Now, pay traffic fines at 50% off!

OB Bureau

Vehicle owners in Karnataka now have a chance to clear their pending traffic fines at half the original amount, thanks to a special concession scheme aimed at easing long-standing dues.

According to the government order, a 50% discount will be offered on e-challan fines registered by the traffic police department that remain unpaid. The scheme will be valid from August 23 to September 12.

A government official, requesting anonymity, said that vehicle owners could check and settle their dues through multiple platforms, including the Karnataka State Police (KSP) app, the BTP ASTraM app launched by Bengaluru Traffic Police, or by providing their vehicle registration number at the nearest traffic police station.

He further noted that payments could also be completed at the Traffic Management Centre or through the Karnataka One and Bangalore One portals.

The move aims to help citizens clear long-pending challans while boosting overall compliance with traffic rules.

This is the fourth time the state has offered such a concession. In 2023, the scheme was first introduced between February 3 and February 11, allowing rebates on e-challan traffic violations registered on or before February 11. During this phase, nearly 52 lakh cases were settled, generating close to Rs 152 crore in revenue.

Following the positive response, the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) recommended extending the scheme. The government subsequently reopened it from March 4 to March 18, giving citizens another chance to settle fines at half the original amount.

A third phase was introduced on July 5, keeping the 50% rebate active until September 9, again applicable only to cases registered on or before February 11, 2023.

With the latest announcement, vehicle owners have yet another opportunity to clear outstanding e-challans at a discounted rate, helping reduce the backlog while promoting traffic rule compliance across the state.

 

BOX –

How to Pay Pending Traffic Fines

• KSP App: Pay directly via the Karnataka State Police mobile app.
• BTP ASTraM App: Use the Bangalore Traffic Division’s ASTraM app for payments.
• Traffic Police Station: Provide your vehicle registration number at the nearest traffic police station to settle fines.
• Traffic Management Centre: Visit in person to pay fines.
• Online Portals: Access details and make payments through the Karnataka One or Bangalore One websites.

Sky spectacle awaits at Mysuru Dussehra!

OB Bureau

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for approving an airshow during this year’s Mysuru Dussehra celebrations and extended an invitation for him to attend the festival.

In his letter, Siddaramaiah conveyed that the approval would enhance the grandeur of the festivities and instil a strong sense of pride and patriotism among the lakhs of visitors who gather from across the country.

He added that the Defence Minister’s presence would serve as a source of encouragement to the people of Karnataka and strengthen public admiration for the armed forces.

The Chief Minister also expressed his anticipation to host Rajnath Singh during the celebrations, which are scheduled from October 15 to 24, and reiterated his gratitude for the Ministry’s support.

Earlier, on August 3, Siddaramaiah had met the Defence Minister in New Delhi and submitted a formal request for the airshow. The memorandum highlighted that the proposal had been discussed by the high-powered committee for Mysuru Dussehra and reflected the public’s desire to witness an airshow during the festivities.

Siddaramaiah’s memorandum noted that similar airshows had been held in 2017 and 2019 at the TorchLight Parade Ground, drawing large crowds and captivating both tourists and locals. He requested that a similar arrangement be planned for the “Nada Habba Dasara 2025” to add vibrancy to the festival.

The memorandum further urged the Defence Ministry to ensure a timely approval so that preparations could begin, emphasising that the intervention would enhance the appeal of the Dussehra celebrations.

With the Ministry’s approval now in place, the Mysuru Dussehra committee can proceed with organising the airshow, which is expected to be one of the key highlights of this year’s festival.

 

HL: Dharmasthala row: Activist held

OB Bureau

Karnataka Police on Thursday arrested activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody from his residence in Ujire, Udupi district, for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP National Organising Secretary B.L. Santhosh, escalating tensions surrounding the Dharmasthala mass grave case.

Thimarody, a key figure in the movement seeking justice for victims in the case, allegedly made abusive remarks against Santhosh in a video, claiming the BJP leader had involved the temple in the controversy to divert attention from the real issues.

Following a complaint lodged by Rajiv Kulal at the Brahmavar police station, authorities registered an FIR under Sections 196(1), 352, and 353(2) of the BNS Act. Thimarody had failed to respond to two previous summons and had stated in his reply to the latest notice that he would only attend the inquiry after 15 days.

On Thursday, about 30 police personnel in eight vehicles reached his residence to take him into custody. A group of activists, including women, confronted the police, urging that questioning be conducted at home. As Thimarody refused to travel in a police vehicle, the police allowed him to go in his own car under their supervision.

During the ride to the police station, Thimarody told reporters that he had been falsely implicated. “The BJP has fabricated documents against me. Justice should prevail in the alleged Sowjanya gang rape and murder case at Dharmasthala, and the real culprits must be brought to book. The government will be responsible if anything happens to me,” he said.

In a related development, activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a complaint at Dharmasthala police station against Thimarody, Girish Mattannanavar, YouTuber Sameer M.D., and Sujatha Bhat, who is also linked to the Ananya Bhat missing case.

Krishna alleged that Sujatha Bhat falsely claimed she had a daughter named Ananya Bhat, showing instead a photo of a woman named Vasanthi. He further accused the group of using her name to spread false allegations against the temple.

Police said they have launched a hunt for YouTuber Sameer, who allegedly released videos accusing the Dharmasthala temple management. His residence in Jigani, Bengaluru, was searched, but he managed to evade arrest.

Separately, a woman from Mandya claiming to be the first wife of the masked complainant in the Dharmasthala case alleged that he had made false accusations for financial gain. She said she married him in 1999, lived with him for seven years during which they had two children, and accused him of lying, assault, and failing to take responsibility for their family while working in Dharmasthala.

“He is tarnishing the image of the temple. I recognised him immediately on television, and nothing good will come of it,” she said.