Karnataka CM reviews rainy season preparedness; HM orders probe into murder case

Bengaluru, May 18: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired a high-level meeting on Friday to assess the state's readiness for the upcoming rainy season. During the meeting, the Chief Minister issued directives to relevant officials on various matters.

Simultaneously, Home Minister G. Parameshwara initiated an investigation into alleged police negligence in the Anjali Ambigera murder case. Ambigera, aged 20, was fatally stabbed while asleep at her residence in Hubballi's Veerapur Oni area early Wednesday morning.

In other developments, the Home Minister reiterated efforts to repatriate the prime accused in the JD-S MP Prajwal Revanna's sex scandal case.

Furthermore, proceedings in the sexual harassment case against JD-S MLA H.D. Revanna unfolded at the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's (ACMM) court. Prosecutors argued for the inclusion of a rape charge against the MLA and urged for his remand in judicial custody.

Meanwhile, Karnataka's Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka criticized the Congress-led state government for allegedly allowing banks to seize drought compensation funds intended for affected families. Ashoka condemned the government, labeling it as anti-farmer and accused it of lacking compassion. He urged CM Siddaramaiah to intervene and instruct district commissioners to prevent banks from utilizing deposited funds to recover loans. Ashoka further demanded a waiver of farmers' loans if banks failed to comply.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed confidence in the Congress-INDIA alliance, asserting its increasing support among the populace nationwide. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar predicted that the alliance would secure over 40 seats in Uttar Pradesh.