1. Renukaswamy case: Actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and 15 others charged with murder, trial likely from November 10
A Bengaluru court has formally charged Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his associate Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others in the high-profile 2024 Renukaswamy murder case. The trial is set to begin on November 10. All 17 individuals face serious charges including murder, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, and attempting to destroy evidence under the Indian Penal Code. Each accused pleaded ‘not guilty’ as the charges were read out by the Additional City Civil and Sessions Court judge. Following the proceedings, they signed the charge documents before returning to judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison Complex.
2. Resorts and safaris among reasons for wild animals coming out of forests: Karnataka CM
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted increasing human activity in forest regions, such as the proliferation of resorts and safaris, as a primary cause for wild animals venturing out of their natural habitats. Speaking in Mysuru about recent tiger attacks, the CM also pointed to shortages of water and fodder as contributing factors. He noted a rise in sightings of elephants, tigers, leopards, wild boars, and deer outside forests. Siddaramaiah pledged to address the issue, confirming that directives have been issued to curb illegal resorts and reduce the frequency of jungle safaris.
3. Reconstitution of State Cabinet: Karnataka CM to visit Delhi on November 15
Amid swirling rumors of a State Cabinet reshuffle, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Delhi on November 15. His Ministry is approaching its two-and-a-half-year mark. Siddaramaiah stated he plans to discuss the matter with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge after the Bihar Assembly elections conclude. When pressed by reporters in Mysuru about speculation that Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar might take over as CM, Siddaramaiah firmly dismissed such questions, emphasizing the focus on current governance.
4. Wild elephant captured near Kudremukh, Forest Dept claims tusker killed two persons in Sringeri taluk
In a significant operation, the Forest Department successfully captured a 40-year-old wild tusker near Kudremukh on the evening of November 2. This elephant is believed to be responsible for the deaths of two individuals in the Kerekatte Range of Kudremukh Wildlife Division, Sringeri taluk, on October 31. The complex operation involved over 150 Forest Department personnel and five specially trained elephants. The tusker was located and captured close to the Bhagawathi Nature Camp of Jungle Lodges, near Kudremukh.