Asianet Newsable

Mangaluru MRPL Blast: Loud Explosion, Thick Smoke Reported At Refinery (WATCH)

Keerthika MV — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:02:05 +0530

A loud explosion-like sound was reported from the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) refinery premises in Mangaluru on Wednesday, triggering panic across several surrounding areas. The blast was heard several kilometres away, while thick smoke was seen rising from the refinery complex. Residents in areas including Jokatte and Surathkal reported feeling the impact, with some saying their houses shook and doors and windows vibrated following the incident.

Blast Sound Heard Across Mangaluru

The explosion-like sound was reportedly heard at Mangaluru airport, where windows at the administrative office were said to have rattled. Residents in nearby areas also reported hearing a loud bang and feeling vibrations following the incident. Reports from several parts of the city indicated that the sound was heard well beyond the immediate refinery area.

#Breaking MRPL Mangalore #mangalore #mrpl #fire #padubidre #news pic.twitter.com/45Zhmbjh4F

— SULAKSHAN. V. L / ಸುಲಕ್ಷಣ್.ವಿ.ಎಲ್ (@Sulakshanvl) September 30, 2026

Thick Smoke Triggers Panic

Dense smoke was seen billowing into the sky from the MRPL premises following the incident. The visible smoke added to concerns among residents in the surrounding areas, with the plume reportedly visible from a considerable distance. Emergency response teams were deployed, and additional fire tenders from Mangaluru were rushed to the site.

Casualties And Cause Await Confirmation

MRPL officials confirmed that an incident occurred within the refinery premises. However, details regarding the exact nature and cause of the incident, as well as the number of people affected, were still being assessed. Initial reports raised concerns about possible casualties, but an official casualty figure had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.

ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಸುರತ್ಕಲ್ ಬಳಿ ಇರುವ ಎಂಆರ್‌ಪಿಎಲ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ (MRPL) ದೊಡ್ಡ ಸದ್ದಿನೊಂದಿಗೆ ಭಾರಿ ಸ್ಫೋಟ ಸಂಭವಿಸಿದೆ. ಸ್ಫೋಟದ ತೀವ್ರತೆಗೆ ಆಕಾಶದ ತುಂಬಾ ದಟ್ಟ ಹೊಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ಬೆಂಕಿ ಆವರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದು, ಸ್ಥಳೀಯರಲ್ಲಿ ತೀವ್ರ ಆತಂಕ ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಸಿದೆ. pic.twitter.com/qkNvw5LfHc

— Shivaram Shetty (@Shivaramshett10) September 30, 2026

Chikkamagaluru: Woman Posing As PSI Arrested In Gold And Money Fraud Case

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:55:17 +0530

Chikkamagaluru police have arrested Nivedita Gowda for allegedly posing as a PSI and defrauding more than 25 people of crores of rupees and gold. Police said she reportedly handed over the fraudulently obtained valuables to her lover.

Chikkamagaluru City Police have arrested Nivedita Gowda, who allegedly posed as a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) and defrauded people of crores of rupees and gold jewellery by falsely claiming to hold the post.

Originally from Ramanagara district, Nivedita Gowda ran a café in Chikkamagaluru city, where she allegedly targeted young men and women who visited the establishment.

She reportedly introduced herself to customers as a police officer and used the false identity to deceive them.

To convince people that she was a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) from Bengaluru’s Rajagopalanagar Police Station and was currently on leave, she reportedly adopted a police-style haircut and attire.

She allegedly defrauded more than 25 people across several districts of crores of rupees through schemes including borrowing luxury cars from acquaintances and selling them to others.

Nivedita Gowda allegedly handed over gold and money obtained through fraud to her lover, Devu. Cases have been registered at the Basavanahalli and City police stations in Chikkamagaluru following complaints from more than 20 victims.

During police interrogation, Nivedita reportedly confessed that she had given the money and gold to Devu.

Fake Aadhaar cards bearing different names were reportedly found on Nivedita Gowda’s mobile phone. Police have arrested Nivedita, who allegedly posed as a PSI, and are questioning her. Meanwhile, police are conducting an extensive search for her boyfriend, Devu, who is reportedly absconding.

Karnataka: Heavy Overnight Rain Washes Away Bridge And Temple In Chamarajanagar

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:08:39 +0530

Heavy overnight rain in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, washed away a bridge and a temple, disrupting road connectivity and causing concern among residents and motorists in the affected areas.

Torrential rain on Monday night wreaked havoc in the Hanur region of Chamarajanagar district.

The intense rainfall caused the Arekanahalli stream to overflow, washing away the bridge connecting Lokanahalli and Odeyarapalya and severing road connectivity.

The incident has left locals and motorists facing severe hardship.

Meanwhile, a bridge near Kaudalli has also sustained damage. As a precautionary measure, buses travelling to Mahadeshwara Betta have been diverted via Ajjipura, Ramapura and Kaudalli.

A Ganesha temple located beside the stream has been washed away by the heavy flow of water.

With the edges of the road collapsing, motorists are being forced to travel with extreme caution.

While the long-awaited rain has brought joy to people, the resulting damage and disruption have also caused anxiety among the public.

After a four-month dry spell, heavy rain lashed the area on Monday. Accompanied by strong winds, thunder and hail, the downpour lasted about 40 minutes across villages surrounding Begur.

Rainfall was reported in Begur, Kamarahalli, Taggaluru, Halladamadahalli, Raghavapura, Hakkalapura, Arepura, Tondavadi, Chikkati, Rangupura, Belachalavadi, Doddahundi, Chikkahundi and Horeyala, as well as nearby villages.

The intense rains have caused water to accumulate and flow across farmlands and ravines. The soil, which had developed cracks during the four-month dry spell, has now cooled, creating favourable conditions for sowing horse gram. Farmers are gearing up for the sowing season.

Bengaluru Rain: BMTC Electric Bus Collides With Private Bus Early Morning

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:44:29 +0530

A BMTC electric bus collided with a private bus near KR Circle in Bengaluru amid heavy early morning rain. Poor visibility may have contributed to the incident. Fortunately, there were reportedly no passengers on board at the time.

Amid heavy rain in Bengaluru early this morning, two buses collided near KR Circle, causing disruption in the area.

A BMTC electric bus grazed a private bus near KR Circle, possibly due to poor visibility caused by the rain. Fortunately, as it was early morning and raining, there were reportedly no passengers on board.

The private bus was following the BMTC electric bus when its front section made contact with the latter.

Heavy rain in the early hours disrupted business at KR Market, leaving traders distressed. Waterlogging on the streets forced traders to conduct business while standing, while flowers were left completely drenched.

The heavy morning downpour also left the market looking deserted, with hardly any customers around as traders stood in the rain, holding their flowers.

Madhugiri Monolith Hill: Techie Saikumar Climbs Steep Tumakuru Hill With Bicycle (WATCH)

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:12:45 +0530

Techie Saikumar from Andhra Pradesh has scaled the steep Madhugiri Monolith Hill in Tumakuru with his bicycle, carrying it across rocky terrain. His unique cycling feat has drawn praise from tourists and locals.

A young man has taken on the challenging feat of cycling up the rugged Madhugiri Hill in Tumakuru district, a climb so arduous that even walking up empty-handed, let alone carrying a bottle of water and a snack, can be exhausting. The historic hill is renowned as the second-largest monolith hill in Asia.

Saikumar, an engineer from Hindupur in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, undertook the thrilling adventure. He has developed a hobby of exploring historical sites by combining cycling and trekking.

Madhugiri Hill is known for its extremely steep rock faces, making it challenging even for experienced trekkers.

However, Saikumar amazed onlookers by ascending the monolithic hill with his bicycle, carrying it on his shoulder across terrain where even walking is difficult.

He expressed his joy at becoming the first to scale Madhugiri Hill with a bicycle.

Sai Kumar’s objective is to pay tribute to the history and culture of Rayalaseema through his adventurous expeditions. He has earned acclaim for scaling several challenging hills, including the historic fort hill of Madhugiri and the historic hill of Madakasira in Andhra Pradesh, entirely by bicycle.

Saikumar has ventured beyond hill climbs, undertaking cycling journeys across several countries, including Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan and Malaysia, to explore their cultures and environments. His unique feat of scaling the steep Madhugiri Hill with a bicycle has earned praise from tourists and locals alike, highlighting his physical endurance and determination.

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A post shared by Sai Kumar (@hindupur_sai)

Bengaluru Jayanagar Shopping Complex: Sixth Floor Rented For Rs 32 Lakh Per Month

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:49:28 +0530

The Jayanagar Shopping Complex in Bengaluru’s 4th Block is one of the prominent commercial hubs in South Bengaluru and has been attracting attention over a major rental deal. The sixth floor of the complex has reportedly been leased for a monthly rent of around Rs 32.3 lakh, taking the annual rental value to nearly Rs 3.88 crore. The deal highlights the high rental potential of commercial properties in prime areas of the city.

Rs 32.3 Lakh Monthly Rent

The substantial rental amount reflects the demand for large commercial spaces in established locations such as Jayanagar. A monthly rent of Rs 32.3 lakh works out to approximately Rs 1.08 lakh per day.

However, this amount represents only the base monthly rent. Other terms, including the lease period, security deposit, maintenance charges, taxes and other conditions of the agreement, are separate.

Why Is Jayanagar Shopping Complex Special?

Located in Jayanagar 4th Block, the shopping complex is a major commercial centre in South Bengaluru. Business activities have been taking place at the complex for several years, making it an important destination for shoppers, traders and businesses in the area.

However, the redevelopment of the complex has faced prolonged delays. According to an August 2026 report, the redevelopment work remained incomplete even 14 years after the project began. The BDA and the Bengaluru South City Corporation had proposed holding joint discussions to take forward the pending work.

Rental Income Is A Major Factor

Earlier reports have also highlighted the financial aspects of the Jayanagar Shopping Complex, including rental income and redevelopment costs. Officials had previously explained a system under which the BDA would use the initial rental income from the complex to recover its construction expenditure.

The Rs 32.3 lakh monthly rent fixed for the sixth floor highlights the significant commercial value of the property and its potential to generate substantial rental revenue.

How Much Is The Annual Rent?

A monthly rent of Rs 32.3 lakh works out as follows:

Rs 32.3 lakh × 12 months = Rs 3.876 crore

This means the annual rent is approximately Rs 3.88 crore.

The sizeable rental deal has drawn attention to the high value of commercial spaces in prime Bengaluru locations, particularly established business hubs such as Jayanagar.

Bengaluru Hebbal Traffic: IISc Raises Concerns Over IIT-Bombay Report On Tunnel Project

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:26:15 +0530

Bengaluru’s notorious Hebbal junction, one of the city’s major traffic bottlenecks, is at the centre of a fresh technical debate over two proposed projects aimed at easing congestion. A recent traffic microsimulation study has recommended prioritising the elevated corridor between Mekhri Circle and Veterinary College over the proposed Hebbal short tunnel. However, experts from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and road transport planners have raised questions about the study, citing technical inconsistencies, outdated data and methodological concerns.

What The IIT-Bombay Report Says?

Ritwik Projects Private Limited holds the contract for the Hebbal short tunnel and engaged Prof. Archak Mittal of IIT-Bombay to prepare a 26-page technical study. Critics have questioned whether the document titled Integrated Traffic Microsimulation Study - Bangalore: Hebbal Flyover & Hebbal Short Tunnel represents the official position of IIT-Bombay, describing it instead as an individual expert opinion.

The proposed elevated corridor from Mekhri Circle to Veterinary College is 1.78 km long and will have four lanes and four ramps. The short tunnel proposed under the Hebbal junction is 2.22 km long and will have six lanes.

The study does not completely reject the tunnel proposal but states that the tunnel alone may not be sufficient to address Hebbal’s traffic congestion.

The report also flags the absence of an Origin-Destination (O-D) survey in the Detailed Project Report (DPR). It recommends conducting a proper O-D survey, noting that the effectiveness of the tunnel would depend largely on the number of motorists who divert to it.

IISc And Transport Experts Raise Concerns

Prof. Ashish Verma, convenor of IISc’s Sustainable Transportation Lab, and Satyajit Arikutharam, former chief technical adviser at the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), have raised several concerns about the IIT-Bombay study.

Missing Options And Outdated Data

The study initially proposed examining four scenarios: the existing situation, the elevated corridor, the underground tunnel and a combined model. However, critics point out that the study ultimately assessed only the existing situation and the combined model.

They have also questioned why the study did not account for changes in traffic patterns expected after the new Hebbal flyover ramp becomes operational in January 2026.

Traffic Speed Mismatch

The IIT-Bombay study estimates that vehicles will travel at an average speed of 13.74 kmph during peak hours in 2027. However, the original DPR had estimated the average speed at 4.29 kmph.

Critics have questioned the significant difference between the two estimates and sought an explanation for the change.

No Ramp For Straight-Moving Traffic

The proposed elevated corridor does not include a ramp for vehicles travelling straight towards Windsor Manor. As a result, only vehicles turning from Mekhri Circle would be able to use the elevated corridor, while straight-moving traffic would continue to rely on the existing underpass.

Future Transit Projects Not Considered

Experts have also raised concerns that the study does not adequately account for upcoming transport projects, including the Hebbal-Sarjapur Metro line, the Suburban Rail project and the Yeshwanthpur-KR Puram East-West corridor.

These projects could alter traffic patterns in and around the Hebbal junction once they become operational.

Proposed Changes To Project Design

The study recommends increasing the distance between the proposed tunnel and elevated corridor from 80 metres to 250 metres. Such a change would require modifications to the existing project design, according to the concerns raised by experts.

BDA Defends The Project

Senior BDA officials said IIT-Bombay was engaged to conduct a third-party assessment following concerns raised by members of the public over the project.

The BDA has said it is considering the suggestions made in the study. Officials maintained that both the short tunnel and the elevated corridor would be required to address future traffic demand at Hebbal.

The BDA plans to take up the elevated corridor alongside the tunnel. Preliminary work on the short tunnel has already begun, and the authority aims to complete the project by January 2028.

Ballari Accident: Speeding Lorry Hits People On Footpath, Woman Killed

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:59:29 +0530

A speeding lorry crashed into a group of people standing on a footpath late at night, killing a 48-year-old woman and leaving three others injured. The tragic incident occurred on the national highway near Somasamudra village in Kurugodu taluk of Ballari district. The victims were reportedly standing outside a bakery when the lorry suddenly veered towards the footpath and struck them.

Lorry Accident In Ballari Leaves Woman Dead

The impact was severe, killing 48-year-old Mahadevi on the spot. Three others, identified as Sunitha, Poojari Jedemma and Gagan, sustained injuries in the accident.

Locals rushed the injured victims to Ballari Trauma Care for immediate treatment. Initial reports indicate that the lorry driver's alleged negligence may have contributed to the accident.

Lorry Rams Into People On Footpath

A nearby CCTV camera reportedly captured the incident. The footage shows four people standing and chatting on the footpath outside a bakery in Somasamudra village.

The speeding lorry suddenly struck the group, leaving them with little time to react. Mahadevi suffered fatal injuries and died at the spot, while the other three sustained injuries.

Kurugodu police officials visited the accident site after receiving information about the incident. They have registered a case and launched an investigation into the crash.

Karnataka Rain Alert: IMD Forecasts Heavy Rain And Thunderstorms In Bengaluru And Other Districts

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:43:26 +0530

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert for South Interior Karnataka and several other states from September 29 to October 1. Bengaluru and several districts in the southern interior region have been placed under a yellow alert, with parts of Karnataka likely to receive heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. The weather conditions are expected to continue across several parts of the state in the coming days.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also likely to receive widespread rainfall on September 29. Several northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, are also expected to receive heavy showers.

Bay Of Bengal Deep Depression And Wind Warnings

According to the latest IMD bulletin, a deep depression over the North Andaman Sea and the Myanmar coast near Kayikke has crossed the coastline. The weather system is expected to move northwestwards towards Bangladesh over the next two days.

The Myanmar and Bangladesh coasts are likely to experience strong winds at speeds of 45 to 65 kmph. The weather department has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the Northeast Bay of Bengal and along the Bangladesh coast.

Current Weather Situation In Karnataka

The southwest monsoon is currently in its withdrawal phase over Karnataka. However, moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, moving through Sri Lanka and the Tamil Nadu coast, are expected to continue bringing rainfall to several parts of the state.

Districts including Bengaluru, Tumakuru and Pavagada in the South Interior region are likely to receive heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. Winds may reach speeds of 30 to 40 kmph during the afternoon and evening hours. This weather pattern is expected to continue in these areas until October 6.

The coastal and Malnad regions, including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Kasaragod, are likely to remain largely dry during the day. However, the ghat areas may receive rain towards the evening.

Kodagu, Sakleshpur, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts may also experience scattered thunderstorms towards the evening. North Interior Karnataka districts such as Haveri, Dharwad and Ballari are likely to receive moderate showers during the evening. The border areas of Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga are expected to experience similar weather conditions.

When Will The Monsoon Finally Withdraw?

Several parts of Karnataka are likely to continue receiving rainfall until October 6 due to moisture from the Arabian Sea. The southwest monsoon is expected to completely withdraw from Karnataka around October 15.

Safety Warnings For Farmers And The General Public

Thunderstorms and lightning activity are expected to remain high during the evening hours. The IMD has advised the general public and farmers to take necessary precautions during thunderstorms and lightning activity.

People are advised to take shelter inside safe buildings and avoid standing in open spaces during lightning activity. Farmers working in fields should remain particularly cautious and move to a safe shelter as soon as thunderstorms or lightning are observed.

Bengaluru Traffic: Goods Vehicle Ban Planned On Major Road To Ease Congestion

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:25:20 +0530

Bengaluru traffic police are considering restricting goods vehicles on a major road during peak hours to ease congestion. Officials are discussing designated timings for freight movement while ensuring smooth traffic and pedestrian movement.

Preparations are underway to introduce new traffic control measures on Avenue Road near K.R. Market in Bengaluru.

As part of the plan, traffic police have restricted the entry of auto-rickshaws and pushcarts onto Avenue Road to improve traffic flow in the area.

Traffic police are stationed at the spot to monitor and manage traffic congestion on the road. Officials are also working on a new plan to address traffic issues in the area.

Officials are considering restricting the entry of goods vehicles during peak hours and allowing freight movement only at night.

Traffic police, GBA officials and local MLAs have held consultations on the proposed timings.

Discussions have been held to formulate rules that do not inconvenience local traders while ensuring smooth pedestrian movement. A final decision will soon be taken on whether to completely ban goods vehicles or allow them during designated hours.

Mysuru Dasara 2026: Tanveer Sait, Yathindra Siddaramaiah Attend Yuva Sambhrama Together

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:26:59 +0530

Mysuru MLA Tanveer Sait appeared upset with District In-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah over his delayed arrival at a breakfast meet on Monday morning. However, the two leaders attended the Dasara Yuva Sambhrama together in the evening, with their interaction appearing to ease the political speculation that followed the morning incident.

Tanveer Sait Upset Over Delay

The Mysuru Palace hosted a breakfast meet for the mahouts and kavadis accompanying the Dasara elephants on Monday morning. District In-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah was unable to reach the venue on time.

Tanveer Sait expressed his displeasure over the delay and left the event.

Leaders Attend Yuva Sambhrama Together

The first major event of the festival, Yuva Sambhrama, was held in the evening. Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Tanveer Sait attended the programme together and were seen sitting next to each other, smiling and speaking with one another.

Their interaction appeared to ease the speculation surrounding the morning incident and signalled a return to normalcy between the two leaders.

Hasanamba Festival: Hassan Flyover Service Road To Open Before October 29

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:00:50 +0530

Hassan MP Shreyas M Patel inspected the progress of the flyover connecting the city to the new bus stand and directed officials and contractors to complete the pending works before the Hasanamba festival begins. With the festival scheduled to start on October 29, the MP stressed the need to speed up construction and ensure that commuters do not face inconvenience during the festive period.

Flyover Work Delayed By Technical Issues

The MP visited the construction site from NR Circle to the District Court on Monday and held a meeting with officials to review and expedite the pending works. The project has been delayed due to its large scale and certain technical issues.

He directed the officials and contractors to complete the work at the earliest while ensuring that the public does not face unnecessary inconvenience.

Service Road To Open Before Hasanamba Festival

The service road work has been given top priority, with the Hasanamba festival set to begin on October 29. The MP instructed the contractors to open the service road to traffic before the festival begins.

The contractors assured him that the minor pending works would be completed soon. They explained that the project had faced delays due to a shortage of construction materials, including bitumen.

The MP directed the team to speed up the work without causing unnecessary inconvenience to the public. He also inspected the technical works on the flyover and at the railway crossing and instructed officials to open the bridge only after all safety standards had been verified.

Work on the railway crossing is currently underway, and the team aims to complete it by the end of October.

Technical Team Checks Flyover Vibrations

Members of the public had recently raised concerns about vibrations on the flyover when vehicles pass over it. The technical team is examining the issue and taking necessary measures.

Officials said the vibrations could be related to the technical design of the flyover and assured that public safety would not be compromised.

Land Acquisition And Legal Issues

Land acquisition issues and court stay orders are also delaying work on certain sections of the project. The team is working to resolve the legal issues at the earliest so that construction can continue.

MP Inspects Proposed Underpass Site

The MP also visited the Bommanayakanahalli area near Channapatna Circle to inspect the proposed site for a new underpass. He directed officials to assess the feasibility of the project.

He said he would discuss the proposal with the concerned government departments and seek the necessary approvals based on public demand.

Bengaluru Viral Video: Dog Sits On Vegetables On Truck, Sparks Hygiene Debate | WATCH

Gargi Chaudhry — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 17:15:39 +0530

A video of a dog riding on top of a small truck full of veggies in Bengaluru has gone popular on X. The strange sight has also made people wonder about the quality of the food that is brought to the market for people to eat. Some people watched the video and felt less "aww" and more “hygiene has left the chat.”

X user Akansha, who is based in Bengaluru, shared the video with the caption, “Monday started with the cutest thing. Meet mahakutteshwar of Bengaluru!” It showed a dog comfortably perched on top of vegetables being transported in a small truck, seemingly enjoying the ride as the vehicle made its way through the city.

More than 406,000 people have seen the post, and quickly divided into two groups on social media. On one side, all that could be seen was a cute dog having what looked like the best journey of the day. On the other hand, people were looking at the veggies and wondered who would take them home in the end.

A lot of users who were worried said that having a stray dog sit on food was unpleasant for hygiene reasons. Their main point was that the person buying those vegetables would not know what the food had been through before it got to the market.

A dog riding atop vegetables being transported in a small truck in Bengaluru has gone viral on X. While some users found the sight adorable, others raised concerns over hygiene and whether produce meant for consumption should be exposed to stray animals.Video: @byakankshaaa pic.twitter.com/Hp3EXMmShX

— C India (@CIndiaHQ) September 29, 2026

Some users were quick to point out that caring about food safety and loving dogs are not inherently at odds with each other. They said that wild dogs should not be allowed near food that people are eating because they can carry bacteria, parasites, and other diseases. Then came another question: did the dog really have to sit there?

Some users said that the person who was transporting the vegetables could have just put the animal somewhere else in the car. They thought that way, everyone could enjoy the cute moment without having to worry about the vegetables being used as a dog bed.

Bengaluru Shocker: Stranger Offers Tea To Elderly Woman On Bus, Steals Gold Chain

Shweta Kumari — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 17:01:53 +0530

An elderly woman's journey to Mysuru turned into a nightmare after a stranger allegedly befriended her at a bus stand, offered her tea and stole her 29-gram gold chain after she fell asleep. Chennamma had left her home in Thimmanahalli, Doddaballapura, around 5.30 am on September 25 to visit her daughter in Mysuru. She reached the Satellite bus stand on Mysuru Road around 8am, purchased a ticket and boarded the bus.

Around 8.10 am, a man believed to be around 45 years old, dressed in black trousers and a white shirt, reportedly sat beside her. He placed his bag next to Chennamma and told her he was stepping out to get tea.

Around five minutes later, the man returned with two cups of tea and offered one to her. Although Chennamma initially refused, the stranger reportedly gained her confidence by telling her, “You are like my mother,” before starting up a conversation.

She eventually accepted the tea and even offered him a pomegranate.

Soon after drinking the tea, Chennamma fell asleep. When she woke up around 4pm, she found herself sitting on a chair at the bus stand and was shocked to discover that her gold chain, complete with a pendant and beads, was missing.

Chennamma reportedly suspected that the man had drugged her tea and taken advantage of her unconscious state to steal the jewellery. She informed her son, who arranged a car to bring her back home.

The following day, Chennamma approached Byatarayanapura police and lodged a complaint. A case was registered under BNS Sections 303 (theft) and 318 (cheating).

“We are checking CCTV footage in the bus stand. We are yet to find out how the woman, who was sitting on the bus, was found on a chair in the bus stand,” a senior police officer said.

Bengaluru woman alleges gold chain went missing at salon

In another jewellery-related complaint in Bengaluru, a 28-year-old woman allegedly lost a 25-gram gold chain worth around Rs 4 lakh after visiting a salon in Karthik Nagar near Donnenekundi.

Jennifer (name changed) told police that she visited the salon on September 19. According to her complaint, a staff member asked her two or three times to remove the gold chain she was wearing, wrap it in tissue paper and place it on a bed.

Jennifer allegedly forgot to collect the chain before leaving the salon. When she returned and asked about it, the receptionist, housekeeping in-charge, manager and another staff member allegedly told her they had not seen the jewellery.

She further alleged that salon staff refused to show her CCTV footage. When police later sought the footage, the staff allegedly refused to provide it to them as well.

Jennifer approached the police the following day. Four days later, a case was registered under Section 303 (theft) at HAL police station.

A senior police officer said notices had been issued to the salon staff as part of the investigation.

Mysuru Yuva Dasara 2026: Big Stars, Live Music And Five Nights Of Festivities; Check Details Here

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:45:22 +0530

The much-awaited Yuva Dasara 2026 is set to return with the theme “Pratidina hosatana saṅgītada rasadautaṇa”, promising five days of music and entertainment as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. The event will be held from October 13 to October 17, with programmes scheduled from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM near the Jwalamukhi Tripurasundari Temple on the Ring Road.

Prabhudeva To Inaugurate Yuva Dasara

Renowned choreographer and actor Prabhudeva will inaugurate Yuva Dasara on October 13. Urban Development and District In-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah will attend the event as the chief guest.

Top artists will take the stage every evening from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Well-known music director Ajaneesh Loknath and his team will perform on the opening night.

Music director trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will headline the event with a live concert on October 14. Popular playback singer Sid Sriram will perform his hit songs on October 15.

Shivarajkumar And Rachita Ram To Light Up Sandalwood Nights

Sandalwood Nights will take centre stage on October 16, with superstar Shivarajkumar and actress Rachita Ram headlining the evening. Singers Vijay Prakash, Rajesh Krishnan, Chandan Shetty and Anuradha Bhat will also perform.

Singer Jasmine Sandlas will bring the five-day festival to a close with a musical night on October 17.

Viral Video | Bengaluru Woman Quits IT Job to Drive Rapido Auto: ‘I Earn More and Can Be With My Mother’ (WATCH)

Gargi Chaudhry — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:28:28 +0530

If someone is riding in Bengaluru and sees a woman driving a Rapido, they might think it's just another job to make ends meet. They might not know that she used to work in IT, but not after her father died. After that, she thought again about what kind of life she wanted for herself and her mother.

Tanvi, who makes content, was pleasantly surprised to meet this strong woman. She shared her story of grit on Instagram. As the drive went on, they started to talk about their careers, their families, and the pressure women feel every day to live up to what society expects of them.

“You were working in IT?” Tanvi asked in the video, visibly surprised. “Yes,” the woman replied. She then spoke English very well and said why she was leaving the business. Following the death of her father, it became harder for her to manage her night jobs and her duties to her mother.

She quit a job that required her to be away from home so she could be with her family more often. It wasn't an easy choice to drive an auto, especially after working in the business world. She said that her family was against the choice at first. But she did go through with it in the end. She also says that the change has gone better than she thought it would.

What did the woman say about her new job? She said it was okay and that it paid more than her old office job. More importantly, it gives her more freedom with her time and keeps her close to her mother.

People who saw her work were also often surprised by what she did. She said that some people didn't understand how she could drive a car even though she spoke English very well. The comment made her think of the assumptions she often faces in a field that is usually dominated by men.

Tanvi chose to frame the encounter around that very question: “But what will people say?” “She chose not to care. She chose freedom. She chose independence. She chose to take charge of her own life,” she wrote.

Watch Viral Video

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A post shared by Tanvi (@the_tanvishetty)

She was called a "single daughter" and "a woman in a male-dominated field." Tanvi praised her choice to go with a job that fit her needs instead of one that fit what other people thought she should do. “Because being brave isn’t always about doing something extraordinary,” she wrote. “Sometimes, it’s simply having the courage to say: ‘This is what I want. And I’m choosing it’," she added.

The video has crossed over 253k views, and many users applauded the woman for making a difficult career switch on her own terms.

Gadag: School Headmaster And Sons Gift Uniforms Worth ₹30,000 To Government School Students

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:37:52 +0530

In a thoughtful gesture aimed at supporting government school students, Government Higher Primary School headmaster S.M. Adi and his two sons donated uniforms, ties and belts worth ₹30,000 to all the students of the school in Hosahalli village of Gadag taluk. The initiative was appreciated by education officials and local representatives, who said such contributions can help promote discipline among students and strengthen government schools.

₹30,000 Donation

Headmaster S.M. Adi and his sons, Rajashekharagouda G. Sankanagoudra and Veeranagouda, made the donation. His sons, who work as software engineers, contributed ₹30,000 towards the initiative.

Former Kurtakoti Gram Panchayat president Appanna A. Inamati distributed the uniforms to the students. Speaking on the occasion, he appreciated the contribution and said such initiatives can help strengthen government schools and promote discipline among students.

Block Education Officer Appreciates Initiative

Gadag Rural Zone Block Education Officer V.V. Naduvinamani attended the programme as a guest and thanked the headmaster and his sons on behalf of the Education Department.

PM Poshan Abhiyan Assistant Director Shankar Hadagali, SDMC president Basavaraj G. Madiwalar and CRP D.C. Nadaf were also present. Former Kurtakoti Gram Panchayat members Channappa Fakirappa Byahatti and Basavaraj Shekhappa Ronad attended the event along with teachers N.R. Kamat and K.Y. Kanakikoppa.

Teacher D.S. Talawar welcomed the guests and conducted the programme.

Bengaluru Woman Pays Rs 30,000 Rent For One Room In 3BHK, Her View Can't Be Missed; Video Goes Viral (WATCH)

Gargi Chaudhry — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 14:10:37 +0530

A video about a Bengaluru flat sparked a debate on house hunting. A content creator said in the video that she paid Rs 30,000 for a single room in a 3BHK flat. She also gave a tour of her room, which had a big window and a deck connected to it.

"From my point of view, you only pay 30k for a room in Bangalore, and it's a steal," the Instagram user known as Shivs wrote alongside a video of her place to stay.

At the beginning of the video, she says, “I pay Rs 30,000 for a room in a 3 BHK in Bengaluru, and I really think it's a good deal. Let me show you why before you attack me.”

Watch Viral Video

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After that, she shows off her beautifully decorated room, which has a balcony and a big window on one side. As the video goes on, she steps out onto the deck to show what's outside.

How Did Internet React?

Opinions remained divided over the video, as some found the rent reasonable while others insisted she was paying far too much.

An individual revealed, “I pay ₹50,000 for a 2 BHK with a graveyard view.” Another posted, “Ok, I am jealous.”

A third commented, “People commenting it’s a lot, haven't tried house hunting recently or maybe are okay living in lanes that can feel shady at night (that they might not find shady, everyone’s level of shady is diff), or some catch like that. I have looked for houses for 3 months in Indiranagar, CV Raman nagar , Richmond Town, Halasuru, Cox Town, Cambridge road, some parts of Whitefield (extremely close to metro) and this is the standard rate for a good apartment in a ‘safe’ gated society."

Long Weekend Holidays: Bengaluru-Mangaluru Passengers Get Special Train On October 1

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:18:23 +0530

To handle the expected heavy weekend rush, South Western Railway is set to operate a one-trip special express train between Bengaluru Cantonment and Madgaon. The special service will provide an additional travel option for passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Goa. The train will operate in both directions on October 1 and October 4.

Bengaluru Cantonment to Madgaon Special Express

Train number 06597, Bengaluru Cantonment to Madgaon Special Express, will depart from Bengaluru Cantonment at 11:50 PM on October 1 and reach Madgaon at 6:10 PM on October 2.

For the return journey, train number 06598, Madgaon to Bengaluru Cantonment Special Express, will depart from Madgaon at 8:40 AM on October 4 and arrive at Bengaluru Cantonment at 11:55 PM the same day.

Where Will The Special Train Stop?

In both directions, the special express will halt at the following stations:

SMVT Bengaluru, Chikkabanavara, Kunigal, Channarayapatna, Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, Kabaka Puttur, Bantwal, Surathkal, Mulki, Udupi, Barkur, Kundapura, Byndoor, Bhatkal, Murdeshwar, Honnavar, Kumta, Gokarna Road, Ankola, Karwar and Canacona.

Bengaluru: Silk Board Flyover Gets Colourful Makeover With Silk-Themed Wall Art

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:59:24 +0530

Bengaluru’s Silk Board flyover has received a colourful makeover with silk-themed wall art under the Just Clean Bengaluru campaign. The initiative aims to beautify public spaces beneath flyovers with support from India Rising Trust and volunteers.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has assured financial support for beautifying walls beneath flyovers across Bengaluru, including the Silk Board flyover. He said such initiatives could improve the city’s appearance and create more welcoming public spaces.

Silk Theme Adds Colour To Flyover

Speaking after the walls beneath the Silk Board flyover were painted with attractive designs based on a silk theme as part of the ‘Just Clean Bengaluru’ campaign organised by the GBA, Reddy said public-private partnership initiatives could serve as a model for city beautification.

He also assured that he would provide the necessary financial support from his MLA funds to beautify the area beneath the Dairy Circle flyover in a similar manner, as well as the area around Silk Board junction.

The ‘Just Clean Bengaluru’ campaign will be expanded in phases to revitalise public spaces beneath flyovers along the Outer Ring Road stretch from Silk Board to K.R. Puram.

The initiative will cover areas including Bellandur, Ibbalur, Agara, HSR Layout and Mahadevapura.

The drive will be carried out in collaboration with the India Rising Trust, with a focus on improving and beautifying public spaces beneath the city’s flyovers.

GBA Chief Commissioner Maheswar Rao said the space beneath the flyover should be developed in a way that benefits the public. He directed officials to provide organised parking, a play area, a dedicated vending zone and adequate lighting to prevent haphazard parking by motorists on the other side of the flyover.

More than 60 CGI employees participated as volunteers in a wall beautification and painting drive under the company’s CSR initiative, in collaboration with NGO India Rising Trust.

The Silk Board Junction has received a colourful makeover, with attractive artwork painted on the flyover walls and pillars. The designs draw inspiration from traditional silk sarees and feature motifs such as temple borders, mango patterns and peacocks, giving the busy junction a distinctive look.

Malathi, Chief Engineer of the Bommanahalli Zone, Arun Pai, Swachh Bengaluru GBA Ambassador and India Rising Trust representative, and Aniruddha Abhyankar, Designer at India Rising Trust, were present on the occasion.

Kalyan Karnataka Malnutrition: Over 40% Children Under Five Underweight, Raichur Highest

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:01:07 +0530

Malnutrition continues to haunt children under the age of five in Kalyan Karnataka, despite years of government intervention and recommendations aimed at addressing the problem. Nearly a decade ago, the government constituted a committee headed by Justice N.K. Patil to study the issue and suggest measures to eradicate malnutrition. The committee submitted a detailed report with several recommendations, and officials claim that many of the suggested measures have been implemented. However, the latest data suggests that the situation on the ground has shown little improvement.

The National Family Health Survey 2023-24 report has highlighted worrying figures from the Kalyan Karnataka region. Every district in the region, except Bidar, has more than 40% of children under five classified as underweight. The situation is particularly concerning in Raichur, which records the highest proportion of underweight children in the state.

Kalaburagi district has 44.6% underweight children among 3,16,899 children. Koppal stands at 44.1% among 1,65,363 children, while Yadgir reports 43.1% among 1,59,293 children. Ballari records 42.7% among 1,23,441 children. Bidar has a comparatively lower rate of 31.7% among 1,79,116 children.

Raichur Records Highest Rate Of Underweight Children

Raichur district tops the list, with nearly half of its children under five classified as underweight. Of the 2,38,903 children enrolled in Anganwadis in the district, 49.5% are reported to be underweight.

Raichur continues to record the highest proportion of underweight children in the state, significantly above the Karnataka average of 27.8%.

Vijayapura district in the Kittur Karnataka region records 45.3% underweight children under the age of five, making it the district with the second-highest rate in the state.

Kalaburagi Division Has 43% Underweight Children

The National Family Health Survey report also provides division-wise data. Kalaburagi division records 43% underweight children, followed by Belagavi division at 33.8%. Mysuru division stands at 22.36%, while Bengaluru division records 24.28%.

The survey was conducted by the Institute for Social and Economic Change in Bengaluru and Vone India Services Private Limited. Data was collected between February 23 and October 24, 2024.

Nutritious Food Is Provided, But The Problem Persists

The Karnataka government had appointed retired High Court judge Justice N.K. Patil to study the malnutrition issue in Raichur and recommend practical measures to address it. His report recommended providing eggs and bananas along with midday meals.

As part of these measures, Anganwadis now provide eggs twice a week along with nutritious food. Underweight children are given eggs three to four times a week. Despite these interventions, malnutrition continues to affect a significant proportion of children in the region.

The survey also provides data on the population of children below the age of 15. Raichur and Koppal have 27.8% of their populations below the age of 15, followed by Yadgir at 27.6%, Vijayapura at 27.1%, Kalaburagi at 27% and Bidar at 25.8%.

Kudremukh: Rare Neelakurinji Flowers Bloom 4 Years Early In 2026, Surprise Nature Lovers

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:57:17 +0530

Rare Neelakurinji flowers have bloomed in Kudremukh in 2026, four years earlier than the expected 2030 bloom. The unusual flowering across the Shola grasslands has attracted nature enthusiasts, while experts seek to understand the reason.

Rare Neelakurinji flowers have bloomed early in the mist-covered hills of Kudremukh in the Western Ghats, attracting the attention of nature enthusiasts. Known for their mass blooms, these flowers typically appear once every 12 years. However, their appearance in 2026, four years ahead of the expected cycle, has sparked curiosity.

Neelakurinji Flowers Bloom Across Kudremukh

For the past month, Neelakurinji flowers have been blooming across the Shola grasslands of Gangadikallu, Chittegudda and Kudremukh within Kudremukh National Park.

A mass blooming event was recorded in the region in 2018, making 2030 the expected year for the next major bloom. Their appearance in 2026 has therefore come as a remarkable and unusual occurrence.

The precise scientific reason for the early Neelakurinji bloom has not yet been established. Changes in temperature, rainfall and soil moisture linked to climate change could potentially influence plant growth and flowering. However, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking the early bloom in Kudremukh to climate change.

Local environmental conditions and variations in the plant’s growth stage could also play a role. Further studies by botanists and environmental experts are needed to determine the reasons behind this unusual early flowering.

A Source Of Sustenance For Pollinators

The Neelakurinji plant stores energy over several years before flowering and producing seeds, completing its life cycle. During the flowering season, its blossoms provide food and pollen for pollinators such as honeybees and butterflies.

The rare plant is found in parts of the Shola forests across Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and plays an important role in the ecosystem of Kudremukh.

Ruthren, DCF of the Kudremukh Wildlife Division, has urged tourists visiting the area to enjoy the rare Neelakurinji blooms without touching, plucking or damaging the flowers or plants. He also appealed to visitors to cooperate with the Forest Department in protecting the plants and their habitat.

Tourists can enjoy the beauty of the Neelakurinji flowers, but they must strictly avoid disturbing the plants. Continuous surveillance is being maintained in the area, and violations of the rules will not be tolerated. - Ruthren, DCF, Kudremukh Wildlife Division, Karkala

Bengaluru: Food Vendors Take Over Maruti Mandir Bus Stands In Vijayanagar, Commuters Struggle

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:34:25 +0530

As evening sets in, the Maruti Mandir bus stands near Vijayanagar transform into bustling food hubs, leaving commuters struggling to find even enough space to stand and wait for their buses. Vendors have taken over portions of the bus stands and surrounding footpaths, while customers are parking their vehicles along the main road to grab a quick bite. The growing number of food stalls and parked vehicles is disrupting regular traffic and making the area increasingly difficult for pedestrians, motorists and BMTC buses to navigate.

The original food street near the Vijayanagar Water Tank is currently undergoing renovation work. With the usual vending space unavailable, several vendors have started setting up shops wherever they can find space. While some are operating around the Vijayanagar bus stand, others have turned the bus stand itself into a regular business hub.

Commuters Face The Heat

Earlier, only one or two mobile canteens would park on either side of the Maruti Mandir bus stands. However, the number of pushcart vendors has increased significantly in recent days, effectively turning the bus stops into makeshift food streets.

The situation is causing considerable inconvenience to regular passengers, who are left with little or no space to stand while waiting for buses. Commuters also have to contend with the strong smell of cooking and smoke from the food stalls.

Massive Traffic Jams

Pushcart vendors are doing brisk business around the bus stands on both sides of the road, as well as near the TTMC and Garage bus stands. These areas remain crowded during the evening as customers gather around the stalls.

Many customers park their cars and two-wheelers along the main road while stopping to eat. This has resulted in traffic congestion in the area and added to the frustration of motorists. BMTC bus drivers are also finding it difficult to pull into and stop at designated bus bays because of the crowds and parked vehicles.

Footpaths Completely Taken Over

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has spent lakhs of rupees on developing footpaths for pedestrians. However, vendors have occupied portions of these pavements to operate their food stalls, forcing pedestrians to walk on the busy roads.

With heavy traffic movement in the area, pedestrians are being exposed to additional safety risks. Residents say the authorities need to ensure that footpaths remain accessible and that vending activity does not obstruct pedestrian movement.

MLA's Residence Just A Stone's Throw Away

The Maruti Mandir bus stands are located just a short distance from the residence of former minister and current MLA M. Krishnappa. Residents and motorists say vendors have been openly parking their carts and conducting business around the bus stands and footpaths.

Local residents are now urging elected representatives and concerned officials to intervene and address the issue. They want the authorities to clear the encroachments from the footpaths, regulate vending activity and ensure that the bus stops remain accessible to commuters.

A local resident, Karthik, said the problem has become a regular occurrence during the evening.

“Mobile canteen vehicles are parked at the Maruti Mandir and surrounding bus stands every evening. Because of this, passengers have no proper space to stand at the bus stops. The concerned officials need to look into this and resolve the problem.”

Motorist Abhishek said customers parking their vehicles near the food stalls were also contributing to traffic congestion.

“Vendors are selling food items on pushcarts right next to the bus stands. Customers coming here are parking their vehicles on the main roads, which is causing heavy traffic jams around the bus stops. It is also creating a major problem for buses trying to stop.”

Ration Card e-KYC Alert: Beware Of Fake Links And Cyber Fraud, Deadline Extended To October 20

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:19:03 +0530

The state government has made e-KYC mandatory for all ration card holders, but cyber criminals are now exploiting the process to target beneficiaries. Fraudsters are sending fake messages and links to citizens trying to complete their e-KYC, claiming that their ration cards will be cancelled if they fail to complete the process. Those who click on these fraudulent links risk losing money from their bank accounts.

Police have urged the public to remain highly alert and avoid responding to suspicious messages or links. Scammers are sending mobile messages that falsely warn beneficiaries that their ration cards will be cancelled unless they complete their e-KYC immediately.

Police Share Important Tips To Stay Safe From Cyber Fraud

Police have advised the public to follow these precautions while completing their e-KYC:

Never click on unknown or suspicious links sent to your mobile phone to complete e-KYC.
Do not share your OTP, UPI PIN, bank account details or card details with anyone over the phone.
Avoid installing unknown APK files or screen-sharing applications on your mobile phone.
Verify your e-KYC details only through official government websites or by visiting your nearest fair price shop.
Always verify the source of a message before opening any link or providing personal information.

Government Extends e-KYC Deadline To October 20

Citizens recently faced technical glitches and server issues while visiting fair price shops to complete their ration card e-KYC. Many beneficiaries had to stand in long queues for hours, only to find that they could not complete the process due to technical problems.

Minister Rizwan Arshad took note of the issue through social media and news reports and subsequently issued directions to address the problems.

“Responding immediately to people's distress is the government's primary duty. No poor family in the state should be deprived of their rightful food grains due to technical reasons,” Minister Rizwan Arshad said.

The government has now extended the final deadline for completing e-KYC to October 20 to provide additional time to beneficiaries. The minister has also instructed the concerned officials and IT team to resolve the technical issues at the earliest.

Beneficiaries can visit their nearest fair price shop to complete the e-KYC process. However, they should remain cautious and avoid clicking on links received through unsolicited messages, as cyber criminals may use the deadline extension as an opportunity to target them.

2 Women, Auto Driver Trade Blows Over Fare Dispute in Bengaluru (WATCH)

Shweta Kumari — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:51:44 +0530

A street fight involving two girls and an auto-rickshaw driver in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout 3rd Sector has gone viral on social media, prompting police to step in. The incident reportedly took place on Monday afternoon, with the video showing the two girls and the auto driver exchanging blows. As the confrontation intensified, another girl intervened and managed to break up the fight.

The video was later shared on Instagram and other social media platforms, triggering calls from netizens for police action.

Kalesh b/w a Group of Girls and Auto Driver over Fare issues, HSR Layout Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/gNAxhfVs93

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) September 29, 2026

According to HSR Layout police, officers contacted the girls after coming across the viral video and asked them to file a complaint. However, the girls reportedly declined to approach the police immediately and sought a day or two to decide, a senior officer said.

Police also traced the auto driver and recorded his version of events. He reportedly told officers that the girls had hired his auto and that an argument broke out over the fare.

The driver further alleged that the girls were under the influence of alcohol, abused him and refused to pay the fare. He claimed that they assaulted him first, following which he hit them in retaliation.

“We will take necessary action once the girls file a complaint,” the officer added.

SHOCKING! Bengaluru Woman Alleges Rapido Driver Banged Door, Abused Her, Poured Urine at Doorstep

Gargi Chaudhry — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:07:45 +0530

A woman in Bengaluru says that when she asked why her delivery was being held up, a Rapido delivery driver swore at her, called her names, and poured urine on her door. According to a post on X, the victim, whose name was Sirisha, said that the driver tried to force open her door, poured pee outside, and sent her a mean voice message on WhatsApp. The woman said she was home by herself at the time of the event and that it was "terrifying and mentally disturbing."

“A Rapido delivery partner came to my house, verbally abused me, banged on my gate, tried to open it and then poured URINE outside my house. He was 4+ hours late, verbally abused me throughout, repeatedly called me ‘r*ndi,’ and tried to put his hand through the gate to open it. Thank god I was quick enough to lock the gate otherwise, I genuinely don’t know what could’ve happened", she wrote.

“He later sent me abusive voice notes and admitted that the liquid he poured outside my house was his urine. I was alone at home. This was terrifying and mentally disturbing", she wrote.

The victim highlighted that she had been trying for the last 24 hours to reach Rapido’s customer support. However, their response remained unsatisfactory, she said.

Along with the post, the woman shared pictures of what happened that were caught on her home's CCTV cameras. The video purportedly showed the Rapido driver pouring something from a bottle at the woman's door before leaving the scene.

The woman also shared a video that was a screen recording of the voice note that the accused sent. In it, he can be heard calling her names and using bad language against her. Rapido hasn't said anything about what happened yet.

Facebook Ad Lures Bengaluru Techie Into Rs 1.9 Crore Trading Fraud

Shweta Kumari — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:54:04 +0530

A 47-year-old tech professional from Bengaluru allegedly lost a staggering Rs 1.9 crore after a Facebook advertisement promising an online trading opportunity led him into what police suspect was a fake investment platform.

According to a complaint filed by Siddarth (name changed), a resident of Varanasi in east Bengaluru, the alleged fraud took place between February 27 and September 9. The ordeal began when he came across an advertisement on Facebook in February and clicked on it.

He was subsequently contacted by two people who allegedly posed as representatives and advisers of a trading platform. Claiming to offer guidance, they persuaded him to join an investment platform called ‘Proxtrend’.

Siddarth then created an account on the website http://www.proxtrendltd.com, which claimed to be operated by Proxtrend Ltd, registered on Mwali Island, Comoros. He began trading on February 27 and soon came into regular contact with a person identified as Raja S, who introduced himself as an account manager and allegedly guided him through trading and financial transactions.

Over the next several months, Siddarth transferred substantial sums of money for trading and investment purposes. However, concerns began to surface when he tried to access his funds.

According to his complaint, his withdrawal requests were not processed. Instead, he allegedly continued receiving messages and calls urging him to carry out more trades or arrange additional funds. While he had initially managed to make only limited withdrawals, the situation changed when he sought to withdraw his remaining money on September 9.

Even after waiting for more than 48 hours, the withdrawal request was allegedly not processed. He was reportedly told that withdrawing the funds was a difficult and tedious process. He was also allegedly asked to arrange additional amounts, including Rs 50 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, to facilitate the release of his money.

The complainant named several people who allegedly contacted him, including Raja Reslan, Walter Khan, Ronnie S, Alisha Agarwal, Shashikanth Sharma, Shiva Tappar and Rayan S. He also mentioned George Tyson, Vijay Sharma and Jay Shroff, seeking verification of their identities and their alleged links with the platform.

Siddarth said he had already approached the cyber helpline 1930 following the alleged fraud. The transactions were carried out between February 27 and September 9, with the total loss estimated at Rs 1.9 crore.

East Cyber Crime police have launched efforts to trace and freeze the funds allegedly transferred by the victim as part of their investigation.

He Once Hid His Swiggy Job From Friends—9 Years Later, He Runs a Seafood Joint (WATCH)

Deevika NM — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:40:46 +0530

A Bengaluru entrepreneur’s journey from delivering Swiggy orders to running his own seafood business has struck a chord online. Koushik Kharvi recently revisited his past after Google Photos resurfaced memories from nine years ago, when he worked as a part-time Swiggy delivery partner during a difficult phase of his life.

Kharvi shared photographs from those days, including his old Swiggy ID card, in an Instagram post. Looking back, he revealed that the biggest challenge was not making deliveries but dealing with the fear of being judged by people he knew.

“9 years ago I used to hide from my friends while delivering swiggy,” Kharvi wrote. He explained that he was worried about how his friends would perceive him, saying, “More than the hard work, I was scared my friends would see me as a delivery guy.”

Watch the viral video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Koushik Kharvi (@koushh_lakshara)

Those early experiences eventually became part of a much bigger journey. Kharvi recalled spending time at pickup counters of some of Bengaluru’s leading seafood restaurants while working as a delivery partner. Years later, he found himself on the other side of those counters, building his own seafood venture.

Also Read: Viral Video: Child Gets Locked Inside New Car During Delivery! (WATCH)

“From waiting at pickup counters of top seafood restaurants to building one of the city’s popular seafood joints Mangalore in Bangalore,” he wrote in his post.

Kharvi also credited the people who supported him along the way. “Couldn’t ask for more, and it is all because of the incredible support from our customers, partner and my whole team. Still a long way to go,” he said. He also thanked Swiggy for providing him with an opportunity during what he described as his “tough days.”

His story has since attracted attention on social media, with users highlighting the contrast between his earlier struggles and his present-day entrepreneurial journey. Reactions described the transformation as an inspiring example of perseverance, with one commenter calling attention to the “experiences, struggle and eventual triumph” behind his success. Another simply wrote, “Another day of being happy for strangers on the Internet.”

The story has also prompted conversations around dignity of work, career changes and the unexpected paths that can eventually lead people towards entrepreneurship.

Also Read: Bengaluru CEO Bans Male Hires From UP, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Sparks Debate