1. One Dead in Blast Near Congress MLA’s House in Bengaluru
One person is reportedly dead in an explosion in Bengaluru's Vyalikaval. The nature of explosion is still unknown. According to ANI, the explosion took place outside the residence of the Congress MLA from Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Munirathna. Police was present at the spot and a probe is underway.
“The explosion occurred around 9:15 am on the road. One person, who was walking on the street, was killed in the blast. We don’t know the nature of the explosion yet,” said T Suneel Kumar, Bengaluru Police Commissioner
"There is a small crater at the location, so the explosion has occurred from ground. Our forensic teams are on the ground," the commissioner added.
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2. Thumping Victory for BJP in Karnataka: What Exit Polls Say
As Lok Sabha elections came to an end on Sunday, 19 May, several pollsters came out with predictions for how the national and regional parties would fare. Seven exit polls predicted a win for the BJP in Karnataka, while the Congress-JD(S) coalition in Karnataka was predicted to win a negligible number of seats.
India Today-My Axis poll predicted that the BJP would win 21-25 seats, and the Congress-JD(S) coalition would win 3-5 seats, with the Congress gaining 2-3 and JD(S) winning 1-2 seats respectively.
CNN News18-IPSOS poll predicted that the BJP would gain 20-23 seats, while the Congress-JD(S) coalition would bag 5-8 segments.
The Times Now-VMR poll has given the BJP a considerable headway in Karnataka with the party predicted to win 21 seats, followed by Congress winning 6 seats and the JD(S) winning 1 seat.
(Source: The News Minute)
3. Despite EVM Snags, Voters Make it Count in Bypolls
Voters showed up in huge numbers for the byelections to Kundgol and Chincholi assembly segments on Sunday, 19 May, enduring heat and a long wait because of EVM and VVPAT machine glitches, which briefly halted polling.
By the end of polling hours at 6pm, Kundgol, Kalaburagi district, had recorded a turnout of 81.3% and Chincholi, Dharwad district, 70.3%, higher than the 2018 figures of 78.7%
and 68.7%, respectively, according to officials of the Election Commission. Votes will be counted on 23 May. The results of the Lok Sabha elections will also be declared the same day.
(Source: The Times of India)
4. 2 Trans Women From Manipur Allegedly Raped, Cops Arrest 3 men
Bengaluru police on Saturday arrested three men for allegedly raping two trans women from Manipur at knife point. Although the incident took place on 12 May, the survivors, a 23-year-old student and a 24-year-old professional, were reluctant to go the police fearing the usual apathy sexual minorities face from the law enforcers.
However, support from friends and All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association finally led them to approach the police who took prompt action in nabbing the accused.
“Police was very fast in taking action. The three people are in police custody now. We are happy with the action,” Kathrin* (name changed), one of the women, told TNM.
(Source: The News Minute)
5. Mother Poisons Daughter, Herself in Mysuru
Unable to afford healthcare facilities, a 45-year-old woman mixed poison in her daughter’s food and later consumed the same in Periyapatna’s Parisaranagar area on Thursday, 16 May. Both were declared dead on Sunday, 19 May.
“Saraswathi took the extreme step as she was worried about her daughter Suma’s future,” police said. Suma, 22, was physically challenged and was bed-ridden since childhood.
“On 16 May, Saraswathi mixed poison in the food and fed her daughter first. Later, she too consumed the poison-laced food. Neigbhours rushed the mother-daughter duo to a hospital in Mysuru. After three days, both were declared dead on Sunday. Their bodies were handed over to the family members after a postmortem,” Periyapatna police said. “Saraswathi and her husband Rangaswamy Nayaka worked as daily wage labourers in Periyapatna. They were worried about their only child’s health. We have registered a case based on a complaint filed by Saraswathi’s brother,” police added.
(Source: The Times of India)
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