Major fire at Bellandur lake, toxic fumes engulf vicinity
What's the story
A massive fire broke out on the lake bed at Bellandur, engulfing the area with heavy toxic fumes. The fire, allegedly caused by illegal dumping of debris, was doused after three hours. Locals alerted the authorities, who blamed dry grass. Citizens have complained about the dumping of chemicals and other waste in the lake several times. Check out what else is keeping Bengaluru busy.
Sadashiv Nagar
KV principal suspended for sexually assaulting students
Kumar Thakur, former principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sadashiv Nagar, has been suspended for sexually harassing students. He had earlier been transferred to a Karwar school. Thakur, charged under POCSO, is currently out on bail. There was backlash after he was transferred instead of being suspended, despite an order from the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
BMRC
BMRC planning short-loop trains between high-ridership stations
The BMRC is planning to roll out short-loop trains on a 42-km network, between stations with large ridership, that would carry 10 lakh commuters a day. Trains would be available every three minutes. The short-loop trains will be run till BMRC acquires six-coach trains. Test runs between Vijayanagar and Indiranagar have already been conducted. Kempegowda (Majestic) and MG Road recorded the highest ridership.
Bannerghatta
Bannerghatta Police under fire for alleged inaction in rape, murder
Bannerghatta Police has come under fire for inaction in a case where a 55-year-old man is accused of sexually assaulting his five-year-old neighbour and setting her on fire. Cops reportedly didn't even record the victim's statement till her parents went to the KSCPCR with an audio clip of the child naming the accused. Police said they were waiting for the medical reports to come in.
Hampi
Leopard scare at Hampi
Many tourists at Hampi went into panic mode when they spotted two leopards roaming around. Residents of the World Heritage tourism spot claim there are eight leopards in the area; one of them was reportedly seen in Akka-Tangiyara Gudda and Kusthi Akhada areas. Hospet RFO Nagaraj said a check would be conducted and the animals were shifted to a safer location.
Aero India
Karnataka, 3D major Dassault Systemes to set up excellence centre
The state government and French 3D experience major Dassault Systemes announced the setting up of a Centre of Excellence in aerospace and defence in Karnataka, which will provide training to about 1,600 engineers every year. The MoU was signed at the ongoing Aero India 2017. Meanwhile, a 360° VR tour, where visitors can experience flying inside combat aircraft Tejas, is drawing in major crowds.