World’s 2nd-largest khadi flag now in Belagavi
Strap: CM noted that Mahatma Gandhi had chaired a Congress session here a century ago
OB Bureau
Karnataka turned the western steps of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha into a spectacle of colour and pride on Tuesday as the world’s second-largest khadi Tricolour was unveiled. The massive flag gifted by a Kalaburagi family, now towers as Belagavi’s newest patriotic landmark.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who led the unveiling, said the Tricolour was far more than Khadi cloth fluttering in the wind, “it was a symbol of the nation’s pride and self-respect.”
He congratulated Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader for driving the initiative and thanked the family of Vinod Kumar Revappa Bammanna of Kamalapur in Kalaburagi for contributing the monumental flag.
Breaking down the symbolism woven into the fabric, Siddaramaiah reminded the gathering that saffron, white and green signified national self-respect, sacrifice, peace and prosperity, while the Ashoka Chakra represented progress and equal opportunity.
“We must view our National Flag with respect and pride. Every citizen must cultivate patriotism,” he said, urging people to remember the countless freedom fighters who carried the nation to Independence.
Siddaramaiah linked the moment to Belagavi’s own history, noting that Mahatma Gandhi had chaired a Congress session here a century ago; a milestone marked by the installation of a Gandhi statue beside Suvarna Soudha.
“Seventy-nine years after Independence, we must introspect on how far we have progressed in brotherhood, patriotism and human values,” he added, stressing the importance of reading Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Preamble in schools and colleges.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, sharing the stage, said the imposing Tricolour sent a powerful message to generations yet to come.
Praising Speaker Khader for “creating new records”, he recalled last year’s centenary celebration of Gandhi’s Belagavi session, when a statue of the Mahatma was unveiled at the same venue.
“Today, a massive Tricolour prepared by our Khadi Centre in Dharwad has been displayed at Suvarna Soudha. On behalf of the people of Karnataka, I congratulate the Speaker and his team. This is an exemplary initiative and should become a model for everyone,” Shivakumar said.
Calling for public access to the installation, he added, “Congress members carry the National Flag on their shoulders and patriotism in their hearts.”
HL: Hema walks free, mourns mother’s loss
OB Bureau
Tollywood actress Kolla Hema has been cleared of all charges in the 2024 Hebbagodi rave party case, but the legal victory came wrapped in heartbreak.
In an emotional video released midweek, Hema revealed that her mother died unable to bear the strain of what she called a relentless “media trial”.
Fighting through tears, Hema said, “Carrying that pain in my heart, I want to share this good news. The High Court has dismissed the case.” She said the Karnataka High Court quashed the proceedings on November 3, but she was advised to wait for the certified copy before speaking publicly.
According to her, the verdict brought no relief at home. “In the meantime, my mother suffered a stroke and passed away. She was my strength. She could not bear the social media posts and the media trial,” Hema said, accusing platforms and news channels of spreading unverified allegations that pushed her mother into distress.
The actress said she repeatedly pleaded with media outlets and users to stop circulating false claims. “Who gave them the authority to troll me? To cover up one false report, they kept spreading more incorrect news. I said from the beginning that I had done nothing wrong. Today, I stand before you with a clean image,” she said.
Hema said the past 18 months had destroyed both her peace and career. “I won the case but lost my mother forever. Will you bring my mother back? For one and a half years, my life has been hell. I had not contacted any director or anyone from the industry,” she said.
Her relief comes after a single-judge bench headed by Justice Mohammad Nawaz quashed the drug case filed against her, ruling that it could not legally proceed due to major gaps in the testing and investigation process. The court noted:
- No national nodal laboratory exists for standardised drug testing.
- No approved protocols for analysing blood and urine samples under the NDPS framework.
- The private medical test Hema underwent could not be treated as reliable forensic evidence.
Hema was one of 88 people detained after the Central Crime Branch raided a rave party at GR Farms on May 19, 2024, where police alleged the use of MDMA and cocaine. A chargesheet had been filed against all detainees, prompting her to approach the High Court seeking dismissal.
With the case now quashed, Hema says the legal nightmare may have ended, but the personal loss has left a wound that justice cannot close.
HL: Is Darshan bullying co-accused?
Strap: Prison authorities say the actor’s behaviour has shifted dramatically in recent weeks
OB Bureau
Trouble inside Central Prison is mounting for jailed Kannada superstar Darshan, who now faces fresh allegations of mentally and physically tormenting his co-accused in the sensational fan murder case.
Prison authorities say the actor’s behaviour has shifted dramatically in recent weeks; especially after all special privileges granted to him were curtailed. Sources allege Darshan has been kicking co-accused awake while they sleep and speaking to them in a hostile, demeaning manner.
Two of his associates, Jagadish and Anukumar, have reportedly had enough. Unable to cope with the alleged harassment, they have requested an immediate transfer to Chitradurga prison.
Tensions have also erupted over the appointment of defence lawyers. Co-accused Jagadish, also known as Jagga, is said to have quarrelled with Darshan just two days ago.
The shift in the star’s behaviour is being linked to stricter enforcement inside the jail after IAS officer Anshu Kumar took charge as Chief Superintendent. With the crackdown, Darshan must now stand in queue for food like other inmates and is even required to clean the toilet, sources said.
Additional security has been deployed around his barrack, with CCTV cameras and barricades installed to keep a closer watch on the group.
Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others were arrested on June 11, 2024, for the alleged kidnapping and brutal murder of Renukaswamy, a fan from Chitradurga.
Police say the fan had sent obscene and derogatory messages to Pavithra, enraged that Darshan continued a relationship with her despite being married.
After images surfaced showing Darshan allegedly enjoying “royal treatment” in Bangalore prison, he was shifted to Ballari Prison.
After spending 131 days in custody, he was released on October 30, 2024; only to be re-arrested when the Supreme Court cancelled his bail following a Karnataka Police appeal.
Investigators have filed a 3,991-page chargesheet, plus an additional one, laying out a raft of charges under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 355, 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 204 (destroying evidence), 359 (kidnapping), and multiple provisions related to unlawful assembly.
A local court has now framed charges against all 17 accused, including Darshan and Pavithra Gowda; all of whom have denied wrongdoing.
With fresh allegations of harassment inside jail surfacing, pressure is building once again around a case that has kept Karnataka gripped for months.