DKS distances from RCB buy buzz
OB Bureau
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has denied speculation that he is planning to purchase the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise, calling the reports baseless and absurd.
Responding to press queries, Shivakumar said he had no time to engage in cricket franchise management and added that his only connection to the sport was being a member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association from a young age.
He highlighted that although he had received offers to join cricket administration, he had declined them due to his tight schedule. Citing his past decision to step away from managing his own educational institution, Shivakumar questioned why he would involve himself with RCB, quipping that he doesn’t even consume the liquor brand Royal Challenge.
His remarks follow reports suggesting that Diageo Plc, the British alcoholic beverage company that owns RCB through United Spirits Ltd, was exploring the possibility of selling a partial or full stake in the IPL team.
According to reports, Diageo had initiated preliminary discussions with advisors and was considering options that might value the franchise at around $2 billion. However, these talks were said to be in early stages and confidential.
Diageo, however, has firmly denied any intention to sell. In a letter submitted to the Bombay Stock Exchange on June 10, Diageo India’s company secretary Mital Sangvi stated that the media reports were speculative and clarified that no such discussions were underway.
The speculation around RCB’s ownership has surfaced at a time when the franchise is under intense public and legal scrutiny. On June 4, a stampede near M Chinnaswamy Stadium during a victory parade celebrating RCB’s IPL triumph claimed the lives of 11 fans and left over 50 others injured.
Shivakumar, addressing the tragedy, said the state government was now working on a crowd management policy. The Karnataka High Court had earlier questioned the administration on whether any Standard Operating Procedures existed for managing large gatherings at public events.
IMD warns of rain fury across state
OB Bureau
Karnataka is set to receive a fresh spell of heavy rainfall over the next five days as two significant weather systems converge over parts of the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.
According to the IMD’s latest five-day forecast, a “Yellow” alert—indicating heavy rain—has been issued for 30 districts across the state, barring Uttara Kannada. The warning comes as an upper air cyclonic circulation has formed over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha at lower and middle atmospheric levels. A trough linked to this system is also present, stretching into coastal Karnataka.
These systems are expected to trigger light to moderate rainfall in most parts of Karnataka until mid-next week. On Friday, isolated areas may experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds ranging between 30 and 50 kmph, said IMD.
While the entire state will see varying degrees of precipitation, the IMD has issued a “Red” alert for coastal Karnataka and the Western Ghats districts for Saturday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. Central and north interior districts have been placed under an “Orange” alert, which signals very heavy rain. The “Yellow” alert remains in place for south interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, where moderate showers are expected.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and residents—especially in high-alert areas—have been advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during intense spells of rain. The expected rainfall is also likely to bring some relief from the rising temperatures recorded across the state in recent weeks, though it could disrupt normal life in vulnerable regions. The IMD is expected to issue further updates as the systems evolve over the weekend.
Top cop caught in extortion net
OB Bureau
A senior IPS officer has come under the radar for allegedly orchestrating a racket to threaten and extort money from government officials by misusing the name of the Karnataka Lokayukta. Investigators suspect the officer exploited his prior association with the anti-corruption agency to carry out the scam discreetly.
The officer’s identity has been withheld as the inquiry is still ongoing. His alleged involvement surfaced following the arrest of a dismissed police constable, who is accused of making extortion calls to officials across various departments. These officials were reportedly targeted after background checks revealed they possessed assets disproportionate to their declared income.
According to reports, the constable — identified as 45-year-old Savanth from Chitradurga — would impersonate an official named “Ningappa” during the calls, warning of impending raids unless bribes were paid. Investigators believe he acted on instructions from the IPS officer.
Further inquiry has revealed that the IPS officer had allegedly invested several crores in cryptocurrency and operated four crypto wallets under his name. These financial activities are now being closely examined to track the flow of illicit money.
While the Lokayukta office has not issued an official statement yet, insiders confirmed that a case has been registered against Savanth and others under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Lokayukta police station.
Sources within the Lokayukta said Savanth had previously worked with the IPS officer, who allegedly continued using him as a front to extort money from vulnerable officials. The officer is also suspected to have played a key role in planning the operation and shielding it from scrutiny.
As investigations progress, authorities are expected to widen the probe to trace all potential beneficiaries and collaborators linked to the racket.