Hassan’s heart scare traced to lifestyle

OB Bureau

A government-ordered investigation into the spate of sudden deaths among young adults in Karnataka’s Hassan district has ruled out any abnormal spike in heart-related fatalities — but raised serious concerns over lifestyle-linked heart disease.

The inquiry, led by Dr K.S. Ravindranath, Director of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, was commissioned following widespread alarm over reports of “massive cardiac arrests” in young individuals in Hassan during May and June 2025.

At a press briefing on Thursday, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao released the findings. “Now that the full report is out, there is no need for panic,” he said, while acknowledging that the deaths were a wake-up call on the rising burden of lifestyle diseases.

Of the 24 deaths examined by the panel, 14 individuals were under 45, and 10 above. Four deaths were confirmed as non-cardiac in nature — due to kidney disease, gastroenteritis, accident, and electrocution. Among the remaining 20, ten were confirmed cardiac deaths, and the rest showed signs of probable cardiac origin.

Over 75% of the deceased had known risk factors — including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and a family history of heart disease. Many of them were auto and cab drivers who had irregular eating habits, chronic stress, and erratic sleep schedules.

“Sudden deaths in young adults, including those aged 19, 21, 23 and 32, cannot be dismissed lightly,” the minister said. “In many of these cases, the deceased did not reach any healthcare facility in time, and formal autopsies were rarely conducted — making it harder to determine the exact cause of death.”

The committee’s report emphasised that although the number of cardiac deaths had not increased significantly compared to previous months, the pattern of lifestyle-induced heart disease was evident. Data from Jayadeva Hospital centres in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kalaburagi also showed no unusual surge.

Key recommendations from the panel include mandatory health screenings for auto and cab drivers, routine cardiac check-ups in adolescents, CPR training in schools and gyms, and better availability of ECG machines and emergency medicines at the primary care level.

“This isn’t just about Hassan. This is about the consequences of a modern lifestyle — poor sleep, unhealthy diets, and chronic stress. Prevention must begin with awareness and early screening,” the minister added.

Police probe hate posts against Siddaramaih

OB Bureau

The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has filed a formal police complaint over a series of abusive and threatening social media posts directed at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The complaint, lodged at the Peenya Police Station by Bengaluru West District Congress office-bearers Kushal Haruve Gowda and Sanjay, alleges that the posts include “death wishes” and derogatory remarks made after the CM’s hospital visit on Monday.

According to the complaint, objectionable comments began circulating online shortly after news broke of Siddaramaiah undergoing a routine health check-up at a private hospital in Sheshadripuram. The posts, allegedly from unknown individuals, not only targeted the CM with personal attacks but also spread false propaganda, causing “emotional distress to lakhs of his supporters.”

Calling the online abuse “deliberate and dangerous,” the Congress leaders warned that such content could trigger unrest and threaten public harmony. They urged the police to identify the culprits and initiate swift legal action to prevent further escalation.

The Chief Minister, meanwhile, cancelled all public engagements for the day. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed that he would not be attending any official meetings or public events.

This is not the first instance of online abuse targeting the CM in recent weeks. In a separate case, a Home Guard serving in Bangalore was arrested in May for posting a provocative message on Instagram. The accused, identified as Sampath Salian, a native of Karkala, reportedly wrote: “If Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is killed, Hindus will have peace.”

Based on a complaint by local resident Suraj Kukkundoor, police tracked Salian to Bangalore and arrested him. He is currently facing legal proceedings for his inflammatory remarks.

With political discourse growing increasingly polarised online, the Congress’ move underscores rising concerns about the toxic nature of digital abuse and the urgent need to address threats aimed at public figures. Police are yet to confirm if any arrests have been made in the latest case.

Forced into hostel, 13-yr-old takes his life

OB Bureau

A 13-year-old boy in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district tragically died by suicide mid-week, reportedly after being compelled to join a residential school against his wishes.

The deceased, identified as Narayana Rathod, was a Class 7 student at the Indira Gandhi Residential School in Mudhol town, Sedam taluk. Originally from Paanegaon village in Kalaburagi taluk, Narayana was reportedly distressed over being separated from his family—particularly his mother.

According to the police, Narayana had expressed strong opposition to being enrolled in the hostel and had earlier warned his family that he would end his life if forced to stay. Despite this, his parents, hoping for a better future for their son, convinced him to continue. Reports suggest Narayana had attempted suicide 15 days ago as well but was counselled and sent back to the hostel.

His death has shocked the local community. He was found dead on the hostel premises, and police have initiated an investigation. Statements are being recorded from his parents, hostel authorities, and classmates.

The Sedam police have registered a case and are probing all angles, including possible negligence and psychological trauma.

This is the latest in a string of student suicides reported in hostels across Karnataka in recent months –

• On June 2, Vishnu Priya, a 22-year-old medical intern from Subbaiah Medical College in Shivamogga, was found dead in her hostel room. A case of unnatural death was filed.
• On June 29, Shamitha, a 15-year-old student from Bomlapura village, ended her life inside a residential school hostel in Koppa town, Chikkamagaluru. Investigations are ongoing.
• On May 29, Tejaswini, a 19-year-old engineering student from Ponnampet in Kodagu district, died by suicide, reportedly due to academic stress and multiple backlogs. A note recovered from her room cited mental exhaustion and academic pressure.

These tragic incidents have once again brought to focus the urgent need for stronger mental health support systems, counselling services, and sensitive handling of children in institutional care across the state.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or helpline for support.