Chief Minister's convoy vehicle kills pedestrian in M'lore; Rs 1 lakh compensation announced

January 17, 2012

Mangalore, January 17: A man was killed after he was hit by a speeding vehicle escorting Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday morning near Panambur on the outskirts of the city.

The victim has been identified as Chandrahas, a resident of Konaje Kambala Padavu. He was a labourer at CPC Transport Company in Baikampdady. The vehicle hit him soon after he alighted from a bus.

It is learnt the accident occurred when District In-charge Minister Krishna J Palemar's escort vehicle driven by Arun Alva, was escorting the CM, when the latter was returning after paying visit to Sri Gopala Krishna Bhajana Mandali. Mr Palemar too had accompanied the CM.

Chandrahas critically injured when the speeding escort vehicle knocked him down. Though he was rushed to a private hospital in the city, he breathed his last without responding to any treatment.

Sources from Panambur police station said that there was at least half a kilometer gap between CM's vehicle and the escort vehicle.

A case has been registered in Panambur police station.

Compensation

Meanwhile District In-charge minister Krishan J Palemar has promised to provide Rs 1 lakh compensation from Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the family members of the deceased.

“The family of Chandrahas would receive Rs 1 lakh compensation from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. I would also discuss with the CM for more compensation”, Mr Palemar said.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

Comments