logo
‘Thug Life' release in Karnataka: Police serve notice to Kannada activist Praveen Shetty

‘Thug Life' release in Karnataka: Police serve notice to Kannada activist Praveen Shetty

The Hindu5 days ago

The RT Nagar police on Wednesday (June 18, 2025) served a notice to Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activist Praveen Shetty in the wake order of a Karnataka High Court order on the release of Kamal Hassan starrer 'Thug Life' across the State.
The notice pasted outside his house stated that action will be taken if there is any protest over the film's release, which is a violation of the High Court order. In case of any protest or dharna anywhere apart from the designated place, which is Freedom Park in Bengaluru, strict action will be taken, the notice stated.
The police also tried to handover the copy of the notice, but he refused stating that he is not taking any responsibility for the protest.
Police have made elaborate security arrangements as preventive measures.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Chhattisgarh HC denies bail to accused in Rs 411 crore 'Hamar-Lab' scam
Chhattisgarh HC denies bail to accused in Rs 411 crore 'Hamar-Lab' scam

Time of India

time21 hours ago

  • Time of India

Chhattisgarh HC denies bail to accused in Rs 411 crore 'Hamar-Lab' scam

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh High Court rejected the first bail application of Shashank Chopda, an accused in the alleged Rs 411 crore 'Hamar-Lab' scam. The case, registered by the Economic Offences Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB), Raipur, involves charges under Sections 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 13(1)(A), 13(2), and 7(C) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, after hearing arguments from both sides, stated that economic offences are more serious than conventional crimes as they impact the entire economy and pose a grave threat to the country's financial health. The prosecution's case centres on alleged irregularities in the "Hamar-Lab" scheme, launched in 2021 by the Public Health and Family Welfare Department. The scheme aimed to procure essential medical equipment and machines through the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Ltd (CGMSCL). The FIR alleged that officials from the Directorate of Health Services and CGMSCL placed disproportionate orders without proper budget evaluation or administrative approval, causing a loss of approximately Rs 411 crore to the state exchequer. Senior counsels Siddharth Mridul and Ajay Mishra, appearing for Chopda, argued that their client had no role in the alleged offence and was merely a bidder. They claimed that Chopda's company incurred a loss of Rs 351 crore and was being made a "scapegoat" to evade payment liabilities. They further contended that the EOW/ACB investigation was selective, as no govt officials were questioned or arrested until directed by the High Court. The defence also maintained that there was no risk of evidence tampering since all documents were submitted online and electronic devices, including mobile phones and computers, were already seized. Bail was sought on grounds of parity, citing a Supreme Court stay on the arrest of co-accused Rajesh Gupta in the same case. Dr Sourabh Kumar Pande, Deputy Advocate General for the state, opposed the bail plea, stating that CGMSCL purchased reagents without following due procedures or assessing actual requirements. He alleged that the specifications for medical equipment were "tailor-made" to favour a particular company, resulting in substantial losses. Pande described Chopda as the "mastermind" behind the cartel who influenced govt officials. The Deputy Advocate General also informed the court that five other co-accused, including public servants and CGMSCL officials, were arrested. He expressed concern that if granted bail, Chopda might tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. The High Court observed that economic offences, involving deep-rooted conspiracies and significant losses to public funds, must be treated seriously. It cited Supreme Court judgments emphasising that such crimes impact the national economy and erode public confidence in the financial system. Chief Justice Sinha noted that while a chargesheet was filed against Chopda, the investigation against other accused persons, including govt officials, was ongoing. He stated that the applicant appeared to be a "direct beneficiary" of the crime and could not be equated with co-accused Rajesh Gupta. The court also highlighted that the equipment supplied by Chopda's firm involved "closed system" technology, which would necessitate future procurement of reagents exclusively from his company, potentially leading to a monopoly and depriving the public of access to pathological tests. The court concluded that granting bail at this stage would "embolden corrupt practices" and undermine public trust in the justice delivery system. Chopda, representing Mokshit Corporation, faces several specific allegations, including procuring EDTA tubes (used for blood sample collection) from Mokshit Corporation at an inflated price of Rs 2,352 per piece, while other institutions procured them for a maximum of Rs 8.50. This was later clarified as a typographical error, with the actual price being Rs 23.52 per piece. He is also accused of purchasing reagents worth Rs 300 crore to prevent the expiry of chemicals held by Mokshit Corporation and supplying CBC machines at Rs 17 lakh per unit—significantly higher than the market price of Rs 5 lakh—after Mokshit Corporation was declared L-1 in the tender process. Additionally, he is alleged to have conspired with other firms such as Recorders and Medicare Systems and Shri Sharda Industries to generate illicit profits.

Photojournalist dies after brutal Melbourne assault by released immigration detainee
Photojournalist dies after brutal Melbourne assault by released immigration detainee

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

Photojournalist dies after brutal Melbourne assault by released immigration detainee

Dominic O'Brien, a veteran photojournalist, has died after an alleged assault in Footscray. Lominja Friday Yokoju, the suspect, was arrested. Yokoju was initially charged with intentionally causing serious injury. Following O'Brien's death, police are reviewing the charges. The incident has sparked public and political criticism regarding immigration detainee releases. Maribyrnong Council plans to improve safety in Footscray. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The suspect The veteran photojournalist Dominic O' Brien Police investigation Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Veteran photojournalist Dominic O'Brien, 62, has died in hospital, six days after being allegedly assaulted in Footscray on Sunday, June 15. The incident occurred just before 10 am at the intersection of Nicholson and Paisley Streets in an outdoor shopping mall, where O'Brien was reportedly approached by 43‑year‑old Lominja Friday Yokoju Yokoju, a former immigration detainee on a bridging visa and part of the 'NZYQ cohort' released after a High Court ruling in late 2023, was arrested at the scene. He was initially charged with intentionally causing serious injury. Witnesses allege Yokoju struck and stomped on O'Brien's head during the O'Brien, a renowned photographer for major outlets including The Age , The Australian, Getty Images, AAP, and Reuters, was a well‑respected figure in photojournalism and known for his work with Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. Colleagues described him as a 'talented storyteller' who embraced both analogue and digital photography O'Brien's death on Saturday morning, June 21, police confirmed they are reviewing the existing charges and may upgrade them pending the outcome of the post‑ remains in custody and is scheduled to face the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on October 20, 2025, for a committal incident has led to widespread public and political backlash. Figures such as Andrew Hastie and Brad Battin have criticized the government's handling of immigration detainee releases, while the Maribyrnong Council has pledged to bolster safety in Footscray.

Bengaluru bike taxi riders protest outside Vidhana Soudha to lift the ban, detained
Bengaluru bike taxi riders protest outside Vidhana Soudha to lift the ban, detained

Hindustan Times

timea day ago

  • Hindustan Times

Bengaluru bike taxi riders protest outside Vidhana Soudha to lift the ban, detained

Tension unfolded outside Vidhana Soudha on Saturday as a group of bike taxi riders staged a protest against the ongoing suspension of bike taxi operations in Karnataka. The protest, held without prior permission, led to the detention of several riders by city police. The bike-taxis in Bengaluru were banned due to non-availability of legal frame work. Also Read - BMTC launches express bus services and temple tours in Bengaluru. All you need to know The demonstrators gathered to press the state government for urgent intervention, demanding the revocation of the blanket ban and the introduction of a clear regulatory framework that would allow bike taxis to legally operate in the state. According to police, the riders were swiftly dispersed and taken into custody after assembling outside the state legislature building. A police case has been registered against the protestors for violating public assembly norms and attempting to hold a demonstration in front of Vidhana Soudha without official clearance. The protesting riders stressed that bike taxis are a lifeline for thousands, not only providing affordable transportation but also sustaining livelihoods across the city and beyond. They argued that, instead of banning the service altogether, the government should establish a well-defined set of rules to ensure both safety and accountability for operators and commuters alike. Also Read - Raids expose bars and pubs in Bengaluru using inappropriately dressed women, 19 establishments booked The protest comes in the backdrop of a recent decision by the Karnataka High Court, which upheld an earlier order suspending bike taxi services across the state. On April 2, a single-judge bench had ruled that bike taxis could not operate unless the state government framed specific guidelines under the Motor Vehicles Act. The order gave companies six weeks to comply, with the deadline later extended to June 15. Subsequently, Uber, Ola, and Rapido, the major app-based mobility companies, approached the court seeking relief. However, a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice V Kameshwar Rao and Justice Sreenivas Harish Kumar declined to grant any stay on the earlier directive, effectively reinforcing the suspension. (With agency inputs)

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store