National

Contractors Claim Ongoing Commission Practices in Karnataka

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2025

The Siddaramaiah administration in Karnataka is now encountering claims of “commissions” linked to the clearance of contractors’ overdue bills. This echoes previous accusations against former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, who faced similar allegations of a 40 percent commission rate.

Chief Minister S. Siddaramaiah strongly refuted these allegations, emphasizing that both soliciting and offering bribes are criminal activities. He stated that he has never requested money from anyone to expedite the payment of pending bills.

Following a meeting on Monday with representatives from the Karnataka State Contractors Association, the Chief Minister reiterated his stance, asserting that no contractor should be expected to pay any commissions.

It is important to note that this association had previously raised accusations of 40 percent commission requirements against the Bommai administration, which likely contributed to the BJP government’s reputation, partly due to an effective campaign led by the Congress party. The association is now suggesting that the commission issue remains unresolved under the current government.

R. Manjunath, the association’s president, pointed out that the problem of commissions persists, claiming that officials are making it more challenging to release bills than during the previous regime. They have formally addressed their concerns to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and are considering escalating their complaints to Congress leaders, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah encouraged them to seek out any individual they feel appropriate to lodge their grievances with. He noted that the pending bills relate to contracts initiated during Bommai’s government, for which there had been no financial allocations. The Chief Minister mentioned that while the government plans to review these pending bills, it must first conduct a financial assessment, with a possibility of addressing the matter next month.

He assured the delegation that his government would strive to process and clear the pending bills, while reiterating that the previous administration’s lack of funding is the core issue at hand. On the subject of commissions, Siddaramaiah underlined that both bribery offenses are illegal and reaffirmed that he has not solicited funds from any contractor.

National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

2 weeks ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.