MP to move private resolution in RS over attacks on journalists

DHNS
February 7, 2018

New Delhi, Feb 7: Concerned over the attacks on journalists and police failing to catch culprits, a Trinamool Congress MP will move a private resolution in Rajya Sabha on Friday seeking a separate section in Indian Penal Code dealing with offences against media persons.

Referring to the murder of Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru last September, journalist-turned MP Vivek Gupta said in his private member resolution that cases of work-related threats and violence against journalists are increasing. He also demanded a CBI probe into the murder of Lankesh, who was an outspoken critic of Hindutva forces.

Gupta said there is no umbrella scheme for the protection of security of journalists and media community while seeking a nationwide survey to get an actual estimate of number of journalists facing work-related threats to formulate a protection plan and welfare for them. Another suggestion from the MP was setting up of a toll-free number so that journalists can contact police in case of emergency.

Quoting a report of Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the resolution said, "not a single case of journalist's murder was solved in India over the past decade and 96% of cases of attack on media personnel remained unresolved since 1992.

Noting that the country ranks 136 out of 192 countries in 2017 on World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders, the resolution said, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) database records only those cases of attacks on media persons where there is 'grievous hurt of varying degrees' but does not include murder of journalists resulting in under-reporting of cases. The number of journalists facing work related threats is "grossly under estimated" due to less reporting of such cases, it said.

The official statistics itself suggest 142 attacks against journalists for grievous hurt between 2014 and 2015. However, only 73 people were arrested in these cases.

"There is a disparity across the states between the registered cases of attack on the media personnel and the number of persons arrested for these attacks. For instance, Uttar Pradesh registered highest number of such cases (64), but only 4 persons were arrested....whereas in 26 cases of attack on journalists which were registered in Madhya Pradesh, 42 persons were arrested. The conviction rate of the persons arrested for crimes against journalists is even lower than the arrests," the resolution said.

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News Network
April 27,2020

Bengaluru, Apr 27: Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice in the United Kingdom (UK), Robert Buckland, on Sunday appreciated Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa for the measures taken to control COVID-19 and strict implementation of lockdown in the state.

"During an interaction with Kannadigas in England, Buckland sought information about control of COVID-19 in India, especially in Karnataka. 

The Chief Minister replied to his queries and explained that effective implementation of lockdown, maintaining food and essential commodities supply chain intact and the concern of the government that no one should go hungry, has made it possible, with immense support and cooperation from people," as per a press release from Karnataka Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

Economic activities would be started according to the guidelines of the central government in a phased or graded manner in the coming days, the Chief Minister said, who also held a video conference with some people from the state, who stay in London, amid coronavirus lockdown.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister assured the Kannadigas residing abroad that they need not worry about their parents or elders in the state as their well-being would be taken care of.

He said that they can contact helpline numbers for medial and other needs.

The Chief Minister also said that the government would consider the loan repayment issues of students studying abroad availing educational loans after the situation turns to normal.

He said that the Karnataka government would be in touch with the Centre regarding the rescue of Kannadigas stranded abroad only after international flight services resume.

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News Network
May 27,2020

Bengaluru, May 27: Mebina Michael, who contested in Pyate Hudgir Halli Life season 4, is killed in a road accident on Tuesday. The incident occurred on National Highway 75 at 4.30 pm in Devanahalli in Nagamangala taluk, Mandya district.

As per the reports, Mubiena along with two others were travelling to Somavarpet from Bengaluru. Their car collided with a tractor, which was taking a U-turn, they were immediately rushed to the Adichunchanagiri Medical College hospital.

Later, the injured were shifted to a private hospital in Bengaluru for further treatment and Mebina died on the way, while the two are are battling for lives with serious injuries. A case has been filed at Bellur police station.

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News Network
January 13,2020

Bengaluru, Jan 13: Though he submitted his resignation as leader of the opposition over a month ago, former chief minister Siddaramaiah continues as the face of the Congress in Karnataka.

However, this may change as All India Congress Committee (AICC) interim president Sonia Gandhi has summoned Siddaramaiah to Delhi for a final consultation over change of guard. Over the past month, there has been speculation over the possibility of Congress persisting with Siddaramaiah as opposition leader and either party troubleshooter DK Shivakumar or former ministers MB Patil, HK Patil or Eshwar Khandre replacing incumbent president Dinesh Gundu Rao. Both tendered resignations owing moral responsibility for the party's dismal performance in the 15 bypolls held last month.

In the past 24 hours, there has been talk of Siddaramaiah being asked to be the state unit president and vacating the other post for a young turk or experience legislator including the likes of Shivakumar who could be the face of KPCC by 2023 if he gets a clean chit from the ED in cases of money-laundering, etc. Seniors, including former KPCC president and DyCM G Parameswara and former minister HK Patil, are strong contenders to be leader of the opposition if Siddaramaiah is asked to vacate the post.

However, sources in the Siddaramaiah camp dismissed the possibility of him becoming KPCC president. "He has never aspired for the post and the high command is not inclined to do it," said a member in his camp.

Siddaramaiah may meet Sonia on Tuesday morning. It's still unclear if any other KPCC functionaries have been summoned. Sources said Sonia is scheduled to leave India for medical treatment on January 15 and wanted to complete the consultations about Karnataka. The high command has reportedly gone through reports submitted by party observers Madhusudan Mistry and Parameswara.

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