Hyderabad: A bike mechanic Mohan Krishna from Warasiguda in Secunderabad ended his life reportedly fearing that he would face unnecessary problems in connection with the murder of his friend during a party hosted by him on April 27.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day to be held in Moscow next month, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday. “India will not be represented at the highest level”, Peskov said. According to local media reports Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh could represent instead of Modi at the May 9 event.

Earlier in April, the Ministry of External Affairs had confirmed that PM Modi had received an invitation from President Vladimir Puti to take party in Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9.

President Vladimir Putin had invited Modi and Xi Jinping of China to attend the V-day celebration here to watch the victory parade at the Red Square. The Chinese President has confirmed that he will take part in the event. Preparations are underway to host about 20 foreign leaders in Moscow.

May 9 marks the allied nations’ victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. Russia’s state-run news agency quoted Putin as saying on Tuesday, “On the banks of the Volga, our troops halted and crushed the enemy. A decisive blow was delivered to the Nazi war machine, marking a turning point in the war and opening the road westward — to Berlin and to the Great Victory, whose 80th anniversary we will solemnly celebrate very soon, on May 9.”

Ruling and Opposition members deliberating on the issue of irregular water supply during the monthly council meeting of the Municipal Corporation in Hubballi on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE

Irregular water supply during March and April led to an elaborate discussion during the monthly council meeting of Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) in Hubballi on April 29, with both opposition and ruling party members expressing concern.

Raising the issue during zero hour, BJP councillor Chandrashekhar Managundi alleged that water was being supplied in his ward once in 8 to 10 days. Several councillors of both ruling party and opposition concurred with him with a few even alleging that the frequency was 10 to 15 days in some localities.

Responding to their allegation, Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali said that because of power shutdown for 24 hours during March, there was a delay for 8 hours in water supply. The district in-charge minister had conducted a joint meeting of officials of HESCOM, HDMC, KUIDFC and L&T before constituting a technical committee to look into it. The report of the committee is awaited.

KUIDFC officials had been directed to chalk out an action plan to prevent disruption in power supply to the water supply system, he said.

Intervening in the discussion, Mayor Ramanna Badiger pointed out that at three places, farmers had declined to part with their land for laying of 24×7 water supply line. They had demanded hefty compensation.

“The farmers were convinced to part with their land. Consequently, work has been taken up. Now, work on only 50 metres is pending, which is expected to completed by June 8,” he said.

The Mayor directed the municipal commissioner to take steps to get a separate feeder line for power supply to the water supply network.

Controversy over veterinary officer

The issue of allowing a veterinary officer to continue in service despite the general body resolving to release the said officer from municipal duty led to a heated discussion with BJP councillor Thippanna Majjagi taking exception the development.

When BJP councillor Shivu Menasinakai raised the issue of stray cattle menace in the central business district, Health Officer Dr. Sridhar Dandeppanavar clarified that although teams had been constituted to address the issue, action had been delayed due to objection by local residents. Mr. Dandeppanavar then called veterinary officer Dr. A.G. Kulkarni to give further information, which enraged Thippanna Majjagi, who sought to know how could an officer be asked to resume duty when the council had resolved to release him from duty. He sought to know what message it would convey about the power of the council.

Intervening in the discussion, Commissioner Rudresh Ghali clarified that Dr. Kulkarni was asked to resume duty due to shortage of staff with the permission of the Mayor, which further enraged Mr. Majjagi. He sought to know how could it be done when the council meeting had resolved to relieve him from the duty. He demanded an apology from the commissioner.

The discussion concluded with Mayor Ramanna Badiger ruling that steps would be taken to relieve the officer from duty in accordance with the council resolution.

The council meeting deliberated upon various issues listed in the agenda.

It passed a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and demanding action against terrorists.