Plays crucial role by furnishing clinching evidence to Police resulting in many convictions

By S.T. Ravikumar

Visits to crime scenes by forensic experts and the number of cases handled by the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) in Mysuru are reaching unprecedented levels. In 2023, the RFSL played a pivotal role by furnishing crucial evidence to the Police in 5,058 cases and has assisted in many convictions.

Following directives from the Centre, forensic investigation has become mandatory in all crimes punishable by more than six years of imprisonment. Of the 5,058 forensic cases handled in Mysuru last year, 1,293 were biological forensic, 2,813 toxicology cases, 820 chemistry cases, 131 question document cases, 1 psychology case and 5 photography cases.

Biological forensics analyses biological evidence like blood, hair, tissue, DNA, etc., to link suspects to crime scenes or victims and used in homicide, assault, sexual assault and other cases involving bodily  fluids or tissues. Toxicology cases deal with poisons, drugs  and their effects on the body. It helps determine the cause of death in poisoning cases, analyse drug use in crimes and identify performance-enhancing drugs in sports.

Chemistry cases apply chemical principles to analyse various evidence like explosives, accelerants, fibres, paints, etc., and are used in arson investigations, bomb threats, hit-and-run cases, and analysing fraudulent products.

Question document cases examine documents to determine authenticity, authorship, alterations and forgery. Used in fraud investigations, document tampering cases and verifying wills or contracts.

Psychology cases apply psychological principles to understand criminal behaviour, assess witness credibility and evaluate mental competency. It includes polygraphs, narcoanalysis and brain oscillation while photography cases document crime scenes through close-up photos.

Timely collection of exhibits

Dr. Chandrashekar, Deputy Director of RFSL, told Star of Mysore about the significance of forensic investigation in bolstering Police investigations. He stressed that efficient and timely collection of exhibits is paramount, as it leads to more accurate and reliable scientific examinations, strengthening the cases against suspects in a Court of Law.

He highlighted the challenges faced during investigations, such as the decay and contamination of biological samples and the risk of physical evidence being tampered with or lost at crime scenes due to public activity. To mitigate these challenges, forensic experts provide crucial expertise in identifying and preserving evidence at the scene of a crime.

The forensic team plays a vital role in guiding Investigating Officers (IO) in handling evidence effectively. “Samples are collected and transferred to the IO along with detailed instructions on preservation and submission to the RFSL for examination,” explained Dr. Chandrashekar.

He emphasised the importance of presenting conclusive evidence to secure convictions in Court.

Mysuru RFSL in 2020

The Mysuru RFSL was established in 2020 and in Bengaluru, it was established in 2006. Dr. Divya Gopinath is the Director of the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Bengaluru.

In the Mysuru office, there are five Assistant Directors and the team comprises senior scientists who have obtained training at the National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat.

To be able to tackle the increasing number of crime scene visits, the RFSL has procured a state-of-the-art mobile laboratory.

“The forensic analysis reports are typically submitted to the Police within a month of their completion. However, in cases of dowry death, these reports are prioritised and sent within seven days. For particularly sensitive or confidential reports, such as those involving high-profile cases or sensitive information, they are transmitted directly to the judges through secure online mechanisms. This ensures that the reports maintain their integrity and confidentiality without being passed through multiple hands,” Dr. Chandrashekar said.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Mysuru District Journalists Association (MDJA) and Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Mysuru, jointly organised a master health check-up for journalists at Jayadeva Hospital in city recently. 

Dr. K.S. Sadananda, Medical Superintendent of Mysuru Jayadeva Hospital, inaugurated the medical check-up programme and also examined the health of scribes. Over 200 journalists underwent medical tests such as RBS, ECG, Treadmill and others.

Dr. Pashupathi, Resident Medical Officer of Jayadeva Hospital, Mysuru, Senior Cardiologists Dr. Sridhar and Dr. Mahesh, Nursing Superintendent Harish Kumar, Public Relations Officers Vani and Syed, MDJA President S.T. Ravikumar, General Secretary M. Subramanya and B. Raghavendra, State Executive Member of KUWJA were present.

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Shocking case at Belagola in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya; Tahsildar submits report to Deputy Commissioner

By S.T. Ravikumar

Mysore/Mysuru: In a clear case of fence eating the crop, three Officers have been charged of blatantly ignoring the law to help a land owner develop a residential layout after encroaching upon14 guntas of land acquired for building a canal.

The shocking case has surfaced at Belagola village in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district and Tahsildar of Srirangapatna has filed a report including the charge-sheet against three Officers — Jayaramamurthy, previous Revenue Inspector of Srirangapatna taluk, Village Administration Officer Puttaswamy and Assistant Director of Town and Country Planning, K. Balachandar.

The charge-sheet filed under sub-sections 1 to 4 has been submitted to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Mandya, on Dec. 28, 2023.

The incident came to light after Advocate S. Mahesh, a resident of Jayalakshmipuram in Mysuru, filed a complaint to Lokayukta Police. In his complaint, Advocate Mahesh had alleged that ‘14 guntas of the total 2.12 acres of land in Survey No. 44 at Belagola had been acquired for the construction of canal, but the alienation procedure has been approved including the total extent of the land covering the land meant for canal area, flouting all the rules. Following this, Srirangapatna Tahsildar had carried out a joint inspection with the Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of No. 4, Varuna Canal Sub-Division,  Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL), Mysuru and had submitted a report to the DC stating that the said part (14 guntas) of the land has been acquired for the canal.’

As the illegality was confirmed, DC in his letter to the Tahsildar on Dec. 6, 2023 had directed to submit a charge-sheet against the three Officers for aiding the land owner. Accordingly, the Tahsildar filed a charge-sheet, along with her findings to the DC on Dec. 28, 2023.

CNNL had acquired 14 guntas of land for canal works way back in the year 1990 and had also issued compensation to the land owner identified as Veerabhadraiah. Taking into consideration, the motive of the land owner to conceal the information while getting alienation certificate for the land in connivance with the Officers, a case has been also registered against him under Section 192-A of Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 at KRS Police Station.

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• To house ‘Karnataka Police Band Museum’
• Inauguration after Jan. 22, says City Top Cop

By S.T. Ravikumar

Mysore/Mysuru: The restoration of the iconic Band House, which formerly accommodated the Old Mysore City Police Commissioner’s Office in Nazarbad, has been completed, restoring the heritage structure to its former grandeur.

This accomplishment sets the stage for the creation of the ‘Karnataka Police Band Museum.’ The rare and unique musical instruments presently housed at the Mounted Police Company on Lalitha Mahal Road will now be shifted to their original location. This development not only preserves the historical significance of the structure but also adds another tourist attraction to the city of Mysuru.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, City Police Commissioner Ramesh Banoth said “We have plans to inaugurate the renovated Band House named as ‘Karnataka Police Band Museum’  after Jan. 22. Once inaugurated, all the rare musical instruments housed at  the Mounted Police Company will be shifted here.”

The Band House has been renovated at an estimated cost of Rs. 64 lakh funded by Bank Note Paper Mill India Private Limited (BNPM), a joint venture of Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) — a Government of India Enterprise and Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Ltd. (BRBNMPL) — a Subsidiary of Reserve Bank of India under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach activities.

The Band House building was constructed in 1920 for the purpose of a Palace orchestra. It is about 103 years old and has an open balcony and gable-tiled roof.  A brainchild of former Mysuru City Police Commissioner Dr. Chandragupta, the Museum works began on 12.5.2022 and the works have been carried out in coordination with the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, supervised by Department Commissioner A. Devaraju.

Police officers and work supervisors told Star of Mysore this morning that all the enclosures such as the instruments’ room, music library and an exclusive concert hall, apart from other rooms that were part of this magnificent structure have got a new look now.

Details of renovation

The details of the works include, removal of the roof from a deteriorated building, replacement of Mangalore tiles and rafters and the supply of new plot tiles, clearing mud from the dilapidated walls, adhering to heritage norms by applying lime mortar for structural integrity and removal and replacement of damaged wooden doors and windows, along with remodelling and assembly to restore their original condition.

Other works included the application of paint to both the interior and exterior walls of the structure, polishing the interior and exterior surfaces of windows and doors to enhance their appearance and durability and thorough cleaning of the building stones to maintain the aesthetic appeal and historical charm of the structure. Contractor T. Subhas has carried out the works.

Envisioning the Museum, Dr. Chandragupta further wanted to convert the space between the old and new Police Commissioner’s Office as a permanent place for Police Band performance, both English and Karnatak. At present, the Police Band performs only on important days and he wanted to make it a regular ‘musical evening’ for tourists.

As per heritage norms

“The entire renovation of the ancient building has been done as per the provisions and details of the heritage norms and we personally supervised the process and gave suggestions. Even the materials that were initially used to build the structure were used for renovation,” said A. Devaraju, Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage.

Music memorabilia

Plans are on to make the ‘Karnataka Police Band Museum’ to house and display rare memorabilia of the Police Band including instruments like Clarinets, Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpets, French Horn, Circle Bass, Euphonium, Trombone, Drums, etc.

The Police Band also boasts of a collection of other instruments such as Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double-Bass, Harp, Bass-Saxophone, etc. Even rare instruments like Horn Cello, Tubular-Bells, Deagan, Organ Pipes (Tubular Organ), Accordion, Glockenspiel and Xylophone were used. The Police Band has a huge library of musical notation consisting of compositions of renowned and famous composers of the world.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddharamaiah laid the foundation stone for the construction of Patrika Bhavan and Training Centre building of Mysuru District Journalists Association (MDJA) at KNS Layout, foot of Chamundi Hill in city this morning.

Addressing the gathering, the CM assured to look into the demands of MDJA, especially to bear a part of the estimated cost of the building that costs Rs. 8 crore, as demanded by Association President S.T. Ravikumar.

The CM, who also assured to inaugurate the building, provided MDJA completes the construction works at the earliest, had a word of advice for journalists in the light of recent developments, where the role of media is under cloud. The media which should work towards getting rid of myths and superstitions deep-rooted among people is involved in glorification of such beliefs for its own benefit, rued CM Siddharamaiah.

Citing his own example, CM Siddharamaiah said “Once a crow sat on my car, that opened door to a flurry of discussions in media about the bad omen that would cost my CM’s chair. But I was in office for three more years even after the crow incident. Despite the jinx surrounding Chamarajanagar town, following the visit of which the CM would lose power, I visited the town umpteen number of times.”

Referring to how the fight among couple turns into a hot debate in media, the CM sarcastically asked, ‘Why media should be bothered about the couple fight. Haven’t you heard of the good old adage surrounding  them (couples fight)’, sending the gathering into peels of laughter.

He said “If one wants to make a career in media, he or she should have a pre-requisite qualification. But unfortunately all these unsavoury developments in the media can be attributed to those who lack even a minimum qualification.”

“I am a strong believer in freedom of speech and expression and media, the fourth pillar of the Constitution, should discharge its duties benefitting the society,” said Siddharamaiah.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, who graced the occasion, wished that the Patrika Bhavan building, the foundation of which was laid by CM should also be inaugurated by the CM during his tenure.

“If the dream is good, it will be definitely a reality and the best example for this is the MDJA’s dream of having a spacious building as the existing Patrakarthara Bhavan on Thyagaraja road had a space crunch. Following this, the MDJA was appealing  every legislator for facilitating a CA site. The vast facility is essential for journalists who have been involved in the task of reaching information to the people irrespective of Government or Department related matters,” said Suttur Swamiji.

MDJA President S.T. Ravikumar, who recalled the contributions of journalists in taking MDJA to towering heights, completing 80 years of existence, appealed the CM to allocate Rs. 5 crore of the total Rs. 8 crore for the construction of Patrika Bhavan.

Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, MLAs G.T. Devegowda and Tanveer Sait, MLCs Marithibbe Gowda, Dr. D. Thimmaiah and C.N. Manjegowda, Karnataka Union of Working Journalists President Shivaram Tagadur, MDJA Vice-Presidents Anurag Basavaraj and Dharmapura Narayan, General Secretary M. Subramanya and others were present.

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Princess Krishnajammanni Super Speciality Hospital, Trauma Care Centre fully operational with existing staff of MMC&RI

By S.T. Ravikumar

Mysore/Mysuru: Contributing to Mysuru’s reputation as a ‘healthcare hub,’ the fully operational Princess Krishnajammanni Super Speciality Hospital and Trauma Care Centre, situated at the PKTB Sanatorium on KRS Road, are dedicated to serving the medical needs of the economically disadvantaged and middle-class residents in Mysuru and its neighbouring areas.

On an average daily basis, according to data from March to December 2023, these hospitals witness a footfall ranging from a minimum of 840 to a maximum of 1,291 patients. Both healthcare facilities are functioning at full capacity, delivering top-notch medical care. 

In remembrance of Maharani Krishnajammanni, who fell victim to tuberculosis, the Wadiyars of Mysore erected the PKTB-CD (Princess Krishnajammanni Tuberculosis – Chest Diseases) Sanatorium in a vast, elevated and airy area near Kumbarakoppal, aiming to address the healthcare needs of the community.

With a history spanning 100 years, this hospital stands as a revered institution, offering exceptional medical services amidst serene green surroundings. However, following the transition from princely rule to democracy, the vast campus of PKTB-CD Hospital remained dormant for many years.

The shift in approach occurred when Siddharamaiah assumed the role of Chief Minister for the first time, with Chamaraja MLA Vasu persuading the CM to re-purpose the expansive space for public health. This move was prompted by the overwhelming patient load at existing government hospitals like K.R. Hospital and Cheluvamba Hospital.

As a result, numerous hospitals, including the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Princess Krishnajammanni Super Speciality Hospital, Trauma Care Centre and District Hospital buildings, were established on KRS Road.

Significantly, these facilities played a pivotal role in managing patients during the 2019 COVID outbreaks and subsequent crises, with support from private industrialists bolstering the medical infrastructure. Most branches of medical facilities available at K.R. Hospital have been relocated to Princess Krishnajammanni Super Speciality Hospital and Trauma Care Centre, as efforts are underway to renovate K.R. Hospital in preparation for the Centenary celebrations of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI).

Departments shifted from K.R. Hospital

Last March, Departments such as Plastic Surgery, Neurology, Surgical Oncology, Oncology, Endocrinology, Surgical Gastrology, Urology, Nephrology and Orthopaedics were relocated from the K.R. Hospital heritage building to the Princess Krishnajammanni Super Speciality Hospital and Trauma Care Centre. 

From March 2023 to December 11, 2023, these hospitals collectively treated 46,586 outpatients, encompassing various specialities and disciplines and 4,636 inpatients were taken in. In all, 2,162 major surgeries and 496 minor surgeries were performed. 11,012 General X-rays, 430 M.L.C (Medico-Legal) X-rays were performed along with 2,454 ultrasound scans. 620 physiotherapy cases were handled with 882 revisit cases. 

From March 2023, 27,888 male and 18,697 female outpatients (including children) have been treated and of these, 3,066 were male children and 987 were girl children and one sexual minority patient, taking the total to 46,586 patients. 2,720 male and 1916 female inpatients (including children) were treated and of these, 130 were male children and 57 were girl children, taking the total to 4,636 inpatients. 

Department-wise breakup

In the Orthopaedic Department, 11,314 were treated, 3,009 in the Plastic Surgery Department, 8,373 in Neurology, 7,052 in Neurosurgery, 124 in Surgical Oncology, 3,517 Oncology cases, 832 Endocrinology cases, 1,984 Surgical Gastrology cases, 6,330 Urology cases, 359 Nephrology cases and 456 Casualty cases received outpatient care. 

Additionally, 4,636 needy individuals were admitted as inpatients and they received comprehensive treatment and care. Over these nine months, a total of 2,658 surgeries were successfully performed at the Princess Krishnajammanni Super Speciality Hospital and Trauma Care Centre. 

Surgery data

Over 185 major Neuro-surgeries were performed, 603 major and 402 minor Urology surgeries, 134 major and 30 minor Surgical Oncology, 561 major and 25 minor Plastic surgeries, 153 major and 4 minor Surgical Gastroenterology, 485 major and 35 minor Orthopaedics surgeries were performed from March 2023 to December 11, 2023, in addition to 41 emergency surgeries. 

Unfortunately, 31 patients succumbed to various conditions, with one in the Plastic Surgery Department, 12 in the Surgical Oncology Department, six in Oncology, four in Surgical Gastrology, four in Urology and four in the Orthopaedics Department. 

Notably, the services at the Princess Krishnajammanni Super Speciality Hospital and Trauma Care Centre are managed by the doctors, nurses, professors, assistant professors and the medical staff from Mysore Medical College and Research Institute. No fresh recruitment process for professionals has been conducted separately by the government.

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Mysore/Mysuru: The Mysuru District Journalists Association’s (MDJA) long wait for a Civic Amenities (CA) site of Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) has finally come to an end with Chief Minister Siddharamaiah handing over the CA site (located at KNS Layout, foot of Chamundi Hill) allotment letter to MDJA President S.T. Ravikumar (RK), General Secretary M. Subramanya and other office-bearers during a programme held at Kalamandira on Hunsur Road recently.

District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, former MLA Dr. Yathindra Siddharamaiah, Chief Minister’s Media Advisor K.V. Prabhakar, MUDA Commissioner G.T. Dinesh Kumar, MDJA City Vice-President M.S. Basavanna, Secretary Rangaswamy, Treasurer Nagesh Panathale, Executive Committee Member R. Krishna, Rural Vice-President Dharmapura Narayan, State Executive Committee Member B. Raghavendra and others were present.

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Journalists must abide by Constitution only: KBG

Mysore/Mysuru: Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra K.B. Ganapathy (KBG) said “Journalists have to abide by the Constitution only, as the King and Rajadharma (duty of king) have lost recognition with the advent of Democracy.”

Addressing a gathering of journalists this morning after being felicitated by Mysuru District Journalists Association (MDJA) at Patrakarthara Bhavan on receiving Honorary Doctorate from University of Mysore during its recent Convocation, KBG said “When I was conferred Honorary Doctorate, I remembered stalwarts of journalism like Krishna Vattam, Ramanna and several others. Mysuru is not just my janmabhoomi (birth place) but also my karmabhoomi (land of work) and gaurava needida bhoomi (land of honour). Hence I am bestowed with many awards and recognitions.”

Continuing, KBG said “Nowadays journalists are caught in a situation where they have to maintain a balance in their profession. On one hand they have to keep the interest of the management in mind and on the other hand they have to maintain professional ethics. In this wake, they undergo several challenges, while presenting whatever they see or hear in the form of a news. By upholding professional integrity, they have to also work in the interest of the people. Though we witness and hear many happenings, not all can be reported in the interest of social harmony.”

Former MUDA Chairman H.V. Rajeev, who was the chief guest, lauded journalists of Mysuru for maintaining professional integrity, especially the photo-journalists who have been proving their mettle in wildlife photography too.

Former District Minister and MLA S.T. Somashekar conferred Netra Raju Endowment Award on Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra photographer M.N. Lakshminarayana Yadav and Niranjan Nikam Endowment Award on senior journalist Rajkumar Bhavasar.

Newspaper Distributor Javarappa, also the maiden recipient of State-level Kannada Rajyotsava Award, was also felicitated by MDJA.

Following journalists, who are the recipients of District Kannada Rajyotsava honour and Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Award were also felicitated by MDJA on the occasion:

District Kannada Rajyotsava honour —  Doddanahundi Rajanna, S. Udayshankar, Nagesh Panathale, Suttur Nanjunda Nayak and Mahesh Kebbepura.

Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Award — K.B. Ramesh Nayak and Muguru                                       Nanjundaswamy.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Hunsur MLA G.D. Harish Gowda has assured full co-operation for the District-level Journalists Meet to take place at Om Gurulinga Jangama Devara Mutt at Gavadagere in Hunsur taluk next month.

Addressing a preliminary meeting in this regard at his residence in V.V. Mohalla here recently, the MLA said that it is the responsibility of elected representatives to protect the interests of journalists who are working for the betterment of society.

Pointing out that the Mysuru District Journalists Association (MDJA) is engaged in various welfare activities, he said that he and his father G.T. Devegowda, who is Chamundeshwari MLA, will extend co-operation for the success of the meet.

Stating that he will talk to Nataraja Swamiji regarding boarding and lodging facilities for journalists attending the meet, he told the MDJA to start preparations.

MDJA President S.T. Ravikumar said that though the District-level Journalists Meet was scheduled to take place earlier at Gavadagere, it had to be postponed for inevitable reasons. But now the meet is taking place with support from Hunsur Taluk Journalists Association, he said.

Stating that the co-operation of MLAs G.T. Devegowda and G.D. Harish Gowda is vital for the success of the meet, Ravikumar said that the Association has discussed about the meet with Sri Nataraja Swamiji and District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa.

MDJA General Secretary M. Subramanya, Rural Vice-President Dharmapura Narayan, State Committee member B. Raghavendra, Department of Information and Public Relations Asst. Director T.K. Harish Kumar and others were present.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddharamaiah has assured Mysuru District Journalists Association (MDJA) that he would direct the MUDA Commissioner to issue allotment letter of the CA site that has already been sanctioned to MDJA.

A delegation led by MDJA President S.T. Ravikumar met the CM at his Sharadadevinagar residence here on Saturday and submitted a memorandum seeking issuance of CA site allotment letter to MDJA.

Ravikumar apprised the CM that there has been an inordinate delay in the issuance of allotment letter of the site which has already been sanctioned by MUDA. Pointing out that MDJA has plans to get the foundation stone for the building laid by the CM himself, Ravikumar appealed the CM to sanction grants for the same.

The CM told the delegation that he would direct the MUDA Commissioner to issue the allotment letter soon and would take measures for release of grants for the construction of the building on the sanctioned site.

MDJA General Secretary M. Subramanya, Secretary P. Rangaswamy, Rural Vice-President Dharmapura Narayan,  State Committee Member B. Raghavendra, Executive Committee Member R. Krishna, Photographer Suttur Nanjundanayaka and others were present.

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