A FISHY ENTERTAINMENT!

Auctioning dispute about a fish outlet at Siddapur turned into an entertainment yesterday. Police had to interfere as two groups involved in throwing around baskets full of fishes all around the town. The Mandal Panchayath had to be called to clear the fishes, which started stinking the town. According to police, Karnataka fish development board had given tender to a Mangalorean who had sub let it to one Yusuff. Though his turm ended during June, he had brought a stay from the court. Meanwhile, the board had auctioned it to one Moosa who was supposed to take hold from august one. Trouble started, as Moosa demanded Yusuff to vacate the shop yesterday. As the latter was reluctant, the board officials physically started removing the stock. This enraged one group. Whole thing turned into fisticuffs. Fishes were thrown all round. Moosa has lodged a complaint with the police alleging life threatening by Yusuff. The issue remains unresolved.

MLA DEMANDS RELIEF FUND;

MLA Mr.K.G.Bopaiah has urged the government to immediately release rain relief fund to Kodagu. He stated to this correspondent over phone that the government has released only one crore while the cost required is 28 crores. He cajoled that the government did not even release the relief fund that was promised during last season. He also informed that the state BJP committee would tour the rain damage areas in the district shortly. Besides, the District congress committee president Mrs.Veena Achaiah has said that a delegation from here will meet the chief minister to demand increase in the relief fund.

MLC FLAYS GOVERNMENT;

MLC Mr.Arun Machaiah today visited Somwarpet and spoke to the residents who are struck with quake fear. He flayed the Chief Minister and said that the government, which is being benefited through Cauvery, which is flooding Kodagu, is not bothered to visit the district. He urged the CM to respond to the demands of relief fund immediately and take measures to find the reason for natural calamity at Somwarpet. Meanwhile, the residents told this correspondent that the earth rattling was not sensed today.

IN CHARGE SECRETARY HOLDS MEETING;

The district in charge secretary Mr. Sridhar today held a daylong meeting with the officials and revived the situation after floods and damages. Holding a meeting at the Harangi inspection bungalow, he revived reports submitted by all the departments. Mr.Sridhar urged the officials to immediately go to the villages in batches and listen to their grievances. “ Save the lives and stop giving excuses” he advised the officials at one point. He bombarded the KPTCL officials who had misguided the Dc about lending their vehicles for relief work and urged them to be sincere in their duty. Mr.Sridhar said that he would draw the attention of the government towards the rain damages. Deputy commissioner has stated to Mr.Sridhar that damage worth rupees 24 crores to private property and rupees four crore to government properties has occurred. Zilla parishad CEO Mr.Sundar Naik and other officials attended the meeting.