Prostitution in HSR rears its ugly head again

January 12, 2021November 19, 2018 by RW News Network

We scan all things HSR Layout on social media and we came across yet another sales call by pimps. In October, we had reported about how prostitution had gone bold and brazen and how the HSR cops had trapped them. We have informed the HSR cops to take action on them. They are publicising their services using the Twitter handle: @ovimaniz84. When you click on their message, it takes you to a ‘Locanto’ website that has more details like the one below.

Prostitution in HSR rears its ugly head again 2

This shows two websites that they are operating from. Please note that not only is prostitution prohibited, it is also quite risky to your health and life. There have been many cases where people have blackmailed clients by recording their sleazy footage, while some have robbed them at knife-point.

Therefore, it pays to remain faithful to your partner rather than resort to these adventures that could ruin you and your family. The cops can only police whenever they get wind of this by posing as prospective clients. However, you can prevent this prostitution by not being part of it. No clients, no business.

COPTALK

The local cops have informed us that any resident who feels suspicious of people movements in their neighbourhood can call up 100 and report about suspected prostitution in their areas. “Although they say HSR Layout because it’s a high tech area, the pimps identify an area in HSR but take them elsewhere for the actual act which might not be in HSR,” said one police official. “Also, there are 10-15 pimps involved. The moment you become a decoy and pose as a prospective client, these people follow you to check if you are a cop. If they get even a slight doubt, they will escape.”

HSR Ward Committee or Sham Committee?

January 12, 2021November 18, 2018 by RW News Network

After the residents went to court asking the BBMP to set up a ward committee, the civic body followed the court orders. They sought refuge in the local corporator who inducted his own contacts. When the citizens protested against this nepotism, the BBMP Commissioner said the residents can send in their applications and he will personally see to it that they get a berth.

However, when the ward committees were finalised, none of the 500 applicants from across Bangalore found their names on the list. Such is the state of affairs in Bangalore. Thankfully, HSR Layout is slightly better off. One can spot civic activists like Padmashree, Chitra and Dr Shanthi Tummala on the 12-member list and we know the work they have done towards garbage segregation, plastic ban, composting and so on. But the rest of the list appears to be bogus at first glance.

FAKE DESIGNATIONS

Lets begin with the representatives from resident welfare associations (RWAs). The names on the list are complete unknowns and their designations don’t even exist. You only have presidents not chairmans at RWAs. The president of Sector 6 RWA was Raje Urs last year and not Venugopal Reddy. In fact, there has been no such name holding any core committee level position in the history of Sector 6 RWA. We have got this confirmed from both the past president of Sector 6 RWA Raje Urs and the current secretary Deshmukh.

Such is the level of misrepresentation in this list cooked up by the BBMP under the misguidance of corporator Gurumurthy Reddy. Similarly, in Sector 1, the president has been Jayaram Reddy, but the list shows Govindaswamy as its chairman when there is no such position in the first place. Similarly Jayaram Reddy has confirmed that Govindaswamy was never the president or secretary of the association. “The committee met only once to send this list to the BBMP, it’s all bogus,” said Jayaram Reddy to Residents Watch. “The list was made only to follow the court’s orders. There’s no other purpose to it. I will talk to the Federation about this misrepresentation.”

Corporator Gurumurthy Reddy claimed that he had conducted “2-3” meetings in the last one year. Even if this were true, it clearly highlights the sham. “We will call you for the next meeting,” he told us. When pressed on the charge that there are bogus names on the list, he only said, “Is it so?”

When we spoke to BNR Reddy, the chairman of the Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association, he was even more categorical: “The corporator did not consult the associations while drafting people into the committee. This is all his handiwork.”

BOGUS LOT?

Both civic activists and resident association members are not even aware of the other names on the list. We can only conclude that they are just dummy candidates to abide by the court order. When there are so many civic activists in HSR Layout, why pick complete unknowns? Or do these people even exist? Do we have their Aadhaar IDs, so we can cross check? We urge BBMP Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad to take cognisance of this and weed out the falsehood reflected in this list not just in HSR but across Bangalore.

Without further ado, here is the list of people who are part of the Ward Committee for HSR Layout. No real meetings have happened so far. And most of the names don’t even ring a bell. Such is the sham in the ward committee list. Should the courts intervene again to whet the lists now and ensure regular meetings are held? In all likelihood, it appears to look that way!

BEWARE: OTP cyber crimes are most common!

January 12, 2021November 17, 2018 by RW News Network

Diwali effect: Pollution in HSR is ‘moderate to poor’

January 12, 2021November 15, 2018 by RW News Network

Call it the Diwali effect or after effect, but the pollution in Bangalore and HSR Layout that was largely borderline has gone up by three times… from 65 to over 160. That’s an oscillation of pollution levels from moderate to poor. And these are the readings at the Silk Board monitor, the closest to HSR Layout.

The highest reading in the last 24 hours came at 11pm yesterday at 162 (ug/m3) when the safety limit is to be below 60. Anything between 60 and 120 is considered moderate to poor, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. And these readings are taken from them. The next highest reading occurred at 8am yesterday at 128 and again at 12am today: 119.69. What is even worse is that even the 24-hour average was 86.62, 40% above the safety limit.

Diwali effect: Pollution in HSR is 'moderate to poor' 8

Diwali effect: Pollution in HSR is 'moderate to poor' 9

Diwali effect: Pollution in HSR is 'moderate to poor' 10

Diwali effect: Pollution in HSR is 'moderate to poor' 11 — The 24-hour average is still above the safety limit of 60, which is just as bad

The fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) is the most harmful pollutant as it not only affects visibility but also travels deep inside our lungs and cause cancer, strokes and so on. Despite the Supreme Court order, firecrackers went off regularly in HSR Layout, and the cops did not act on them. This was the case across the city as well, and this is the pollution that we all have to suffer.

Tell us, dear reader, what do you think can be done to arrest the air pollution? Should there be an odd-even rule here as well? Should only car pool taxies be allowed except the ones that go to the railway station and airport? Will air purifiers at home help? If you are an expert or have done your own experiments in air pollution that have reduced the contaminants in your house, share your story with us, so we can share it with the world. WhatsApp us (98805-85748).

Green cover: The refreshing turnaround of Govt PU College

January 12, 2021November 15, 2018 by RW News Network

Two years ago, the Government Pre University College on 29th B Main in Sector 1, HSR Layout, was just barren land. Today, it sports 30 trees that provide shade and cut the pollution from the surroundings with their green cover.

The story began in 2016 when Kaagaz Foundation, an HSR-based NGO, was planning to plant 3000 saplings in different parts of the neighbourhood. That’s when the volunteers zeroed in on this college. They approached the principal who readily agreed and the 30 saplings were planted and the college students joined in too. It was team effort all the way.

Recalls the NGO’s founder, Kavitha Reddy: “Led by the Principal, the college students who were also part of College NSS supported by the teaching staff kept over 30 pits ready for planting the saplings. The students had meticulously dug the pits by maintaining a proper distance between each pit. They were lined up in a neat row.”

Some of the saplings included Honge, Tori Matti, Mahogany, and Indian Badam, among others. What was even more heartwarming was that the students took an oath to maintain the saplings, nurture them and take care of them till they were on their own. “Re-enforce the commitment to environment, cleaner and greener surroundings among minds is very important, being environment-conscious can lead to a more sustainable living,” says Reddy, post incident.

And the latest news is that another NGO in HSR, Mythri Mahila Koota, has donated 59 flower saplings to this college. Clearly a vibrant picture ahead for the students and faculty in the years to come.

Resident complains against neighbour for causing pollution!

January 12, 2021November 14, 2018 by RW News Network

MC Sunanda is a fiesty 65-year-old woman who is a resident activist of sorts in Sector 1. She has successfully fought against polluters and illegal occupants in her neighbourhood in the past and her latest is against a tenant in front of her house. “The occupants of site number 1879 on 21st A Main have no water facility or drainage. They wash, cook and dirty the place. They use firewood and pollute the area. They urinate in the site itself. It is causing nuisance and is an ugly sight in the morning.”

Resident complains against neighbour for causing pollution! 14

She has not only informed the landlord of this site but also complained to the BBMP way back in August, but no action has been taken so far. “I have also spoken to the site owner’s husband on the phone. They are aware of it. I have sent the pictures,” says Sunanda. “They wash the clothes, there’s no drainage, mosquitoes breed there, please ensure that they vacate the place. A family of four are staying there and they cook openly with firewood.”

To make matters worse, the site owner K Kavitha has it on record that it’s a vacant site when there is a room with people living in it. “The site is let out for ironing of clothes and a cart is parked and thereby made commercial,” says Sunanda. Can a citizen give wrong declaration to the authorities and get away with it by troubling the honest tax payers?

Resident complains against neighbour for causing pollution! 15 — The wrong declaration that it’s a vacant site

Resident complains against neighbour for causing pollution! 16 — The site owner is paying tax for a vacant site when she has a shed with people living in it

We reached out to site owner’s husband Gopinath K and this is what he had to say: “I had visited the spot last month. Let me take a look at the issue again and then respond. I definitely understand the issues concerning the neighbours and will get back to you.”

Sunanda has this to all the site owners erecting temporary sheds to house people. “These site owners declare to BBMP as vacant site, but construct a shed and let it out without any plan sanction and sanitary connection,” says Sunanda.

She is just as angry with the BBMP for inaction. “Inspite of me giving all the details such as phone number and address of the owner, BBMP has utterly failed in discharging their duties. BBMP does not respect people who follow the law, instead it encourages people who violate it Is BBMP set up to protect law offenders?”

HER PAST SUCCESSES

A similar case had stared her in the face when a woman was staying in a shed diagonally opposite her house. It was yet another hygiene issue and when she gave a police complaint, the owner of the site where the shed was built got the maid to vacate it.

Two years ago, there were huts where about 10 people were staying and creating a health and hygiene issue. She called the police and got them removed too. “The owners want to preserve their site at the cost of our hygiene,” says Sunanda.

The heartwarming story of an HSR pet that was lost and found during Diwali!

January 12, 2021November 12, 2018 by RW News Network

On Wednesday, November 7, Dr Sumana Kaushik lost Angel, a female golden retriever due to a negligent caretaker in Mangammanapalya. On Saturday, November 10, she was reunited with her six-year-old pet, thanks to four dog lovers of HSR Layout.

The heartwarming story of an HSR pet that was lost and found during Diwali! 18 — The message that did the rounds of social media

Dr Sumana had given her female dog to a pet trainer who had in turn given it to a woman in Mangammanapalya. During Diwali, with all the firecrachers going off simultaneously, the dog got scared and ran away. Thankfully for her, dog lovers Prashanth, Bindu and Sindhu Gowda, who had lost their dog a year ago, sheltered and fed this dog for three days when they found her strolling on Hosa Road. They also put up her photo on Facebook’s ‘HSR Canine Club’ group.

The heartwarming story of an HSR pet that was lost and found during Diwali! 19 — The ‘Found dog’ message that went viral on social media

The heartwarming story of an HSR pet that was lost and found during Diwali! 20 — Sumana after being reunited with her pet

The dog was reunited with Dr Sumana when Anshu Vyas, another HSR resident and a member of the pet club, saw a ‘lost dog’ message on Facebook by Dr Sumana’s sister in law. “After seeing both the ‘lost’ and ‘found’ posts, Anshu put the puzzle together and asked us to contact the Gowdas,” Dr Sumana told Residents Watch. “The rescuers have a nursery on Hosapalya where they took care of her for three days. Even now, my dog is scared after going through all the trauma. I thank Anshu, Prashant, Bindu and Sindhu who looked after our Angel. It showed us that God’s miracles are personified through such warm-hearted good souls.”

Stray dog attacks and what you can do!

January 12, 2021November 12, 2018 by RW News Network

In the last six weeks, much has changed in the location of stray dogs in HSR Layout. The saga began when Member of Parliament Kupendra Reddy, a resident of Sector 1, was attacked by stray dogs in Sector 1 on October 11. Seven dogs were impounded. Later, the dog lovers of HSR complained that 60 … Read more

Regulate traffic near Gayathri and Saibaba temple during festivals

January 12, 2021November 10, 2018 by RW News Network

When it’s festival season, both the Sai Baba temple on 19th Main and the Gayathri temple on 17th Cross congest the major thoroughfares.

Tweeting to the traffic police, resident Tribhuvan Krishnamurthy says, “Dear BTP, can you please regulate the vehicular movement and parking in HSR Layout?” He uploads a picture of a recent such jam on 17th Cross and says, “This was the situation yesterday at Basaveshwara Gayatri temple located in 17th Cross, 24th main, sector 1, HSR. Public park their vehicles at their will due to lack of regulations.”

Regulate traffic near Gayathri and Saibaba temple during festivals 23 — 17th Cross, Gayathri temple

Well, the regulations are there. No one is supposed to double park and triple park. And when they do,the tiger patrol should come calling and tow them away. Some residents have even suggested to the temple authorities to organise poojas during non-peak hours to contain the congestion.

Food trucks that were quite popular in HSR Layout have lost out because of this very problem. When they take over the footpaths, their patrons take over the roads too. And this leads to major congestion, upsetting both residents and the traffic police.

Man steals bike in the guise of ‘test drive’

January 12, 2021November 10, 2018 by RW News Network

Twenty-nine-year-old Aditya Kumar, a marketing executive, was conned in Sector 7 on October 31. However, he filed the FIR only a week later on November 8.

Aditya had put up his 2017-model KTM Duke 200 bike (KA01-HY3145) for sale on Quikr. At around 3.20pm, a person came to his apartment complex on 21st Cross after looking at his advertisement online.

Man steals bike in the guise of 'test drive' 25 — Representative image

On the pretext of taking his bike for a test drive, the person took all the vehicle documents from Aditya and never returned. Citing the value of his vehicle at Rs 1.96 lakh, Aditya has filed a police complaint and the cops have registered a case of cheating and are investigating.

Bikers cut signals routinely at BDA flyover junction

January 12, 2021November 9, 2018 by RW News Network

Car drivers, but most frequently, two wheeler riders are routinely seen violating the signal rule at BDA Complex flyover junction. Recording this act and sending it to the traffic police, car driver Sharan says, “Unity in Diversity. Gumpalli Govinda from 0.20. All bikers break the rules with impunity here.”

Bikers cut signals routinely at BDA flyover junction 27

Bikers cut signals routinely at BDA flyover junction 28

Bikers cut signals routinely at BDA flyover junction 29

The remedy is CCTV that catch such offenders and fine them automatically. More than three such violations and their licence for the whole year should be cancelled. What else do you think can stop these violations, dear reader?

CEO accused of defrauding his own company in HSR!

January 12, 2021November 9, 2018 by RW News Network

Eshwar Reddy who owns Praneet Mobile LLP in HSR Layout has accused his CEO of cheating the company worth Rs 20.04 lakh.

CEO accused of defrauding his own company in HSR! 31

According to the FIR lodged at the HSR police station, the company based on 11th Main Road in Sector 7, had sold 254 mobile phones worth Rs 43.15 lakh. Harish Appanna, the 42-year-old CEO was supposed to have deposited this amount into the company bank account.

However, he allegedly deposited only Rs 24.05 lakh. In addition, he failed to deposit the company’s Konanakunte branch’s cash reserves of Rs 53,000. Also, Rs 41990 that was allegedly paid to the CEO through Paytm was not transferred to the company account. In all, the CEO is alleged to have defrauded the company of Rs 20.04 lakh. Curiously, though this financial transaction happened between July 18, 2018 and September 1, 2018, the FIR was only lodged on November 6, 2018.

The cops have filed three cases against the accused under IPC 1860 (U/s-406,408,420).