found levelled land and debris where Achar’s house stood. Utensils, puja material and clothes were found nearly 2 km away at Cherangala. 

As rains continued over the last few days, many rivers are flowing above the danger levels, forcing people to move to safer places.

 Responding to the situation, which is turning grimmer by the day, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who is currently undergoing treatment in a private hospital after testing positive for Covid-19, directed ministers to visit rain-hit areas and supervise relief efforts. He has also assured of providing required financial assistance for those affected.