Asianet Newsable

'Pay Rs 5 Lakh Or...': 4 Women, 2 Men Enter Bengaluru Spa, Extort Money From Staff

Divya Danu — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:19:53 +0530

Police hunt is on for a six-member group, who barged into a spa and salon in Bengaluru's Vidyaranyapura, assaulted and threatened employees, and demanded money while accusing the establishment of illegal activities. According to a complaint filed with the Vidyaranyapura police, four women and two men entered the Y Salon and Spa on Vidyaranyapura Main Road on the night of October 3.

An FIR has been registered against a group of women and two men for allegedly barging into a spa in Vidyaranyapura, assaulting staff and demanding money while accusing the establishment of being involved in illegal activities.

According to the complaint, four women and two men entered My Salon and Spa on Vidyaranyapura Main Road on the night of October 3. CCTV footage reportedly captured the group creating a disturbance and allegedly assaulting the staff.

The group allegedly claimed that illegal activities were being carried out at the spa and demanded ₹5 lakh from the management. According to the complaint filed by spa owner Nayana, the accused also threatened to post videos defaming the establishment on social media if the money was not paid.

The complainant alleged that the group later reduced the demand to ₹1.5 lakh. Fearing further threats, the management allegedly paid ₹1 lakh.

The group reportedly left the premises after allegedly demanding an additional ₹50,000.

The Vidyaranyapura police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident and are attempting to trace the accused.

Further investigation is underway.

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) October 7, 2026

Group allegedly claimed to be linked to media

The complainant, a 26-year-old employee, alleged that the group claimed to be associated with the media and an organisation. They allegedly accused the staff of being involved in illegal activities and threatened to report them to authorities, according to The Hindu.

The group initially allegedly demanded Rs 5 lakh from the management. The complainant said the accused later agreed to take a smaller amount, following which the frightened employees arranged around Rs 96,000 and handed it over.

The group allegedly continued to demand another Rs 50,000, while threatening the employees with further action.

Bengaluru: An FIR has been registered against four women and two men for allegedly barging into a spa in Vidyaranyapura, assaulting staff and demanding money. According to the complaint, the group entered My Salon and Spa on Vidyaranyapura Main Road on October 3 and allegedly created a disturbance, with CCTV reportedly capturing the incident. The accused allegedly claimed illegal activities were taking place at the spa and demanded ₹5 lakh. Spa owner Nayana alleged the demand was later reduced to ₹1.5 lakh, after which the management allegedly paid ₹1 lakh fearing further threats. Police are tracing the accused.

#TheSentinel #Bengaluru #Tension

— The Sentinel (@Sentinel_Assam) October 7, 2026

CCTV footage captures alleged disturbance

CCTV footage from the premises reportedly captured the group creating a disturbance and allegedly assaulting staff members.

The complainant also alleged that the group threatened to post videos on social media to defame the establishment if their demands were not met.

The employees, fearing further threats and possible legal consequences, later approached the Vidyaranyapura police.

Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation to identify and trace the six accused. Further details are awaited.

'Get Out of Car': Tourist Alleges Verbal Abuse And Extortion by Bengaluru Uber Driver (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:39:54 +0530

A woman named Dana Marie has shared a video describing an uncomfortable experience with an Uber driver in Bengaluru, Karnataka. In the video, she alleged that he asked her to get out of the car after demanding extra money for a toll. According to her account, she booked the Uber after visiting an area where she did not want to park. She said the journey to the location was uneventful, but problems began during her return trip.

A foreign tourist visiting India has alleged a disturbing incident involving an Uber driver.

According to her account, after the ride had already started, the driver demanded additional money for a toll that she says was already included in the Uber fare.

When she suggested calling Uber to confirm, the driver allegedly told her to GET OUT OF THE CAR in the middle of a busy three-way intersection.

She refused to get out in the middle of the intersection, following which the driver allegedly pulled over to the side and was apparently shouting at her.

She eventually had to leave the vehicle and wait around 10 minutes for another Uber in an area where she says she did not feel comfortable.

The next Uber driver reportedly completed the same route without asking her for any additional toll payment.

She subsequently contacted Uber and says the company confirmed that the toll was already included in her fare.

Vehicle registration reported: KA 52 B 5047

@Uber_Support @Uber_India please investigate this incident urgently, identify the driver and take appropriate action if the allegations are substantiated.

@CPBlr @DgpKarnataka if this incident occurred within your jurisdiction, please look into the safety concerns raised by a foreign tourist and verify the circumstances.

A tourist should not have to worry about being forced out of a cab in the middle of a busy road after raising a legitimate fare concern.

Please investigate.

— Divya Gandotra Tandon (@divya_gandotra) October 6, 2026

Marie said that around three to five minutes after starting the ride, the driver told her that the fare was not enough and asked her to pay extra for the toll. She told him the toll was already included in the fare and offered to contact Uber to confirm it. Watch the post here.

Driver allegedly asks her to get out

Instead, she claimed, the driver told her to “GET OUT OF THE CAR” while they were at a busy three-way intersection.

Marie said she refused to leave the vehicle in the middle of the intersection. The driver then pulled over to the side, where she got out after what she described as an argument during which he allegedly used abusive language.

She said she waited for about 10 minutes before finding another Uber. According to Marie, the second driver completed the journey without asking her to pay a separate toll.

She later contacted Uber and said the company confirmed that the toll was included in her original fare. She also said she reported the incident.

Video sparks debate online

The video prompted strong reactions on social media. Several users tagged Uber and Uber India, calling the alleged behaviour unacceptable and asking the company to take action.

Some commenters said they had faced similar problems with cab and auto drivers in Bengaluru, including arguments over fares and refusal to follow agreed routes. One user advised passengers to prioritise their safety if a driver becomes aggressive, suggesting they leave the vehicle only when it is safe and report the incident afterwards.

Others pushed back against sweeping criticism of Bengaluru's drivers. One commenter said bad behaviour should not be generalised to everyone from a particular city or region.

The discussion also highlighted a separate concern about driver earnings and Uber fares. One user argued that app-based cab companies charge drivers heavily and questioned whether fares fairly reflect government rates.

However, another commenter rejected this as a justification for mistreating passengers, arguing that fare disputes should be resolved through the platform rather than directed at customers.

Marie ended her post by saying such incidents are dangerous and need to stop.

Kannada Actress Rachita Ram Reacts To Fans Pinching Her Cheeks During Selfies: Here's What She Said

Divya Danu — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 18:09:03 +0530

Videos showing fans pinching Rachita Ram’s cheeks during selfies have sparked debate online. While some viewers called the gesture inappropriate and raised concerns about personal boundaries, others saw it as simple fan affection.

Videos of Kannada actress Rachita Ram after fans pinched her cheeks while taking a selfie have sparked a debate online about celebrity boundaries and fan behaviour. One of the incidents took place during Rachita Ram's 33rd birthday celebration. At the same celebration, another fan's behavior also upset Rachita Ram. A fan wished Rachita Ram a happy birthday and tried to hug her. At this time, Rachita Ram not only requested him not to touch her, but also gave him a warning.

Rachita Ram#CREDAINATCON2026 #AsianGames #Kissht #दुग्ध_क्रांति_MP BRING BACK RHITI BB20 #INDvsPAKFinal pic.twitter.com/He2gk4nMQW

— Thinking overflow (@winshalp) October 3, 2026

The clips show the fans posing with Rachita and seemingly pulling her cheek. The moments drew mixed reactions, with some viewers calling the gesture inappropriate and others saying it appeared to be an overexcited fan showing affection.

However, Rachita has said she did not view such gestures from her fans in a negative way. she explained that she understood them as expressions of affection.

Rachita said her friends had asked whether she had become angry when fans behaved that way. She compared the gesture to the affectionate way someone might cuddle or touch a child.

Rachitha clearly told She loved those pinches by Her own fans She told "Their love for me wasn't meant in a bad way—that's what I told them. My friends were asking, 'Oh my, didn't you get angry?'When someone does something so cute, like cuddling or affectionately touching a… https://t.co/Npmn9fJwlp pic.twitter.com/juxctWG0ov

— Satz (@thala_speaks) October 3, 2026

She said she would have condemned the behaviour if it had been an inappropriate touch. But, the fans were expressing affection, which is why she said she actually liked it.

Social media users had different reactions to the incident. Some called the moment “cute” and said it showed her fans’ affection. Others argued that being a fan does not give anyone the right to touch a public figure without consent.

She deserves such the fandom #RachithaRam - The way she treats her fans ❤️ https://t.co/2avRxjAQj8 pic.twitter.com/ZKPmt7zIpE

— Satz (@thala_speaks) October 3, 2026

3rd attempt to kiss actress Rachita Ram—and this one failed! > Yesterday evening: A young boy pulled it off.> This morning: An old man did the same.> This evening: Another old man tried… but failed. EVERYTHING LOOKS PREPLANNED! pic.twitter.com/0kQ3GYjhwM

— T-Celebs (@t_celebs) October 3, 2026

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A post shared by Unscripted India (@unscripted.india_)

One comment said Rachita’s friendly response should not be taken as permission for others to repeat the behaviour. Another user said the fan may have crossed a personal boundary in a moment of excitement, even though Rachita herself did not take offence.

Some viewers praised the actress for being polite and mature, while others described the act as harassment.

The discussion raises a wider question about personal space during celebrity meetings. While Rachita has described such gestures as affectionate, reactions online show that fans remain divided over where admiration should end and personal boundaries should begin.

Bengaluru Pub Raid: IAS Officer And Friends Booked After Clash With Police, Video Surfaces

Divya Danu — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:50:27 +0530

An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre and three others have been booked for allegedly assaulting a police inspector, abusing police personnel and obstructing them from performing their duties during a late-night inspection at a Bengaluru pub. The case was registered at Cubbon Park police station on October 10 against Vikas Marmat, who serves as Special Officer of the Kuppam Area Development Authority, and his friends Abhay Uday Singh, Nitish and Roshan.

Disclaimer: This videos contain abusive and offensive language. Viewer discretion is advised

Andhra Pradesh के एक IAS ऑफिसर Vikas Marmat पर बेंगलुरु के एक "Pub" में पुलिस के साथ गाली देने दुर्व्यवहार और हाथापाई करने का मामला दर्ज हुआ है.

Bengaluru के कबब्बन पार्क पुलिस स्टेशन क्षेत्र के अंतर्गत आने वाले एक "बार में यह घटना आधी रात के बाद हुई. बेंगलुरु सेंट्रल क्राइम ब्रांच CCB की पुलिस टीम रुटीन चेकिंग और पब के संचालन के समय की जाँच के लिए वहाँ पहुँची थी. पुलिस वहाँ मौजूद लोगों से पूछताछ कर रही थी और उम्र की पुष्टि की पहचाना ID Card मांग रही थी.

जाँच के दौरान जब विकास मर्मत और उनके दोस्तों से पूछताछ की गई, तो उन्होंने खुद के आईएएस अधिकारी होने का रोब दिखाया. बस इसी बात पर बहस हो गई और आईएएस अधिकारी और उनके साथियों ने ड्यूटी पर मौजूद पुलिसकर्मियों को गालियाँ दीं और उनके साथ कथित तौर पर हाथापाई की.

— Ruby Arun रूबी अरुण (@arunruby08) October 13, 2026

The incident reportedly took place around 1.30 am on October 10 at Cavore, a bar and restaurant on Residency Road. A video purportedly showing the group arguing with police personnel and hurling abuses at them circulated on social media on Tuesday.

What happened during the pub inspection?

According to the FIR, Police Inspector Arun Salunke of the Central Crime Branch's Special Enquiry Wing was inspecting bars and restaurants under the Cubbon Park and Ashok Nagar police station limits.

The inspection was part of a city-wide operation ordered by Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh.

When the police team reached Cavore, officers began checking customers' identity cards to verify their ages. The four men allegedly objected to the checks and picked a quarrel with the personnel.

An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre and three others have been booked for allegedly assaulting a police inspector and other police personnel, abusing them, and obstructing them from discharging their duty during a late-night inspection at a pub in Bengaluru.

The case was registered at Cubbon Park police station on October 10 against Vikas Marmat, an IAS officer serving as Special Officer of the Kuppam Area Development Authority, and three others identified as Abhay Uday Singh, Nitish, and Roshan.

According to the FIR, the incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 1.30 a.m. on October 10 at Cavore, a bar and restaurant on Residency Road, within the Cubbon Park police station limits.

Police Inspector Arun Salunke of the Special Enquiry Wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB), Bengaluru City Police, who is the complainant, stated that he and his team were inspecting bars and restaurants under the Cubbon Park and Ashok Nagar police station limits on the directions of the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner.

When the team reached Cavore around 1.30 a.m. and began checking identity cards of customers to verify their age, four men allegedly picked a quarrel with the police personnel.

The group of men allegedly used foul language, assaulted the inspector and his colleagues, and threatened them, besides obstructed the police from performing their duties, the complaint states.

The FIR has been registered under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The inspector reportedly underwent medical treatment following the alleged assault and subsequently approached the Cubbon Park police to lodge the complaint.

The FIR records that he had been on duty throughout October 9 and submitted the complaint after receiving treatment and taking rest.

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) October 13, 2026

The complaint states that the group abused and threatened the officers and assaulted Salunke and his colleagues. The alleged actions also obstructed the police from carrying out their official duties.

Salunke reportedly sought medical treatment before approaching Cubbon Park police station to lodge his complaint.

What charges have been filed against the IAS officer?

The FIR invokes Sections 115(2), 351(2), 352, 132 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. These provisions relate to voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, intentional insult, assault or criminal force against a public servant to deter official duty, and acts committed with common intention.

Police sources said CCTV footage of the incident was available. They also alleged that the accused were initially let off following the intervention of senior officials. These claims form part of the reported circumstances surrounding the case and require further verification.

An investigation has been initiated. Further details about the evidence and action against the accused are awaited.

Bengaluru police conduct late-night pub raids

The incident occurred amid a wider crackdown on pubs and bars across Bengaluru. Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh had led inspections involving around 1,500 personnel at 400 to 500 locations.

The operation focused on compliance with closing hours, underage drinking and licensing conditions. Under the prescribed guidelines cited in the reports, liquor service must stop by 1 am, after which customers are expected to leave.

Police also inspected establishments on Brigade Road and other parts of the city for alleged violations, including concerns involving underage customers.

23-Year-Old Bengaluru Woman Dies After Eating Chocolate; Police Probe Mystery

Divya Danu — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:05:59 +0530

A 23-year-old woman from Bengaluru died at a lodge in Karnataka's Hassan district after reportedly eating a chocolate and suddenly collapsing, police said on Wednesday. The woman, identified as Varsha, had travelled to Sakleshpur on September 11 for a trip with her cousin and a friend. She was staying at a lodge in the area when the incident took place. According to the Hassan Superintendent of Police, Varsha had eaten a chocolate before going to take a bath. She reportedly collapsed while walking towards the bathroom.

Woman collapses while walking to bathroom

Police said there were no external injuries on Varsha's body. The circumstances surrounding her sudden death are being investigated, and officers have questioned the two people who were accompanying her during the trip. The Hassan SP said Varsha's parents were aware that she had travelled to Hassan, according to a report by India Today. Sakleshpur, where she was staying, is around 190 kilometres from Bengaluru.

At present, police have not established whether the chocolate had any connection with her death. The exact cause remains unknown pending the post-mortem examination.

Police await post-mortem report

A case of unnatural death has been registered by the police, who have sent Varsha's body for a post-mortem examination.

The report is expected to help investigators establish what caused the 23-year-old to collapse and die. Police are awaiting the findings before determining the next course of action in the case.

The two people who travelled with Varsha have been questioned as part of the investigation. Police are also examining the circumstances at the lodge and the events leading up to her collapse.

Officials are yet to confirm any specific cause of death. The post-mortem report will be crucial in determining whether the death was linked to any medical condition, something she consumed or another factor.

The incident has raised questions because of the sudden nature of Varsha's death, but investigators are yet to establish what happened. Police said the inquiry is continuing and the exact cause will be known after the medical examination.

'How Much Living In Bangalore Costs': Woman's Rs 1.8 Lakh Spend Leaves Internet Stunned (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 20:19:44 +0530

A Bengaluru woman’s monthly spending has sparked a debate online after she discovered that she had spent Rs 1,80,591 in August. Instagram user Trisha Sidhwani shared a video on September 3, showing a screenshot of her total spending for the previous month. She admitted she was unsure where so much money had gone.

“Is this normal? I live in Bangalore, in HSR,” Sidhwani said in the video. She added that she did not know what she was doing wrong and asked other Bengaluru residents how much they typically spend each month.

Her post was captioned, “How much living in Bangalore costs,” prompting people to compare their expenses.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trishaaa (@trisha.sidhwani)

Bengaluru spending sparks debate

The comments showed sharply different views on the cost of living in the city. Some users felt that Rs 1.8 lakh a month was not unusual for some city residents in particular.

“Seems prettyyy decent,” one commenter wrote, suggesting that the amount was not shocking in the context of the city.

Others, however, argued that Bengaluru was not necessarily as expensive as the post made it appear. One user said they spent a maximum of Rs 15,000 while living in a one-room-kitchen (1RK) home.

“Bangalore isn't that expensive as you folks are portraying! You might be spending beyond basic needs!” the commenter said.

Another viewer focused less on the spending itself and more on the income needed to support it. “My question is how much are y‘ll earning to be spending that much. I need to switch jobs asap,” the user joked.

How much does it cost to live in Bengaluru?

The discussion highlights how widely monthly budgets can vary in Bengaluru. Rent, eating out, shopping, travel, entertainment and lifestyle choices can all make a major difference to expenses.

For some residents, Rs 1.8 lakh may be manageable, while others live comfortably on a fraction of that amount.

Sidhwani’s post therefore raised a question beyond her own spending: is Rs 1.8 lakh a realistic monthly budget for Bengaluru, or does it reflect a lifestyle that goes well beyond basic living costs?

Bengaluru Man Kills Wife Over Mobile Phone Use, Dies By Suicide

Divya Danu — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:49:30 +0530

A 38-year-old man allegedly killed his wife following an argument over her use of a mobile phone. After killing her, the man also died by suicide at their home in Bengaluru's Vibhutipura on Tuesday night. The deceased couple have been identified as Raghavendra, an auto driver, and his 30-year-old wife Shruthi, who worked as a domestic help. The incident took place under the HAL police limits.

Argument turned violent

According to police, Raghavendra and Shruthi had a heated argument at their home on Tuesday night. Raghavendra had reportedly been drinking when he returned home and found Shruthi engrossed in her mobile phone. He became angry and the argument escalated. Police said he allegedly attacked Shruthi with a beer bottle and stabbed her, killing her.

Raghavendra later hanged himself at the residence, police said, according to Indian Express.

The exact sequence of events and circumstances leading to the deaths are being investigated by the HAL police.

Couple had earlier approached police

Raghavendra had often complained that Shruthi did not cook food for him and spent too much time on her phone. Shruthi, in turn, had accused her husband of drinking.

The couple had recently gone to a police station after one of their arguments escalated. Police counselled both of them and sent them home.

Despite the intervention, another argument broke out on Tuesday night and turned fatal.

They had a love marriage 17 years ago

Raghavendra and Shruthi were originally from Davanagere. They had fallen in love and married 17 years ago after convincing their families.

The couple later bought a house in Vibhutipura and settled there. They are survived by two children, who are currently staying with Shruthi’s parents in Davanagere.

Raghavendra’s parents live on the top floor of the same building where the couple resided.

HAL police investigate

The HAL police have registered a case and begun investigating the incident. Police are looking into the couple’s recent dispute, their earlier visit to the police station and the circumstances that led to the deaths.

Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

Could Bengaluru Get Direct Flights To Canada? New Vancouver Airport Pact Sets The Stage

Divya Danu — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:34:04 +0530

Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said the partnership could strengthen trade, investment and people-to-people ties. The agreement also reflects growing business links and an Indian-origin community in British Columbia.

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and Vancouver International Airport in Canada have signed a sister airport agreement to strengthen cooperation in aviation technology, airport operations, cargo movement and trade. The agreement also sets out a goal of establishing direct air services between Bengaluru and Vancouver, connecting southern India with western Canada.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday at Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport in the presence of Canada's Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, and other senior officials. Representatives from both airports and Canadian diplomatic officials also attended the event.

Sister airport agreement between @BLRAirport and @yvrairport signed. Congratulations @HariMarar, Arun Chandra and their teams. https://t.co/d5nxPAegr6

— Bangalore Aviation (@BLRAviation) October 16, 2026

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: Indian and Canadian companies signed MoUs in the presence of Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu https://t.co/flUl71jJ2U

— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2026

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: A grand business reception was hosted as part of the Team Canada Trade Mission to India, aimed at unlocking new commercial partnerships and strengthening bilateral trade ties.

Canada’s International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said, "...Canada and India are renowned for their creative flair. So what better place for all of us to gather than here in India's Innovation Hub? Cutting-edge Canadian companies such as Kinaxis, OpenText, CGI, CAE, Magellan Aerospace, MDA Space, and BCE Global Tech, to name but a few, are already based here. Companies of every size are succeeding here, and it always starts with a relationship... I saw the opportunity for Canada and India to work together just a few hours ago when I toured Terminal 2 of the Bengaluru airport and heard about its plans for its expansion. Canada's Fairfax Financial has already shown what it can do with its investments in the airport, and Canadian companies such as Genetec, Transoft Solutions, and RBH Access are already working hard on the ground at the airport... Canadian companies like those here tonight are ready to tap into the talent to bring technology and innovation and long-term partnerships to India's dynamic market. In AI and quantum computing, in digital innovation and security, in aviation infrastructure, and in sustainability and smart mobility—and that's just the short list..." (15.10)

— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2026

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, said the agreement establishes a framework for collaboration across seven areas. These include technology and innovation, operational improvements, air cargo development and the exploration of direct air connectivity between the two cities.

One of the key objectives of the agreement is to establish direct air services between Bengaluru and Vancouver. While the MoU sets out this goal, the announcement did not specify a launch date, airline or flight schedule.

Improved air connectivity could support growing business links between southern India and western Canada. Bengaluru is a major technology and business centre, while Vancouver serves as an important international gateway for Canada's western coast.

The proposed connection could also make travel between the two regions more convenient for business travellers and people visiting family. However, the agreement is a framework for cooperation, and the announcement does not mean that direct flights are ready to begin.

The airports also intend to strengthen air cargo movement between India and Canada. According to BIAL, the partnership will focus particularly on supporting industries such as technology, where stronger trade links and efficient transport can help businesses move goods between the two markets.

Technology is another major part of the partnership. The two airports plan to exchange expertise and explore tools that could improve airport management, operational efficiency and passenger experience.

One area of cooperation will involve Vancouver International Airport's Digital Twin. Such systems create digital representations of physical infrastructure and can help airport teams understand operations, assess performance and explore possible improvements.

The airports will also examine emerging technologies and potential pilot projects that their teams could develop or test together. The aim is to identify practical applications that could improve the way airport facilities and services are managed.

BIAL said the partnership would focus on digital platforms, data-driven decision-making and process optimisation. Teams from both airports will also exchange practices relating to smart airport technologies, sustainable operations and terminal performance management.

The collaboration is intended to help both airports learn from each other's experience and benchmark their operations against international practices. The wider objective is to build airport systems that are more efficient, resilient and prepared for future passenger and cargo demand.

The agreement comes as India and Canada look to expand their commercial relationship. According to BIAL, bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at more than USD 10.9 billion in 2025. Both governments are working towards considerably increasing trade volumes in the coming years.

Stronger aviation links could support this ambition by improving the movement of goods and making business travel between the two countries easier. Better cargo connectivity is particularly relevant for companies that depend on reliable transport to serve international markets.

Sidhu said the agreement would help strengthen Canada's trade relationship with India as Ottawa seeks to diversify its international partnerships.

"As we move at speed to diversify Canada's trade relationships with partners like India, our trade corridors are seeing real results," he said.

Sidhu also pointed to growth in cargo activity at Vancouver International Airport, where air cargo volumes increased by 7.4 per cent in 2025. He said the agreement laid the groundwork for direct air services to one of the world's fastest-growing markets.

He added that stronger links could support trade, investment and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

People-to-people connections are another factor behind the proposed cooperation. British Columbia, the Canadian province where Vancouver International Airport is located, is home to nearly 500,000 people of Indian origin, according to the statement. They account for close to 10 per cent of the province's population.

The large Indian-origin community creates significant links between western Canada and India through family visits, education, business and travel.

Bengaluru, meanwhile, has experienced considerable population growth alongside the rapid expansion of its technology sector. BIAL said business-to-business ties between Bengaluru, western Canada and the western United States have also been growing.

These links provide a wider economic context for the airport agreement, which is intended to support both passenger movement and commercial activity.

Albert van Veen, vice-president of innovation and chief information officer at Vancouver International Airport, said the agreement reflected the growing importance of the Canada-India corridor.

He said cooperation across the aviation sector was needed to support passengers, cargo and trade, adding that the partnership would allow both airports to explore ways to improve passenger journeys while strengthening operational efficiency and resilience.

Girish Nair, chief operating officer of BIAL, said the partnership would create a framework for technology integration and operational excellence.

He said the airports would work together on digital platforms, data-led decision-making, sustainable operations and terminal performance, with the aim of improving efficiency and passenger experience.

The event was also attended by Canada's High Commissioner to India, Christopher Cooter, and Ryan Ward, Consul General of Canada in Bengaluru.

The sister airport agreement brings the two aviation hubs together around a common set of priorities: technology, operational improvements, cargo movement and stronger international connectivity. Its next steps will determine how these objectives translate into practical projects, with the proposed direct air service remaining a key ambition of the partnership.

(With inputs from agencies)

No More Dark Streets in Bengaluru! Govt Sets Strict October 31 Deadline to Fix All Streetlights

Divya Danu — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 19:19:15 +0530

Bengaluru has set October 31 as the deadline for completing pending LED streetlight installation and replacement work. Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said contractors have been fined Rs 93.67 lakh for maintenance failures.

Bengaluru residents facing dark streets and faulty streetlights have been given a fresh deadline for improvement, with the state government directing officials to complete pending LED installation and replacement work by October 31. Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has also warned contractors that poor installation and maintenance will invite penalties.

Contractors have so far been fined a total of Rs 93.67 lakh for streetlight maintenance failures, including violations reported through the city's Sahaaya 2.0 grievance-redressal system.

At a virtual review meeting on Friday, Gowda directed officials to check the actual condition of streetlights rather than relying only on reports claiming that work had been completed.

Reliable streetlighting is fundamental to a safer, better-connected Bengaluru.

We are strengthening on-ground inspections, technology-led monitoring and contractor accountability to ensure every streetlight works as intended.

Every light matters. Every complaint counts.

#BetterBengaluru

— Krishna Byre Gowda (@krishnabgowda) October 17, 2026

He said contractors must face penalties if lights are installed incorrectly or fail to work as required. The focus, he stressed, should be on ensuring that streetlights remain functional, not merely completing installation work.

The minister had suspended an executive engineer in September over alleged neglecting the duty. He subsequently directed officials to address outstanding problems as a priority and monitor streetlight maintenance continuously.

Although LED installation and the replacement of older lights have been completed in several areas, Gowda said progress remained inadequate. He instructed officials to finish the pending work by October 31.

He also directed the replacement of sodium-vapour streetlights with LED lights in the Bengaluru East City Corporation jurisdiction.

The government said intensified monitoring appeared to be producing results, with daily streetlight complaints through Sahaaya 2.0 declining from an average of 293 in June to 235 in October.

Between September 1 and October 15, residents registered 8,186 streetlight-related complaints. Of these, 6,765 had been resolved, leaving 1,421 unresolved during the reported period.

The figures suggest that complaints are being addressed, but the remaining cases underline the need for continued monitoring and timely repairs.

With the October 31 deadline approaching, officials must complete pending installations, replace outdated lights where directed and ensure that contractors maintain the systems properly. The next challenge will be to keep the lights working after installation and prevent residents from repeatedly reporting the same faults.

Karnataka Youth Borrows Bike To Reach Exam Centre, Dies After Kite String Cuts Neck

Divya Danu — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:53:07 +0530

A 19-year-old ITI student died in Karnataka's Belagavi after a kite string, commonly known as manja, allegedly became entangled around his neck while he was riding a motorcycle. The incident took place on Thursday near Gandhi Nagar on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway. The victim has been identified as Dhruva Karjagi, a resident of Mahantesh Nagar in Belagavi.

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Student was on his way for an exam

Dhruva was pursuing an ITI course at a private college in Belagavi. He had reportedly borrowed a relative’s motorcycle to travel to college for an examination.

While riding towards the college, Dhruva was passing over the National Highway bridge in the Gandhi Nagar area when the kite string suddenly caught around his neck. The abrasive string caused serious injuries and heavy bleeding. Dhruva reportedly died at the spot.

Police investigating manja death

The incident was reported to the North Traffic Police, who have registered a case and started an investigation. Police are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the kite string came to be stretched across the road.

The death has once again highlighted the danger posed by kite strings to people travelling on roads. Manja can be difficult to see, particularly when it is stretched across roads or flyovers, and can cause serious injuries to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

The incident has also renewed concerns over the risks posed by kite-flying strings in areas with heavy traffic, where an unexpected thread can become a serious hazard.

Karnataka Eyes Global Bioenergy Partnerships: KSBDB Holds Key Clean Energy Talks In Atlanta

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:26:25 +0530

A high-level delegation of the Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board (KSBDB), led by Chairman S.E. Sudheendra, held a meeting with the Consul General of the United States at the Consulate General of the USA in Atlanta to explore opportunities for collaboration in bioenergy, clean fuels and sustainable energy solutions between Karnataka and the State of Georgia.

On the occasion, the Chairman presented Karnataka’s multi-feedstock, decentralised bioenergy model, which focuses on community participation, sustainable biomass utilisation and the development of efficient biomass-to-fuel supply chains. He highlighted the potential to adapt and share these approaches through international technical cooperation.

The discussions identified significant areas of mutual interest with ongoing clean-energy initiatives in the Atlanta region, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities-Georgia coalition, the I-75 Clean Corridor Programme and initiatives focused on converting forestry residues into usable fuels. The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) was also identified as a potential technical and research partner for future collaboration.

The Consul General welcomed the proposal to strengthen Karnataka-Georgia cooperation in clean energy and bioenergy. Proposed next steps include exploring a possible Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or knowledge-exchange arrangement, technical exchange visits between Clean Cities-Georgia and KSBDB teams, and collaborative initiatives relating to forestry-residue conversion and carbon capture technologies.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss broader themes concerning global models of longevity, health and well-being, including the Blue Zone concept associated with Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula.

Dr. Sumith Seth highlighted the stringent testing and quality standards applicable to American produce and products, and their implications for cost.

The Chairman and the Consul General also fondly remembered former Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi, who laid the foundation for the development of new and renewable energy in India, with his birthday being celebrated as Akshay Urja Diwas on August 20 every year, as well as Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contribution to strengthening India–United States relations.

Shri S.E. Sudheendra emphasised the importance of further strengthening engagement with the Indian diaspora in Atlanta, particularly in the areas of knowledge sharing, innovation and economic cooperation. The Consul General expressed full agreement on the importance of strengthening these ties.

The Chairman extended an invitation to an Atlanta/Georgia delegation to visit Karnataka and explore the State’s bioenergy ecosystem, with the objective of taking forward the proposed areas of technical cooperation and knowledge exchange.

The meeting was attended by delegation members Dr. Shiju Sebastian, Adviser; Alkesh Kanya Lal Patel; Vinod Ishwar Bhai Patel; Bhika Bhai Patel; Sarbjit Singh; and Prashanth B.K. Lokesh Gowda, Private Secretary to the Chairman.

Karnataka Generates 2.04 Crore Job Days Amid Rainfall Deficit: What New Scheme Offers Rural Families

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 18:06:51 +0530

Karnataka has generated a record 2.04 crore person-days of employment under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, between July 1 and October 13, 2026, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre said on Wednesday. The figure marks an increase from the 1.71 crore person-days recorded during the corresponding period last year under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), according to the minister. The VB-G RAM G scheme replaced MGNREGA and was implemented in Karnataka from July 1 this year.

Khandre said the rise in employment generation came amid a rainfall deficit attributed to the El Niño effect. He added that the scheme had provided work to more rural poor people, Dalits, disadvantaged unskilled workers and landless labourers.

Raichur Leads Karnataka In Employment Generation

Raichur district, in the Kalyana Karnataka region, recorded the highest employment generation during the period, with 24 lakh person-days. Bidar followed with 21 lakh person-days, while Koppal reported 18 lakh person-days, Khandre said.

Several districts also recorded sharp year-on-year increases in employment generation. Vijayanagara registered a rise of 340 per cent, followed by Kalaburagi at 257 per cent, Koppal at 207 per cent, Ballari at 175 per cent and Bidar at 173 per cent.

The figures highlight the increased demand for rural employment across parts of the state during a period of rainfall deficit.

New Job Cards And Measures To Reduce Migration

The state government has undertaken e-KYC verification of job cards issued under MGNREGA and organised camps to distribute new cards. According to Khandre, these steps have helped hundreds of families find work in their home areas instead of migrating elsewhere in search of employment.

A total of 87,164 new job cards have been issued in Karnataka this year, the minister added.

The initiative is intended to improve access to employment for rural households, particularly those dependent on unskilled labour for their livelihoods.

What Works Are Covered Under The Scheme?

The employment programme covers a range of activities aimed at improving rural infrastructure and protecting natural resources.

These include desilting lakes, social forestry, rejuvenating canals, lakes and ponds, building cattle sheds and farm ponds, preventing soil erosion on hill slopes, constructing compost pits and developing rural connectivity roads.

The scheme has also been expanded to cover the construction of houses under housing schemes, community halls and rural bus stands. Khandre said the focus would be on creating permanent assets while supporting village development.

How Much Can Rural Workers Earn?

Under the VB-G RAM G scheme, each eligible family can receive up to 125 days of employment a year. The daily wage is Rs 382 for both men and women, with no gender-based difference in pay.

At this rate, a household receiving the full 125 days of employment can earn up to Rs 47,750 in a year, Khandre said.

The scheme's employment guarantee is designed to provide rural families with a source of income while supporting the creation of infrastructure and community assets. The actual amount earned by a household will depend on the number of days of work provided and completed.

(With agency inputs)

Karnataka Weather Today: 13 Districts on Yellow Alert, Thunderstorm in Bangalore, Check Full Forcast

Zetan Kumari — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:02:10 +0530

Another spell of wet weather is expected in Karnataka on Thursday, September 17, as southwest monsoon will continue to be active in the state. Some areas of South Interior Karnataka are likely to have rains along with thunder and lightning while Bengaluru may also witness rains during the latter part of the day.

Yellow Alert Issued in 13 Districts

A yellow alert has been issued in 13 districts. They include Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Kodagu, Tumakuru, Shivamogga and Vijayanagara.

In some areas of these districts, light to moderate rains along with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds with speed up to 30-40 kmph may occur.

Rainfall Expected During Evening Time in Bengaluru

Bengaluru is expected to have cloudy skies while there may be chances of light to moderate rains or thundershowers during the evening or night time. There may be strong winds with speed up to 30-40 kmph along with the rainfall.

According to the latest prediction, the regions of coastal and North Interior Karnataka are likely to witness comparatively dry weather.

Intense Rainfall Puts Additional Pressure on Weather Conditions

Certain areas in Bengaluru and neighboring regions have seen heavy rainfall. The report mentions that certain places in Ramanagara and Mandya saw rainfall exceeding 100 mm, emphasizing the heavy rainfall seen recently in certain parts of southern Karnataka.

The people living in these regions must be aware of weather forecasts, especially when traveling during thunderstorms or windy conditions.

Clean Your Plot or Pay: Bengaluru Starts Civic Clean-Up After Deadline Expires

Divya Danu — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:56:59 +0530

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Thursday launched the next phase of the city’s vacant-plot cleaning drive in Domlur, Shantinagar Assembly constituency, after the deadline given to private landowners expired. Under the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s 'Freedom from Waste' campaign, owners were initially asked to clean their vacant plots by August 15. The deadline was later extended to August 22 following requests for more time. With the extension now over, the five city corporations have been directed to identify neglected sites, issue notices to owners and begin cleaning work where required.

Owners may have to bear cleaning costs

The GBA has made it clear that maintaining a private vacant plot is primarily the owner's responsibility. If civic authorities have to step in and clean a site after the owner fails to act, the cost can be recovered through the property's tax bill.

Officials have been asked to prepare lists of plots that need cleaning. Notices will be served through marshals and junior health inspectors before civic action is taken. The five city corporations were directed to begin the drive from Thursday and intensify it further in the coming days.

The minister has urged owners to clean their properties themselves rather than wait for civic intervention, saying this would help them avoid additional costs.

The GBA has said charges for cleaning are based on the government's Schedule of Rates and depend on factors such as the size of the plot, the quantity of debris and the work involved.

Drive aims to tackle waste and sanitation concerns

Neglected vacant plots often become dumping grounds for construction debris, household waste and overgrown vegetation. They can also create sanitation concerns by attracting mosquitoes, rats, snakes and other pests.

Under the wider ‘Freedom from Waste’ campaign, the GBA and other agencies have been working to clear construction and demolition waste, debris and overgrown vegetation from public spaces across Bengaluru.

Before the campaign began, the authorities had identified around 22,700 tonnes of waste at 1,616 locations across the city. The clean-up involves coordination between the GBA, Bengaluru Development Authority, BESCOM, BMRCL, K-RIDE, KIADB and other agencies.

Geo-tagged proof and proper disposal

To improve accountability, the civic bodies have been directed to record before-and-after geo-tagged videos of every vacant plot cleaned by the authorities.

Waste and debris collected from these properties must be taken only to authorised disposal sites. The Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited has also been asked to track the process, from identifying the plot to cleaning and final disposal, through its ‘Clear It’ system. Citizens are also expected to get a facility to report neglected vacant plots.

The latest action marks a shift from voluntary compliance to enforcement. Bengaluru's message to owners is straightforward: clean your vacant plot, or the civic body may do it and recover the cost from you.

'Where Next?': Bittu Tabahi Takes His Ajnar River Clean-Up Mission To Bengaluru (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 16:05:51 +0530

Bittu Tabahi, the 20-year-old cleanliness campaigner who recently drew widespread attention for cleaning the heavily polluted Ajnar River in Madhya Pradesh, has now taken his mission to Karnataka's Bengaluru. The young campaigner, whose real name is Surendra Singh Choudhry, led a team of around 100 people in a clean-up drive at Turahalli Forest, located about 20 km from Bengaluru off Kanakapura Road.

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100 people help Bittu Tabahi in Turahalli Forest clean-up

Bittu documented the clean-up in an Instagram video, showing members of his team working through areas filled with discarded waste.

Wearing gloves and masks, the volunteers collected all the garbage and packed it into sacks. Some members used spades to dig into the ground and remove waste that had accumulated below the surface.

A JCB was also brought in to clear sections where garbage had gone deeper into the soil. Once collected, the waste was loaded onto a recycling truck and taken away from the forest.

Bittu said his aim was not limited to cleaning one location. He has been travelling to different states to spread awareness about keeping public spaces clean.

“I have been travelling to different states to spread awareness about my cleanliness drive,” Bittu said in the video.

Bengaluru residents join Bittu's mission

Bittu said people in Bengaluru supported his latest cleanliness drive and joined him in clearing waste from the forest.

The effort also received encouraging reactions on social media. The Instagram account 4cleanindia commented, “We got this together! It was lovely meeting you bhai.”

The Indian Garage also thanked Bittu for joining its 500K clean-up drive at Turahalli Forest, describing his participation as something that made the milestone memorable.

Other users praised his work with comments such as 'Clean India', 'Respect bro', 'Thanks from Bangalore' and 'Bahut achcha kam kar rahe ho bhai' (you are doing a good job).

From Ajnar River to a wider clean-up mission

Bittu became widely known online after spending months cleaning the Ajnar River. He repeatedly removed plastic, discarded waste and other rubbish from the river and shared videos and before-and-after pictures of the transformation.

His work was largely carried out on his own rather than as part of a large government campaign or formal environmental programme. He also funded basic supplies himself and repeatedly returned to the river to continue the clean-up.

His efforts later attracted the attention of The Ocean Cleanup, founded by Dutch environmentalist Boyan Slat, which offered him a job.

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A post shared by Surendra singh choudhry (@bittu_tabahi)

After receiving the offer, Bittu shared another video thanking people for supporting his journey. He also asked his followers to suggest which state he should visit next as he continued his cleanliness mission.

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A post shared by Surendra singh choudhry (@bittu_tabahi)

Car Flips After Crashing Into Divider On Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway, 4 Killed, 1 Critical

Divya Danu — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:17:52 +0530

A horrific road accident on the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway in Karnataka’s Kolar district has left four people dead and another critically injured. The crash took place near Maragal in Bangarapet taluk on Wednesday. According to preliminary information, a speeding car lost control, slammed into the road divider and overturned. The impact badly damaged the vehicle, while those travelling inside were thrown onto the highway.

Four killed in high-speed crash

According to initial reports, three occupants died at the spot because of the impact. Another injured passenger reportedly died while being taken to hospital.

The remaining injured person was rushed to a hospital in Kolar and is said to be in critical condition. The injured passengers were initially taken to hospitals in Bangarapet and Kolar for emergency treatment.

The exact identities of those killed and injured have not yet been confirmed by police.

Victims reportedly from Pune

Preliminary information suggests that the occupants of the car were from Pune, Maharashtra. Police are now working to establish their identities and contact their families.

The condition of the surviving injured passenger remains critical, according to the initial information available.

The crash has once again raised concerns over accidents on the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway, although the exact cause of this particular accident is yet to be established.

Bangarapet police begin probe

After receiving information about the crash, personnel from Bangarapet police reached the spot and began examining the accident site.

Police have registered a case at Bangarapet police station and are investigating the circumstances that led to the car losing control.

Officials are also working to establish the identities of the victims and determine the sequence of events before the crash.

Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

Namma Metro Pink Line: CMRS Completes 3-Day Safety Run, Kalena Agrahara-Tavarekere Opening Soon

Zetan Kumari — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:53:35 +0530

Namma Metro’s Pink Line has completed a three-day CMRS safety run on the Kalena Agrahara-Tavarekere stretch. The key Bengaluru Metro corridor is now moving closer to commercial operations.

Bengaluru: Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) announced a major update for Bannerghatta Road and South Bengaluru residents. The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) successfully completed the 3-day statutory safety inspection. Officials checked the 7.5 km elevated stretch from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere. The commercial run for the highly anticipated Pink Line will start very soon.

CMRS Commissioner for Southern Circle V. Venkatasubramanian led the expert team. They conducted back-to-back tests along the route from October 6 to 8.

October 6: Officials thoroughly checked the main line and civil infrastructure using a motor trolley.

October 7: The team inspected the Kothanur Depot facilities. They also conducted train trials on the main line to check speed and control.

October 8: Officials visited the Operations Control Centre (OCC) at Baiyappanahalli. They tested the signaling and traffic control systems to complete the inspection.

The new elevated route includes exactly 6 metro stations:

Kalena Agrahara
Hulimavu
IIMB
JP Nagar 4th Phase
Jayadeva Hospital (Interchange Station)
Tavarekere

BMRCL already secured the speed certificate from the RDSO in August. The Railway Board then gave provisional approval for the metro coaches. The Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) also provided safety certification for the signaling system. BMRCL will now receive the final CMRS inspection report. The metro line will get the official green signal for public service after officials fulfill the final conditions.

The total operational network of Namma Metro will expand from 96.10 km to a massive 103.60 km once this 7.5 km stretch opens. Bengaluru will soon join the elite list of Indian cities with a metro network of over 100 km. This new route will act as a huge blessing for IT employees and daily commuters who face terrible traffic jams on Bannerghatta Road.

Bengaluru To Kerala For Dasara? Check Special Train Dates, Timings And All Stops

Divya Danu — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 20:17:12 +0530

The South Western Railway has announced a special express train between Bengaluru Cantonment and Thiruvananthapuram North to manage the extra passenger rush during the Dasara and Navaratri festive season. The special service will operate for one trip in each direction, offering additional travel options for passengers heading to Kerala from Bengaluru for the festive holidays. The train will run via Salem, Erode, Palakkad, Thrissur and Kottayam, among other stations.

SWR to run special express trains between Bengaluru Cantt. - Thiruvananthapuram North to clear extra rush of passengers during #Dasara

#SWRupdates

@drmsbc https://t.co/QUnPa5BiW4

— South Western Railway (@SWRRLY) October 13, 2026

Bengaluru to Thiruvananthapuram special train: Timings

Train No. 06575 will depart from Bengaluru Cantonment at 4.40 pm on Friday, October 16, 2026, and arrive at Thiruvananthapuram North at 10.30 am on Saturday, October 17.

The train will stop at several stations along the route, including Whitefield, Bangarapet, Kuppam, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Changanasseri, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Mavelikara, Kayankulam, Karunagapalli, Sasthankotta, Kollam and Varkala Sivagiri.

The additional service is expected to help passengers travelling to Kerala for Navaratri and Dasara holidays, including people planning to visit their hometowns during the festive period.

Return train from Thiruvananthapuram to Bengaluru

For the return journey, Train No. 06576 will depart from Thiruvananthapuram North at 12.40 pm on Saturday, October 17, and reach Bengaluru Cantonment at 6.40 am on Sunday, October 18.

The return service will cover the same route, with scheduled stops at the stations listed for the onward journey.

According to the railway announcement, both special express services will consist of 20 coaches.

How to check train timings and details

Passengers can check the latest timings and other journey details through the official Indian Railways enquiry website, www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in, the NTES mobile application or the railway enquiry number 139.

Travellers are advised to check the latest service information before departure and confirm their ticket availability through the authorised railway booking channels.

Bengaluru: Woman Caught on CCTV Smashing Car Windows Over Parking Row, Video Goes Viral (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 20:58:32 +0530

In a shocking yet concerning incident, a woman was spotted on CCTV footage aggressively smashing the windows of a parked car with a heavy stone during the dead of night in Bengaluru.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), a woman was seen repeatedly hurling stones and striking the vehicle's glass until both the front and rear windshields were extensively shattered. The entire incident was captured on camera by a resident living in the area, who reportedly witnessed the woman damaging the vehicle late at night.

The late-night confrontation, triggered by a car parked in front of the woman’s residence, reportedly escalated into an act of vandalism, with the woman repeatedly striking the vehicle with a large stone.

Also Read: Mavelikkara: Tragedy Strikes Family After Toddler Falls Into Field! Read Details

How Did the Incident Unfold in Bengaluru?

Bengaluru witnessed another stark reminder of the city's mounting parking woes on Thursday morning, as the harrowing footage made its rounds across various digital platforms. A video, which went viral on social media, showed the woman approaching the parked car and repeatedly smashing its windows with a large stone.

The footage captured the incident, which reportedly took place at 3;25 am, in detail, wherein the woman, wearing a green night dress or maxi, walked up to the vehicle with a stone in hand and began striking the windshield and side glass with immense force. He also shattered the back windshield and side mirror before walking away from the scene, leaving the vehicle extensively damaged.

The woman was reportedly involved in a parking dispute with the car’s owner, although further details about the confrontation and whether any police complaint was filed remain unclear.

A woman smashed all the windows of a car, including the front and rear windshields, with a stone at 3:25am after a man parked his car in front of her house in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/BnTOqtaeih

— Lakshay Mehta (@lakshaymehta08) September 6, 2026

According to local reports, the incident has drawn attention to recurring parking-related disputes in Bengaluru, but the exact circumstances that led to the confrontation remain unclear. It is unknown whether the car owner filed a complaint against the woman or whether any action was taken following the incident.

However, the incident highlights how parking disputes in Bengaluru can quickly escalate into serious confrontations.

Viral Video Sparks Debate Over Parking Dispute In Bengaluru

The viral video of a woman damaging a car parked outside a residence has sparked a heated debate on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with users divided over whether the parking dispute justified her actions.

Taking to their X handles, several users criticised the woman for damaging the vehicle, while others pointed to the city’s parking problems and the need for clearer rules and better enforcement. Some users stressed that disagreements over parking should be resolved through communication or official channels rather than property damage.

However, a few appeared to have sympathised with the woman, arguing that the car may have been parked in a way that caused inconvenience or obstructed access.

This is what happens when citizens sont have way to resolve these through official channels. Had there been proactive crackdown, deterrence etc, then people wouldn't want or need to take these trouble. But, this is the only way out in most cases. @grok how government should…

— indiaesh (@indiaesh) September 7, 2026

Extreme, cannot be justified. If itis blocking her pathway she should complain. Many house owners think the road outside their house is their father’s forgetting that own only the area inside their four walls. Public road can be your father’s only if your father is the public.

— BirdWatcher (@watchembirdies) September 7, 2026

She could have punctured the tyres also. Joke apart, goverment should make logical parking places on roads which should cost per month.

— TailangBhairav (@TBhairav8795) September 7, 2026

Honestly, how do you just smash someone’s car over a parking issue? This could’ve easily been sorted with a simple conversation.That’s exactly why I keep saying a dashcam is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.After incidents like these, it’s always difficult to prove what…

— Dr Arvind Singhatiya (@asinghatiya) September 7, 2026

Just parking next her house doesnt give her permission to destroy the car. She thought she could escape from it.

— MUNIKUMAR N M (@MUNIKUMARGOWDA) September 7, 2026

Home owners don't own thr road or the footpath in front of their house. it's frustrating when someone blocks their entry and exit, but communication would be a nicer option.The road is for motor vehicles and not for parking or for hawking.This is exactly why@krishnabgowda… https://t.co/maxNrYyEmC

— Lavanya Ballal (@LavanyaBallal) September 7, 2026

Any and all acts of violence against cars should be protected activity. Declare a war against cars. Especially those parked in public spaces. https://t.co/ji3W8K8uUT

— Puram (@puram_politics) September 7, 2026

No one owns the road adjoining their house; none can have a problem if anyone parks their car in front of their house. Legitimate grievance if parked in front of a gate, still no reason to vandalise. @BlrCityPolice should issue circulars/public ads clarifying parking norms. https://t.co/vZluccuP0M

— Clifton D' Rozario (@clifroz) September 7, 2026

Eww.. why educated people are behaving like this.. https://t.co/gTrVhvamv6

— Rishi Official (@RishiOfficial_1) September 7, 2026

Good on her. The way the car has been parked is so bloody infuriating. Another car is parked on the other side of the road in front of this one. And this car is parked right at the intersection, so anyone turning from one road to the other will run into this car. https://t.co/xpgSmNdYID

— সিদ্ধার্থ (Siddhartha) (@quinoa_biryani) September 7, 2026

Bengaluru, which has been known for its chronic traffic and space constraints, continues to grapple with neighborhood flashpoints where residential parking bottlenecks frequently test public patience.

Also Read: Chikkamagaluru: Over 100 School Buses Running Without Fitness Certificates, RTO Issues Notices

Mysterious Message, Missing Family And Nine Body Parts: What Happened To Karnataka Man In Sharjah

Divya Danu — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:45:17 +0530

Karnataka's Alwin Prakash Kunder, who worked at Sharjah Airport for around 14 years, was allegedly murdered in July, with his body later found cut into 9 pieces inside a car, his brother said. His wife Tina and teenage son are reportedly untraceable.

A Karnataka man who had been working at Sharjah Airport for around 14 years was allegedly murdered in the UAE in July, with his dismembered body later found inside a car. His remains were reportedly cut into nine pieces and packed into two bags, according to his brother.

The victim has been identified as Alwin Prakash Kunder, a native of Kundapur in Karnataka's Udupi district. The details of the alleged murder emerged nearly two months after he went missing, after his family helplessly tried to establish what had happened to him.

Mysterious message raised alarm

According to Alwin's brother, Anil Prashanth Kunder, he tried calling him on July 20. Alwin did not answer the call but a message was sent from his phone saying that he was fine.

Anil said the message appeared unusual because his brother normally communicated with him through voice messages. When he tried contacting Alwin again about a week later, there was still no response.

The murder of Alwin Prakash Kundar, a Kundapura native working in Sharjah, has come to light after his body was found cut into nine pieces and packed in two bags in a car on the route to Oman, according to a complaint filed by his family. His brother met the Udupi District Police… https://t.co/XTELdft5o9 pic.twitter.com/fwZdgiqmOn

— Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) September 22, 2026

Concerned about his brother, Anil contacted Alwin's classmate Manohar, who was in Sharjah, and asked him to check on him.

Manohar reportedly went to the accommodation provided by Alwin's employer. The watchman told him that Alwin had gone to India. The company's human resources department also initially gave the family the same information.

However, Anil told the company that his brother had not returned to India and asked officials to verify his whereabouts.

The company subsequently checked Alwin's passport records and found that he was still in Sharjah. A missing-person complaint was then filed, according to his brother.

During the subsequent investigation, Alwin's body was reportedly found inside a car parked along a route leading towards Oman. Anil said the remains had been cut into nine pieces and placed inside two bags. Some reports have said the car was Alwin's vehicle, while the precise circumstances of the recovery have not been officially detailed by authorities in the UAE.

The family received the post-mortem report on Monday, following which Anil approached the Udupi Superintendent of Police and submitted a representation seeking action and assistance.

Udupi police were reportedly awaiting official communication from Sharjah regarding the case. There was no detailed official statement from the UAE authorities available in the reports published on Wednesday.

The case has taken another turn because Alwin's wife, Tina Kunder, and their teenage son are reportedly untraceable. Tina, who is originally from Udyavara in Udupi district, worked as a schoolteacher in Sharjah, while their son was studying in Class 10.

Reports have suggested that the two may have left Sharjah and possibly travelled to India. However, their current whereabouts have not been independently confirmed. There is also no established official finding that either is connected to Alwin's alleged murder.

Anil has said he saw CCTV footage showing two men and a woman leaving the building. He also questioned what happened to Alwin's family after the alleged killing. However, these observations are part of the family's account and do not by themselves establish who was responsible for the murder.

Motive remains unclear

The circumstances and motive behind Alwin's alleged killing remain unknown. His family has sought clarity from the authorities in both India and the UAE, including information about the murder, the recovery of his remains and the whereabouts of his wife and son.

Further investigation by Sharjah authorities is expected to establish the sequence of events, identify those responsible and determine whether anyone else was involved. Meanwhile, Alwin's family is awaiting further official information and the completion of the necessary legal formalities in the UAE before his remains can be brought back to India.