RW News Network

On November 22, a 41-year-old software engineer died when a water tanker ran over him on 27th Main at 1.10pm. About 12 weeks later, another death due to a water tanker has happened, this time on 14th Main in Sector 6, HSR Layout.

 

 

Twenty-eight-year-old Jeevan Kumar, a resident of Shivamogga, was riding on his bike on February 13 at around 12.15pm on 14th main, 15th Cross, near Federal Bank, when he was hit by a water tanker coming from the same direction. he fell on the road and the tanker’s tyres went over his head and ears.

There was blood all over the road. “About two litres of blood,” said eye witness Ravindra Naidu, a security guard who fetched an auto rickshaw and got him transported to Greenview hospital with the help of other passersby and traffic cops.

However, the youngster died at the hospital. “The family had to pay Rs 1 lakh to get him discharged from the hospital the same day evening after his death,” informed the guard. “They had come the next day to enquire about how it happened. It is sad that not only did they lose their son, but also paid so much money only to take back a dead body.”

The driver of the water tanker had left his vehicle and ran away. He is yet to be traced by the cops who have charged him under two sections each of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Indian Penal Code 1860.

“It was 100% the fault of the tanker driver,” says Naidu. “He was driving all over the road. When the younster tried to overtake from one side, the tanker driver swerved in the same direction, leading to the accident.”

 

Impersonations are common among thieves, and this one was another ingenious idea hit upon by a criminal mind. On January 20, a man appearing to be in his late 20s, presented himself at the doorstep of Prakash CV, a 65-year-old resident of 23rd Main, 24th Cross, Sector 2, HSR Layout. Calling himself Chandrashekar, he said that if Prakash had any building renovation work, he would do it at a cheaper price. Prakash gave his number and left. On January 23, Chandrashekar calls Prakash again at around 8.30pm, seeking for any job he might have for him. Prakash asks him to show any previous work that he has done in HSR Layout. The man turns up to show one building in Parangipalya and claims to have built all the floors right up to the terrace.

 

 

The alleged conman gave a quotation of Rs 65,000 for the renovation work that Prakash had for him. Eventually, he agrees to do it for Rs 55,000. The conman goes to Mangammapalya, talks to a trader to fetch a tractor worth of mud for Rs 8000. However, when the tractor guy turns up at Prakash’s home, and calls Chandrashekar on his phone number, it is switched off. In the meanwhile, Chandrashekar tells Prakash that he will go and fetch the rest of the materials for the work and never returns. The tractor guy tells Prakash that the money for the mud wasn’t paid either.

While this happened on January 23, the FIR was registered at the HSR Layout police station nearly a month later, on February 18. The cops have registered a case of cheating under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, and are investigating. “So far, there is no progress on the case,” Prakash informed Residents Watch.

 

In seven separate thefts across HSR Layout, several valuables, including bikes, cars, laptops and jewellery were stolen in a fortnight, between February 9 and February 23. Which means, there was a theft in HSR Layout every alternate day. Stay safe, stay aware.

HOUSE BREAK; OWNER SUSPECTS MILKMAN & CAR WASH PERSON

On February 23, retired professional PK Chandran (68) had locked his house on 14th Cross, 22nd Main Road in Sector 1, and gone out of town with his family at around 11.45am. When he retuned on February 27 at around 2.45pm, he found the front door broken. Upon further investigation, he found that many valuables were missing from his house, including one gold chain, one silver ring and Rs 12,000 in cash. In addition, Chandran has indicated in the FIR that he suspects his milk vendor and car wash person behind the theft.

 

 

TWO WHEELER THEFTS GALORE
On February 22, 22-year-old engineer Rajatha Prabhu went out of town after parking her Honda Dio (KA04 HT7369) at 9am in front of her house on 21st Cross, 5th Main, Sector 7. When she returned on February 25 at around 10am, the vehicle was missing.

A similar incident occurred on the same day at the other end of HSR Layout. At around 7am, software engineer Ismail Nagnoor (33 years) parked his Honda Active (KA01 HQ4574) near the lorry stand at Silk Board junction before going to work. When he returned the next day at 6.30am, the vehicle was nowhere to be seen at the spot.

INNOVA STOLEN IN SECTOR 2
On February 16, 42-year-old CEO Manoj Kumar Nair was dropped in his company car by his staff driver at around 8.10pm. After parking the grey Innova (KA01 MM0316) in front of Manoj’s apartment in Garden Layout on 25th A Cross in Sector 2, and handing over the car keys to Manoj, the driver went home. The next day at around 9.30am, when the driver returned, he found the car to be missing from its place.

On February 12, at around 9.45pm, 36-year-old tailor Khalid, a resident of Agara, parked his scooter (KA01 EX3911) in front of his house on 24th Main in Sector 1. About 15 minutes later, it had gone missing when he stepped out to go somewhere. It was a Honda Activa. His FIR was registered the very next day at noon and the cops are investigating the theft under Section 379 of the Indian Penal Code.

TWO APPLE LAPTOPS STOLEN FROM CAR
On February 8, 27-year-old Jinesh Bhaskaran and his friend Debangan Roy visited Tea Villa Cafe on 17th Cross in Sector 1 at around 4.30pm. When they came out of the coffeeshop at around 5.15pm, they found that the rear passenger window of Jinesh’s car was broken and many of their valuables stolen. The items missing included two Macbook Pro laptops belonging to their company, and the accompanying adapters, chargers and laptop bags.

LORRY GOES MISSING ON 24TH MAIN
On February 9, businessman Karan Singh (32 years), who runs a provision store on 24th Main in Sector 2, was a victim of theft. At around 2.45am, his brother Mahendra Singh parked Karan’s lorry in front of his shop (Ashok Leyland Dost LS, KA01 AG3988). However, the vehicle was missing when he checked on it at 6am. After looking around for it everywhere, he realised that it was stolen.

Close on the heels of a drug ceisure near NIFT college in Sector 1 worth Rs 50,000 in December 2018, comes another, albeit small, seizure again near the same institution.

 

 

Around 2.30pm on February 14, sub inspector M Nilakantan (54 years) received a phone tip off that a few people were selling drugs in Sector 1 near NIFT on 27th Main in HSR Layout. After seeking the relevant permissions from the higher authorities, he rushed to the place and arrested the alleged drug peddlers in the presence of eye witnesses and a gazetted officer, the requirements under this tough law.

 

The cops seized 900 grams worth ganja (cannabis) and Rs 500 cash from the alleged drug peddlers. Those arrested under the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 include private sector employee Sathish (28 years), student Chethan P (25), and women labourers Shahina (45), Chandrakala (29) and Chaitra (25). They have been arrested under Section 20(b) of The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. If convicted, they could be behind bars for up to ten years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

The controversy over the 5-day event at BBMP Grounds refuses to die down. The latest is that despite setting down the rules, the noise levels were higher than permitted and the music went on way beyond the stipulated 9pm. And it happened on a day when it shouldn’t: yesterday. The event was supposed to begin from today, so was that a dress rehearsal yesterday, the residents want to know.

 

 

“The loud speaker volume was quite high and caused much inconvenience to students writing their board exams yesterday,” says Girish Shivalingaiah, one of the residents leading the campaign against the event. “With repeated complaints to the police by numerous residents, police were able to bring it down a little bit. Again in the morning today, the music level was high. We have asked the BBMP executive engineer to warn the organizers, including the cancellation of the event itself.”

 

Another bone of contention for the residents is the provision given by the BBMP to break the wall for providing an emergency exit on the South side, right in front of the residential area. “It is such a bad idea as the area was flooded with vehicles for parking yesterday,” says Girish who has asked the BBMP to shut this gate.

 

That’s not all. “The stage is so close to a couple of houses that they are being bombarded with huge noise,” he goes on. “The stage area could have been placed near the BWSSB office which could have reduced the impact for the residents. Poor planning shows no one cares for the regular citizens.”

 

The BBMP officials have informed us that they will look into these complaints and try to address them as the major events are yet to begin at BBMP Grounds.

In December 2018, we reported that the construction of the Shell petrol bunk was stopped for violating the rules. So far, the status quo remains. “Until the Town Planning department of the BBMP does not give its approval, we will not let it reopen,” said one BBMP official at Bommanahalli. “However, they have taken all other permissions and might open anytime soon.”

 

 

The bunk was in the eye of a controversy when neighbours objected and got the Sector 3 Residents Welfare Association to complain against the bunk coming up in a residential area. However, the DC converted site was clearly given a commercial status by the BBMP paving the way for a commercial building. The civic officials also tell us that since it’s on 18th Main Road and 22nd Cross, both being largely commercial roads, the residents should not object to it as the entrances are not pointing towards the residential areas. However, that obstacle also seems to have been cleared now as the residents have given a ‘no objection certificate’, according to our sources.

 

Then what’s causing the delay? Sources tell us that the Indian Oil Corporation bunk on 19th Main is using political influence to stop the Shell petrol bunk from coming up. “Since they know that Shell delivers quality, they expect business losses if it comes up, and are doing everything they can to prevent it,” said one source.

 

So far, Shell’s competitors have been successful in stalling it as this issue is around for almost two years now. “There was one other issue about the Bescom transformer coming in its path. But now even that is resolved as Shell has agreed to pay and have it relocated,” said one official familiar with the issue.

 

The construction of the bunk itself is 80% complete. Once they get the green signal from the BBMP’s town planning department, it will be business as usual for the Shell petrol bunk. However, if the BBMP continues to delay the issue, the bunk owners are ready to approach the court as well. “After all, they are paying Rs 8 lakh every month as rent for the site,” said one source. That’s almost Rs 2 crore for the two years of its existence. 

The BBMP came under heavy fire by HSR Layout residents for letting the BBMP Grounds to Sri Seervi Samaj Trust for organising a 11-day event, that includes another 20-days of setting up and dismantling the gigantic metal frames. Taking note of the protests as the civic body had violated its own rules blatantly under the advise of Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy, the BBMP has issued a fresh set of 20 conditions to the organiser to ensure that the mega event does not cause traffic jams, fire hazards, cleanliness and hygiene issues or any untoward incident. Importantly, the 11-day event is now curtailed to just five days from March 5 to March 9, 2019.

 

 

Some of the conditions that the organisers have accepted are as follows:

 

1. The programme should end by 9pm every day.

2. No cars will be allowed inside the venue. Instead, they should be parked near the 3-acre space around the Somasundrapalya Lake, the 6-acre space around Freedom International School and the 1-acre space inside BDA Complex.

3. Fire tenders should be stationed at the venue round-the-clock.

4. There should be a temporary toilet for every 50 visitors. Which means, if there are 3000 people expected for the event, there should be 60 toilets.

5. No plastic or plastic of Paris (PoP) should be used anywhere at the event.

6. No temporary commercial stalls should be set up at the venue.

7. There should be three entrances for people to enter the venue. The organisers are given the permission to break the wall for it and later put it back after the event is complete.

8. Atleast 10 fire extinguishers and water tankers, in addition to a safety barricade wherever gas cylinders are placed inside the venue.

9. The sound boxes being used should emit very low decibels, and audible only to people inside the premises, causing no inconvenience to residents around the BBMP Grounds.

 

Hangover, the pub on 17th Cross in Sector 1 has reopened again after obtaining a stay order from the Karnataka High Court on February 13, 2019. The pub was shutdown on February 5, 2019.

 

 

Looking at the writ petition filed by Goldwing Ventures’s partner Tanuja, the court has granted a stay on the excise department’s shutdown order of February 5, 2019 “until next hearing”. Going by the infamous judicial delays, we are not sure when the actual verdict will take place. Which means, the pub will continue to function despite the BBMP cancelling Hangover’s trade licence in November 2018 after an order by the Lokayukta, the state watchdog organisation meant to protect the rights of citizens. 

 

“It is unclear how the BBMP can keep quiet on this when the pub is functioning without a valid trade licence,” protests BNR Reddy, the chairman of Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Associations. “When the BBMP officials tried to shut it down again, the pub owners are threatening them with contempt of court.”

 

It is to be recalled that Hangover was closed after HSR residents moved the Lokayukta. However, even after the BBMP cancelled Hangover’s licence in November 2018, the pub was functioning till February 5 before it was shutdown by the Excise Department.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

Night of the MAFIAs
8PM – 11PM
Brimstone Cafe 670, 13th Cross Rd, 1st Sector, HSR Layout,
Rs 249

 

A super interactive game of Mafia in a unique setting where you can watch the drama unfold and find the mafias before it’s too late. This is a unique chance to meet and bond with strangers, whether you’re an innocent villager or the cunning mafia killing them off! Don’t worry if you have not played, rules will be explained to you. This game is suitable for all poker-faced adults and requires no prior experience. Spend your Friday night solving a unique murder mystery.

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

Conversations in the Dark
4pm-7pm
Brimstone Cafe 670, 13th Cross Rd, 1st Sector, HSR Layout
Rs 499

 

A series of activities involving blindfolded conversations. Engaging in heartful conversations, feeling and sensing into the one-ness that surrounds and is within us. With the blindfolds on, you look beyond the initial physical judgment phase and can open up to strangers anonymously. This is NOT for dating but an experience to share your stories, get to know people’s stories and discover new things about yourself with ease. In the three-hour session, there will be a series of engaging blindfolded experiences and you will get to know about lots of interesting moments. Join the unique experience to enjoy an evening of free-flowing conversations with strangers. PS: Blindfolds will be provided. Just come with an open mind. Limited spots.

Belly Dance Drum Solo Workshop
3pm-5pm
7 Shades Dance Music And Fitness Studio, 1176, 24th Main Rd, Garden Layout, Sector 2, HSR Layout
Rs 499

 

Power-packed and popular, this style of belly dance is certain to take away your breath. Learn the magical form of Drum Solos! Drum Solos are generally advanced level movements where you complement every beat of the? Darbuka? a single head drum. The technique consists of shimmy variation, body isolation, pops and locks, and layering! It’s one of the most challenging dance styles takes and it takes years and years of practice to master it. In the Beginner-Intermediate level of choreography, you’ll learn basic and essential middle-eastern rhythms, shimmies and more!

 

Standup Comedy: It Is A Laughing Matter

8pm-9.30pm
True Bleu Restocafe, #89, 1st floor, 17th Cross Road, Sector 4, HSR Layout
Rs 200

 

A Hinglish stand-up comedy night where you don’t take anything seriously, seriously where sports, politics, personalities, music, mythology — everything is a laughing matter. Tickets are partially redeemable on F and B.

STEM Genius Robotics and Coding Workshop
Saturdays & Sundays, 10am-1pm; 2pm-5pm
Paperbots STEM Academy, 1st floor, No 398, 10th Cross, 27th Main Road, Sector 1, HSR Layout
Rs 400

 

The student gets to explore and discover STEAMS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Soft Skills) by being part of hands-on activities. Paperbots’ parent company Bytes&Bots is a pioneer in STEAMS education in USA, California. Their focus is to help kids make exciting discoveries and enhance their curiosity. Kids (Std 2nd to 8th) can discover the potential of STEAM subjects through projects Robotics, Computer Coding, Design Thinking, Multi Engineering discipline and more.

 

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Women’s Day Run
6.30am-8.30am, BBMP Grounds, 19th Main, 17th Cross, Sector 2, HSR Layout
Rs 450

 

On International Women’s Day, Kaagaz Foundation is organizing the 3rd Edition of Women’s Day Run to encourage women to take up running and develop a healthy exercise regime in addition to raise funds for Women Safety & Awareness Workshops taken up by the NGO.

Cyclothon – HSR to Bangalore Palace (40 KMs both ways)
5.30am-10am, Nift College, Sector 1 to Bangalore Palace
Free

 

05:30 AM: BRIEFING | Gather at NIFT College HSR Layout. 06 AM: Start the Trip to Bangalore Palace (one way ~15 KMs). 07:00 AM: Reach Bangalore Palace. 07:00 – 08:30 AM: Take Rest + Explore + Enjoy the Breakfast (VEG). 08:30: Leave Bangalore Palace. 10:00: Reach HSR Layout NIFT College & Wrap up.

Roll your own icecreams
4.30pm-6.30pm
IceBreakers, 172, 9th Main Rd, Sector 7, HSR Layout
Rs 349

 

Learning is so deliciously sweet and ice creamy. De-stress yourself. Go wild with flavors and mix all your favorite stuff together and invent your own special flavor you had always wanted to. Best ice cream innovators get prizes too. So, are you greedy to make your own ice creams?

Standup Comedy: Joke It Off
4pm, Howlin Wolf, No 170 Sector 7, 9th Main Rd, Sector 7, HSR Layout
₹199

Joke it off is the best way for you to close your weekend with upcoming comedians in Bangalore.

Stay With Me
7pm, Grapevine, 43, 22nd Cross Road, Sector 3, HSR Layout
₹249

 

A live Stand Up show performed by two Bangalore comedians Hari Krishna and Gaurav Purohit. Both of them have a journey in their mind, come be a part of it.

Laugh & Sip & Laugh – A Standup Comedy Show
8pm, Still Sipping, 1514, 19th Main Road, Vanganahalli, Sector 4, HSR Layout
₹199 onwards

 

What to do on a Sunday night if you’re too fed up of going to pubs and shaking your body? Listen to some hilarious jokes? Welcome to a night full of laughter and fun. Book a seat and tighten the seatbelt to laugh till your stomach aches!.