Connect with us
Wednesday,08-April-2026
Breaking News

Crime

Omicron: K’taka awaits report of 5 samples

Published

on

The Karnataka health department is awaiting the genome sequencing test results of five persons who came in contact with a doctor infected with the Omicron Covid variant.

The results are expected to arrive on Monday.

The state is also seeking the approval of the Centre to conduct genome sequencing tests in four additional labs for quicker results.

The doctor had tested positive for Covid-19 on November 22 and his sample was sent for genome sequencing two days later.

On December 2, the Central government announced that the doctor was infected with the Omicron variant, sending the Karnataka health department into jitters.

The authorities have tracked the doctor’s 13 primary and 205 secondary contacts and tested them.

His wife, daughter, two of his colleagues and another have tested positive for Covid-19 and their swab samples have been sent for genome sequencing.

All of them are being treated at a designated hospital.

The health condition of these persons, including the doctor, is normal and all of them have recovered from symptoms and are doing well.

The state government has brought in strict measures after detection of the country’s first two Omicron cases in Bengaluru.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has already issued a circular following the government’s instructions regarding a mandatory two-dose vaccination for entry into shopping complexes, malls, cinema halls, theatres.

The management of commercial establishments are being given the task of screening customers before entry. BBMP marshals and health officials have been directed to conduct checks without intimation.

The BBMP has also warned of slapping cases under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and other legal provisions, if there were any violations.

On the other hand, the government has decided to go aggressively on vaccination front in the state. As per the latest figures of the Union government’s Co-Win Dashboard till 7 a.m. on Monday, more than 7.33 crore vaccines have been administered.

A minimum of 30 samples are sent everyday for genome sequencing to keep a tab on the spread of the Omicron variant in the state.

Presently, only two labs in the state — National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and NIMHANS — have approval from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) to conduct genome sequencing.

Considering the inflow of international travellers and samples collected from the community, the burden will be more on conducting Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).

The state government has already procured equipment for four labs at Hassan, Belagavi, Mysuru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College in Bengaluru and is awaiting the approval of INSACOG.

The equipment has already been installed and staff is also trained. Apart from this, the state is also seeking the Centre’s nod to recognise test results of private hospital labs where the facility is available.

As per the present rule, the state cannot send samples for WGS to private labs.

Crime

Mumbai Shocker! Thief Steals Mobile During Jumma Namaz In Govandi Mosque, Act Caught On CCTV

Published

on

Mumbai: witnessed a deeply unsettling incident in Baiganwadi, Govandi, where a young man was caught on CCTV allegedly stealing a mobile phone during Friday Jumma namaz at Noor e Illahi Masjid on Road No 8 on April 3, 2026.

The video, now widely shared across social media platforms, shows devotees immersed in prayer, completely unaware of their surroundings. In a matter of seconds, the accused quietly reaches into the pocket of a worshipper standing ahead of him, removes the phone, and walks away without drawing attention.

The brazenness of the act, carried out during a moment of faith and silence, has left residents disturbed. Many locals believe this may not be an isolated case and suspect the same individual could be linked to previous thefts in the area.

The incident has triggered concerns about safety even in places traditionally considered secure. Residents say the violation of trust within a place of worship has intensified unease.

While Mumbai continues to be known for its resilience and communal harmony, such incidents underline the need for vigilance and stronger security measures, even in spaces meant for peace.

In a separate case, a 20 year old woman was apprehended at Kandivali railway station on Monday morning after allegedly stealing a mangalsutra worth Rs 2 lakh from a fellow commuter.

The incident occurred around 8 am during peak hours, when heavy crowds move through Mumbai’s suburban railway network. According to reports circulating online, the accused targeted a commuter and attempted to flee after committing the theft.

However, alert commuters and authorities quickly intervened, chasing and detaining her within the station premises before she could escape.

Visuals from the scene show the woman being handcuffed by police, drawing attention from onlookers.

These back to back incidents have reignited concerns over safety in crowded public spaces. Daily commuters have long flagged theft and chain snatching as recurring issues, particularly during rush hours.

As investigations continue, many are calling for enhanced surveillance, stricter monitoring, and increased awareness to prevent such crimes in the future.

Continue Reading

Crime

Mumbai Crime: Session Court Denies Bail To 3 Accused In ₹63 Lakh Chawl Fraud Case

Published

on

Mumbai: The sessions court on Monday rejected the anticipatory bail of a man, his wife and son, booked by the Andheri police station on the complaint of their landlord for allegedly misusing power of attorney, transferring three rooms to their names and cheating the landlord to the tune of `63.60 lakh.

As per the case registered by the 75-year-old landlord of Sitabai Hawaldar Chawl, he had inducted Devendra Singh as a tenant in 2016.

The landlord claimed that over a period of time, Singh gained his trust and induced him to execute a General Power of Attorney on March 28, 2024. The landlord alleged that Singh began to misuse the document, taking control of the chawl and collecting rents from other occupants.

The three claimed that the complainant was in a sound state of mind when he executed the General Power of Attorney. The court, however, said, “prima-facie there is no convincing document on record to show that the informant has inducted applicants as a tenant of room voluntarily with free will.”

Continue Reading

Crime

Mumbai Crime: 41-Year-Old Drunk Driver Rams Car Into Traffic Constable In Andheri, Booked

Published

on

Mumbai: The Andheri police have booked an individual for allegedly driving a car into a police personnel and damaging a breath analysis machine. The incident occurred in Andheri East on Sunday. After registering a case, the police issued a notice to the accused.

According to the police, on Sunday night, Sahar traffic police personnel were deployed at Satamwadi Junction on the Andheri–Ghatkopar Link Road in Andheri East. At around 1:15 am, a car approached the junction at high speed. Constable Pritam Omase, 37, attempted to stop the vehicle.

However, the driver slowed down briefly and then tried to flee. When the police attempted to intercept the car, the driver allegedly drove the vehicle into the constable, causing injury to his right leg. The breath analysing machine fell from the constable’s hand due to the impact and was damaged.

The police eventually managed to stop the vehicle. The driver identified himself as Virender Singh, 41, a resident of Sahar village, who works with a private company.

Police personnel detected the smell of alcohol while he was speaking. Subsequently, a breath analysis test was conducted, which revealed an alcohol level of 134.9 mg per 100 ml of blood.

The injured constable was taken to Cooper Hospital in Juhu for treatment.

The police registered a case on April 5 under Section 324(3) (mischief causing loss to government or local authority) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending