Karnataka Home Minister requests construction of 'Welcome' arch on Tumkur highway

Speaking to reporters at Sadashivanagar, Tumkur District in-charge Minister said that Rs 5 crore has been provided from the Smart City project to build the Welcome arch on the National Highway in Tumkur.

"Union Minister V Somanna is the MP of our district. I have requested Union Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari through V Somanna and asked him to give permission. If permission is given, we will build a welcome arch at the beginning of Tumkur," Parameshwara said.

Parameshwara further added that many central projects need to be implemented in the district. "Many projects related to drinking water come under the purview of the central government. Our taluk is included in this, and I have discussed it with them, he said.

He further added, "Since Tumkur city is next to the national highway, no one will know while traveling. If a welcome arch is built, it will be known."

According to Parameshwara, Union Minister Somanna will "speak after seeing what the state government's decisions will be regarding the metro project" for Tumkur.

Parameshwara stressed on Tumkur's growth and said that the district should be expanded.

"We have made an industrial hub on 20 thousand acres. Many people are asking that Tumkur should be expanded. A study is underway on this. Tumkur is 70 km from Bangalore. It will be beneficial in terms of development if it is included in the Greater Bengaluru area. We will also submit a proposal," he said.

While speaking on the Suhas Shetty murder case, Parameshwara said, "Officials have told me that a letter has been received from the Union Home Department regarding the Suhas Shetty murder case. We will discuss this with the officials and take a decision. People from that area were talking about handing over the case to the NIA for investigation. Someone may have requested it. MPs and MLAs may have said so."

Shetty, a prominent right-wing youth leader associated with the Bajrang Dal in Karnataka's coastal belt, was brutally murdered last month in Sullia town of Dakshina Kannada district. The activist, in his early 30s, was attacked by unidentified assailants while returning home late at night. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

The incident triggered widespread protests in the region, with local Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) units alleging a targeted killing.

While speaking on the tragic stampede that occured during the IPL victory celebration event of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru, Parameshwara called the June 4 incident "unfortunate" and said that an investigation is underway and the report will soon be submitted.

"I will not speak about the stampede incident. We have entrusted this case to the one-man commission of retired judge Michael D Cunha. He will investigate and submit a report. If we give a statement, it will have a different impact. If we are asked during the investigation, we will tell. If we give a statement now, the direction of the investigation will go in a different direction," he remarked.

Earlier on Thursday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that a one-member commission has been formed to probe the incident.

CM Siddaramaiah also announced that the state government has decided to suspend top police department officials, including the Commissioner of Bengaluru City Police.

Speaking to the media, the Karnataka CM stated, "Under the chairmanship of Justice Michael D'Cunha, a retired judge of the High Court, we have appointed a one-man commission to investigate the incident."

He emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring accountability. (ANI)