The Bihar Police have registered an FIR against BJP leader Manoj Baitha whose SUV mowed down nine school children in Muzaffarpur on February 24.

Soon after an FIR was lodged, the state BJP on Monday conceded that the prime accused in the tragic incident, Manoj Baitha, was indeed a party leader. The volte-face comes two days after Bihar BJP president Nityanand Rai vehemently maintained on Saturday that "Baitha was not associated with the BJP."

The speeding SUV, which ran over several children who were waiting to cross the road after the school was over, thereby killing nine kids on the spot, was being driven by Baitha. The vehicle sported a BJP flag and had a nameplate as "general secretary, BJP Dalit Cell."

The Muzaffarpur police, meanwhile, have booked Baitha under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and other sections of the IPC. The FIR has named only one person (Baitha) as an accused although locals said that there were at least three persons in the vehicle which mowed down the children.

"The police have been raiding Baithas house. He will be apprehended soon," said Bihars Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi here on Monday. Modi was responding to the charges levelled by the RJD-led Opposition which accused the government of "shielding the absconding BJP leader since Nitish Kumar was running his government on BJPs crutches."

"The SUV, which killed nine children in Muzaffapur on Saturday, was registered in Baithas name on September 21, 2010. He has been booked under Sections 279, 308, 338, and 304 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)," said a cop, associated with the investigation into the case.

Meanwhile, the local residents, who blocked NH-77, have demanded a foot-overbridge near the school where the children, all aged between 7 and 10, were waiting to cross the road before they were mowed down by the speeding SUV.

The Bihar Police have registered an FIR against BJP leader Manoj Baitha whose SUV mowed down nine school children in Muzaffarpur on February 24.

Soon after an FIR was lodged, the state BJP on Monday conceded that the prime accused in the tragic incident, Manoj Baitha, was indeed a party leader. The volte-face comes two days after Bihar BJP president Nityanand Rai vehemently maintained on Saturday that "Baitha was not associated with the BJP."

The speeding SUV, which ran over several children who were waiting to cross the road after the school was over, thereby killing nine kids on the spot, was being driven by Baitha. The vehicle sported a BJP flag and had a nameplate as "general secretary, BJP Dalit Cell."

The Muzaffarpur police, meanwhile, have booked Baitha under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and other sections of the IPC. The FIR has named only one person (Baitha) as an accused although locals said that there were at least three persons in the vehicle which mowed down the children.

"The police have been raiding Baitha's house. He will be apprehended soon," said Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi here on Monday. Modi was responding to the charges levelled by the RJD-led Opposition which accused the government of "shielding the absconding BJP leader since Nitish Kumar was running his government on BJP's crutches."

"The SUV, which killed nine children in Muzaffapur on Saturday, was registered in Baitha's name on September 21, 2010. He has been booked under Sections 279, 308, 338, and 304 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)," said a cop, associated with the investigation into the case.

Meanwhile, the local residents, who blocked NH-77, have demanded a foot-overbridge near the school where the children, all aged between 7 and 10, were waiting to cross the road before they were mowed down by the speeding SUV.

The Assembly election in Karnataka may be held around mid-May, with the poll date to be announced around April 15.

"School board examinations are likely to be over by March-end, and other examinations around April 14. We will announce the poll date around April 15," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat told NDTV on Monday.

Rawat and the election commissioners are likely to visit Karnataka in the first week of April to review arrangements.

The tenure of the Karnataka Assembly will end on May 28.

The Assembly election in Karnataka may be held around mid-May, with the poll date to be announced around April 15.

"School board examinations are likely to be over by March-end, and other examinations around April 14. We will announce the poll date around April 15," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat told NDTV on Monday.

Rawat and the election commissioners are likely to visit Karnataka in the first week of April to review arrangements.

The tenure of the Karnataka Assembly will end on May 28.

One more cow smuggler was killed under mysterious circumstances while being chased by the police in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Around 25 cattle heads were recovered from his vehicle, the police confirmed.

According to the police, Anas Mohammed, 35, a resident of Nuh at Alwar and Haryana border, was crushed to death under the wheels of a truck carrying bovines when he jumped off the vehicle. Acting on a tip-off received by the Dausa police, a vehicle smuggling cows was being chased by the police on Sunday when the incident took place.

Alwar SP Rahul Prakash said, "Police were following the vehicle. There was an exchange of fire. However, no one was hit. Anas was sitting next to the driver, and he tried to flee by jumping off the vehicle, but got crushed under the same truck."

"In an attempt to escape, Anas and the driver had already broken the windshield. The driver was able to escape, while Anas got under the wheels of the moving truck," Prakash added.

His body was handed over to his family on Monday after a post-mortem at Alwar government hospital.

According to the police, there was an earlier case of cow smuggling against Anas.

The Alwar police, looking for the absconding driver, have meanwhile lodged a case under at Raini police station under IPC sections 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 307 (attempt to murder).

One more cow smuggler was killed under mysterious circumstances while being chased by the police in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Around 25 cattle heads were recovered from his vehicle, the police confirmed.

According to the police, Anas Mohammed, 35, a resident of Nuh at Alwar and Haryana border, was crushed to death under the wheels of a truck carrying bovines when he jumped off the vehicle. Acting on a tip-off received by the Dausa police, a vehicle smuggling cows was being chased by the police on Sunday when the incident took place.

Alwar SP Rahul Prakash said, "Police were following the vehicle. There was an exchange of fire. However, no one was hit. Anas was sitting next to the driver, and he tried to flee by jumping off the vehicle, but got crushed under the same truck."

"In an attempt to escape, Anas and the driver had already broken the windshield. The driver was able to escape, while Anas got under the wheels of the moving truck," Prakash added.

His body was handed over to his family on Monday after a post-mortem at Alwar government hospital.

According to the police, there was an earlier case of cow smuggling against Anas.

The Alwar police, looking for the absconding driver, have meanwhile lodged a case under at Raini police station under IPC sections 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 307 (attempt to murder).

Nearly 50 years after shooting Samskara and after several hit films, cinematographer Tom Cowen still considers the Kannada movie as one of his best works, though it was his first feature film.

Cowen was a 26-year-old cinematographer with Australian Broadcasting Commission when he accidentally came in touch with a group of enthusiastic people who wanted to make a movie out of U R Ananthamurthys eponymous novel.

"I had done a documentary in Israel and then Samskara happened. It was my first feature movie as a cinematographer and I got to learn a lot with its diverse set of actors and crew. It is one of the most memorable experiences in my life," he told DH on the sidelines of Bengaluru International Film Festival.

It was also the first Kannada movie to be banned, a move that only made the film more interesting to the masses. Asked for his views on censorship and bans, Cowen said both were part of a system that builds divisions between communities and separates them in order to control them.

"Regardless of the fact that the ban created more interest in Samskara, we need to understand that censorship limits mans ability to expand and acquire wider knowledge. Education should make people tolerant and self confident enough to ignore opinions that differ from their own.

Nearly 50 years after shooting 'Samskara' and after several hit films, cinematographer Tom Cowen still considers the Kannada movie as one of his best works, though it was his first feature film.

Cowen was a 26-year-old cinematographer with Australian Broadcasting Commission when he accidentally came in touch with a group of enthusiastic people who wanted to make a movie out of U R Ananthamurthy's eponymous novel.

"I had done a documentary in Israel and then 'Samskara' happened. It was my first feature movie as a cinematographer and I got to learn a lot with its diverse set of actors and crew. It is one of the most memorable experiences in my life," he told DH on the sidelines of Bengaluru International Film Festival.

It was also the first Kannada movie to be banned, a move that only made the film more interesting to the masses. Asked for his views on censorship and bans, Cowen said both were part of a system that builds divisions between communities and separates them in order to control them.

"Regardless of the fact that the ban created more interest in 'Samskara', we need to understand that censorship limits man's ability to expand and acquire wider knowledge. Education should make people tolerant and self confident enough to ignore opinions that differ from their own.

As part of its quick response to the Rs 11,400-crore PNB scam, the government is all set to introduce the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill in the Budget session. The bill will empower the government to confiscate the property of economic offenders and defaulters who flee India.

The proposed bill will be applicable in cases where the value of offences is over Rs 100 crore. It will allow the Financial Intelligence Unit, the premier technical intelligence wing under the finance ministry to file an application for declaration of fugitive economic offenders for confiscation of their assets.

The law ministry has already vetted the bill. Sources close to the development said that the government is working overtime to finetune the bill and incorporate saving clause in it to provide for certain exceptions in the law.

"The latest incident of jeweller Nirav Modi decamping with a huge amount of public money in banks has necessitated quick action and therefore the finance minister wants the bill to figure in the Budget session itself," an official said.

As part of its quick response to the Rs 11,400-crore PNB scam, the government is all set to introduce the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill in the Budget session. The bill will empower the government to confiscate the property of economic offenders and defaulters who flee India.

The proposed bill will be applicable in cases where the value of offences is over Rs 100 crore. It will allow the Financial Intelligence Unit, the premier technical intelligence wing under the finance ministry to file an application for declaration of fugitive economic offenders for confiscation of their assets.

The law ministry has already vetted the bill. Sources close to the development said that the government is working overtime to finetune the bill and incorporate 'saving' clause in it to provide for certain exceptions in the law.

"The latest incident of jeweller Nirav Modi decamping with a huge amount of public money in banks has necessitated quick action and therefore the finance minister wants the bill to figure in the Budget session itself," an official said.

Officials at Namma Metro are trying to bring app-based cab and autorickshaw services at all the 40 Metro stations in Phase 1 to bridge the gaps in last-mile connectivity.

Commuters have been complaining that the feeder services provided by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) are inadequate even when there were nearly 150 such services. The BMTC reduced the number of feeder services after it suffered losses due to poor ridership.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), which expects the number of commuters to go up from the current 3.5 to 5 lakh in the next few months, has invited bids from the app-based cab and autorickshaw service providers.

The bidders must have a licence under Karnataka On Demand Transportation Technology Aggregator Rules 2016. According to the tender document, the technical bids will be opened on March 22. Companies can set up a kiosk near the exit of Metro stations to attract passengers with their offers.

However, it has to be seen whether companies will come forward to shell out money to rent the area at Metro stations. The Uber kiosks at Baiyappanahalli and MG Road had remained idle with hardly any passengers booking cabs from the station. A Metro staffer said the company pulled out its personnel from the kiosk at MG Road following a tepid response.

"We have already provided bikes for rent at several Metro stations and it has proved beneficial to many passengers. We hope autorickshaws and cabs will add to the option, especially to those who are going home after the end of the day," said BMRCL spokesperson U A Vasanth Rao.

DH News Service

Officials at Namma Metro are trying to bring app-based cab and autorickshaw services at all the 40 Metro stations in Phase 1 to bridge the gaps in last-mile connectivity.

Commuters have been complaining that the feeder services provided by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) are inadequate even when there were nearly 150 such services. The BMTC reduced the number of feeder services after it suffered losses due to poor ridership.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), which expects the number of commuters to go up from the current 3.5 to 5 lakh in the next few months, has invited bids from the app-based cab and autorickshaw service providers.

The bidders must have a licence under 'Karnataka On Demand Transportation Technology Aggregator Rules 2016'. According to the tender document, the technical bids will be opened on March 22. Companies can set up a kiosk near the exit of Metro stations to attract passengers with their offers.

However, it has to be seen whether companies will come forward to shell out money to rent the area at Metro stations. The Uber kiosks at Baiyappanahalli and MG Road had remained idle with hardly any passengers booking cabs from the station. A Metro staffer said the company pulled out its personnel from the kiosk at MG Road following a tepid response.

"We have already provided bikes for rent at several Metro stations and it has proved beneficial to many passengers. We hope autorickshaws and cabs will add to the option, especially to those who are going home after the end of the day," said BMRCL spokesperson U A Vasanth Rao.

DH News Service

A drunken brawl between two friends ended in the murder of one.

The victim Santhosh (28) and the suspect B P Ranganath were cab drivers. The two with other two friends went to a bar on Sunday night in Peenya.

Santhosh and Ranganath picked up a fight while in bar following which they were asked to leave by the bar management. After coming out, the duo continued their fight, the police said.

Ranganath hit Santhosh following which he fell unconscious. Ranganath later bludgeoned Santhoshs head with a boulder and killed him, the police added.

The police are questioning the other two friends, Naresh and Nagraj about the incident and also searching for Ranganath.

Efforts are on by the representatives of the Karnataka Film Chamber Of Commerce (KFCC) and exhibitors from across the state to find a solution to the impending strike call given by the South Indian film industries to stop the release of all new south films from March 2.

Failed attempt at talks between the representatives of South Indian film industries and Digital service providers like QUBE and UFO, to cut escalating costs imposed by the latter led to the decision.

Several rounds of discussions were held, in Bengaluru today, between the representatives of QUBE and UFO and KFCC.

The meeting was attended by the KFCCs representatives and about 180 exhibitors from across the state.

Actor, producer, exhibitor and distributor, Rockline Venkatesh, who was a part of the meeting, said: "Instead of going for a strike we have tried to find an alternative to the escalating costs. One of the suggestions made a joint investment by KFCC and producers association for a projector and server. This way, we get to supply the content, save on costs and dont have to depend on an external service provider. The profits could be equally shared. This is only a plan and it can consider if no solution is found to the current problem," said Venkatesh.

He said that investors are not hard to find and taking a loan could also be an option. Venkatesh agrees that the charges by the service providers are indeed exorbitant. "The producers must now pay Rs 12,500 for a screen per week and this goes up to Rs 25,000 for three weeks."

Sharing his perspective, Rajendra Singh Babu, Chairman Karnataka film academy, said: "Talks are still on between the two parties and we are trying to arrive at a decision. There is one more meeting and we will get a clear picture only after that. The strike is to bring down the exorbitant rates," he added.

A 28-year-old labourer was arrested on Sunday on charges of raping a four-year-old girl.

The suspect has been identified as Anil Kumar, a native of Bihar. The victim is also from the same state and known to Kumar.

Kumar was working as a daily wage labourer at the RMC Yard. The victims parents were also working as labourers and knew each other. The suspect gave a chocolate to the victim and took her to a lorry stand near her house and raped her, the police said.

At night, the victim complained of stomach ache following which her parents took her to a hospital, where the doctor informed them about the sexual assault on the girl. Subsequently, the parents filed a complaint against Kumar.

"We have got the victims statement from the hospital. The girls father and the suspect had a financial transaction, hence they had fought recently. It is confirmed that the girl was assaulted with the same hate," a police official said.

The accused has been booked under the POCSO Act.

A 28-year-old labourer was arrested on Sunday on charges of raping a four-year-old girl.

The suspect has been identified as Anil Kumar, a native of Bihar. The victim is also from the same state and known to Kumar.

Kumar was working as a daily wage labourer at the RMC Yard. The victim's parents were also working as labourers and knew each other. The suspect gave a chocolate to the victim and took her to a lorry stand near her house and raped her, the police said.

At night, the victim complained of stomach ache following which her parents took her to a hospital, where the doctor informed them about the sexual assault on the girl. Subsequently, the parents filed a complaint against Kumar.

"We have got the victim's statement from the hospital. The girl's father and the suspect had a financial transaction, hence they had fought recently. It is confirmed that the girl was assaulted with the same hate," a police official said.

The accused has been booked under the POCSO Act.

A KSRTC bus driver has been arrested for attempting to rape a woman at JP Park in Matthikere.

The suspect, Shambhu Mariyappagowdara, was arrested based on a complaint filed by the 31-year-old victim on February 21.

The women in the complaint said the suspect, who is now out on bail, dragged her into a bush and attempted to rape her. The incident happened around 11.30 am when she had gone to the park for a morning walk.

Shocked by the sudden attack, the woman shouted for help, following which walkers in the park chased and caught the suspect, the police said.

A KSRTC bus driver has been arrested for attempting to rape a woman at JP Park in Matthikere.

The suspect, Shambhu Mariyappagowdara, was arrested based on a complaint filed by the 31-year-old victim on February 21.

The women in the complaint said the suspect, who is now out on bail, dragged her into a bush and attempted to rape her. The incident happened around 11.30 am when she had gone to the park for a morning walk.

Shocked by the sudden attack, the woman shouted for help, following which walkers in the park chased and caught the suspect, the police said.

Representatives of less than half of the 99 apartments appeared for a hearing held by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on February 22 and 23. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had asked the board to serve notices on the apartments for discharging wastewater into Bellandur Lake, the citys largest waterbody.

The apartments, situated in the lakes catchment area, have to instal sewage treatment plants (STPs) as per the tribunals directions. The tribunal also directed the KSPCB to ensure apartments and commercial spaces around the lake do not dispose untreated sewage into the lake that would further contaminate the waterbody.

But at the two-day hearing, representatives of only 46 apartments showed up, an official said. Fifteen out of them said they had the BWSSBs permission to discharge wastewater into existing sewers while another 24 sought three months time to set up the STPs. Only four said they were in the process of installing the STPs, KSPCB member secretary G Ranga Rao told DH.

KSPCB officials do not know why the representatives of the remaining 53 apartments didnt turn up for the hearing. The board will, however, give them another chance to attend the hearing.

KSPCB officials said preparing the final list of apartments that must instal STPs would take time because the hearing was not yet over. Rao promised the list would be submitted to the NGT at the next hearing on February 28.

Representatives of less than half of the 99 apartments appeared for a hearing held by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on February 22 and 23. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had asked the board to serve notices on the apartments for discharging wastewater into Bellandur Lake, the city's largest waterbody.

The apartments, situated in the lake's catchment area, have to instal sewage treatment plants (STPs) as per the tribunal's directions. The tribunal also directed the KSPCB to ensure apartments and commercial spaces around the lake do not dispose untreated sewage into the lake that would further contaminate the waterbody.

But at the two-day hearing, representatives of only 46 apartments showed up, an official said. Fifteen out of them said they had the BWSSB's permission to discharge wastewater into existing sewers while another 24 sought three months' time to set up the STPs. Only four said they were in the process of installing the STPs, KSPCB member secretary G Ranga Rao told DH.

KSPCB officials do not know why the representatives of the remaining 53 apartments didn't turn up for the hearing. The board will, however, give them another chance to attend the hearing.

KSPCB officials said preparing the final list of apartments that must instal STPs would take time because the hearing was not yet over. Rao promised the list would be submitted to the NGT at the next hearing on February 28.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) budget for the year 2018-19 will be presented on Wednesday by Tax and Finance Standing Committee chairman Mahadev M.

The white-topping (concretising) of 150-km of city roads announced in the state budget, development of 25 roads under the TenderSURE project and construction of helipads in eight zones may also figure in the budget.

This time, welfare programmes will be given more importance. The Social Justice and Welfare Standing Committee has requested funds for distribution of 1,000 Pink Autos and Taxis for women and to increase subsidy given to a single house from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Distribution of solar panels to houses of scheduled castes, tribes and backward classes are in the scheme of things.

The Education Standing Committee has requested scholarships of Rs 25,000 and Rs 35,000 respectively to be given to 100 students who have scored the highest marks in SSLC and PUC exams, Rs 4 crore for setting up multi-gyms at BBMP school playgrounds, Rs 75 lakh to organise a kabaddi tournament, and Rs 3 crore for a lecture programme from resource persons in schools and colleges.

The Public Health Standing Committee has constituted a plan to give bonds to male and female babies born at BBMP maternity hospitals. The first child will be given a bond worth Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. When the beneficiary turns 18, the guardian will be paid a minimum of Rs 1 lakh. BPL card holders are eligible for this facility.

The budget may also have schemes like increasing medical assistance, free stents to five heart patients in each ward, free treatment at dialysis centres and 100 bike ambulance services.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) budget for the year 2018-19 will be presented on Wednesday by Tax and Finance Standing Committee chairman Mahadev M.

The white-topping (concretising) of 150-km of city roads announced in the state budget, development of 25 roads under the TenderSURE project and construction of helipads in eight zones may also figure in the budget.

This time, welfare programmes will be given more importance. The Social Justice and Welfare Standing Committee has requested funds for distribution of 1,000 Pink Autos and Taxis for women and to increase subsidy given to a single house from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Distribution of solar panels to houses of scheduled castes, tribes and backward classes are in the scheme of things.

The Education Standing Committee has requested scholarships of Rs 25,000 and Rs 35,000 respectively to be given to 100 students who have scored the highest marks in SSLC and PUC exams, Rs 4 crore for setting up multi-gyms at BBMP school playgrounds, Rs 75 lakh to organise a kabaddi tournament, and Rs 3 crore for a lecture programme from resource persons in schools and colleges.

The Public Health Standing Committee has constituted a plan to give bonds to male and female babies born at BBMP maternity hospitals. The first child will be given a bond worth Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. When the beneficiary turns 18, the guardian will be paid a minimum of Rs 1 lakh. BPL card holders are eligible for this facility.

The budget may also have schemes like increasing medical assistance, free stents to five heart patients in each ward, free treatment at dialysis centres and 100 bike ambulance services.

Technology will bring actors-turned-politicians M G Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa back to life for the animated movie Kizhakku Africavil Raju slated for release in 2019.

The movie will use the latest technology in filmmaking and is directed by M Arul Moorthy who created animation and VFX for Indias first 3D movie My Dear Kuttichathan.

Speaking at a discussion on Emerging Trends and Technologies for New Age Moviemaking at the film festival, Moorthy described his plans for the movie.

"I will use performance-capture to make the movie of photo-realistic quality. We are creating hardware which can capture the movements of objects like cars and bikes. I want even the trees and grass to look alive so that they are real and believable," Moorthy said.

Performance-capture acting is a technology in which actors wear sensors on their skin and act, while the cameras capture their movement from different angles. This technique is used to make realistic animated characters such as the character of Gollum in the Lord of the Ring series played by Andy Serkis.

"In my movie, there are ten main actors and a total of 100 characters. We are going to place 108 cameras in a circle and make the actor stand in the centre. Pictures will be clicked from 360 degrees and a software will create a model of the actor," Moorthy said.

Kizhakku Africavil Raju is set in East Africa and is based on the character Raju, played by MGR in his super hit movie Ulakam Chuttum Valiban.

Moorthy said that the technology is advancing so quickly that soon it would be impossible to differentiate between real and created images in a film. "It is mind-blowing what technology can do. Things that take months with traditional animation only take minutes now," he said.

The technology of 3D printing is also being used in the film industry to create finely-detailed props.

Kannada film director and cinematographer for Mungaru Male S Krishna said that Kannada actors should capture their images in 360 degrees every year so that even after they grow old, movies can be made with their younger selves.

He said that such advanced technology is not being used in the Kannada film industry now because of budget constraints but it could be beneficial once it becomes cheaper.

Technology will bring actors-turned-politicians M G Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa back to life for the animated movie 'Kizhakku Africavil Raju' slated for release in 2019.

The movie will use the latest technology in filmmaking and is directed by M Arul Moorthy who created animation and VFX for India's first 3D movie 'My Dear Kuttichathan'.

Speaking at a discussion on 'Emerging Trends and Technologies for New Age Moviemaking' at the film festival, Moorthy described his plans for the movie.

"I will use performance-capture to make the movie of photo-realistic quality. We are creating hardware which can capture the movements of objects like cars and bikes. I want even the trees and grass to look alive so that they are real and believable," Moorthy said.

Performance-capture acting is a technology in which actors wear sensors on their skin and act, while the cameras capture their movement from different angles. This technique is used to make realistic animated characters such as the character of Gollum in the Lord of the Ring series played by Andy Serkis.

"In my movie, there are ten main actors and a total of 100 characters. We are going to place 108 cameras in a circle and make the actor stand in the centre. Pictures will be clicked from 360 degrees and a software will create a model of the actor," Moorthy said.

Kizhakku Africavil Raju is set in East Africa and is based on the character Raju, played by MGR in his super hit movie Ulakam Chuttum Valiban.

Moorthy said that the technology is advancing so quickly that soon it would be impossible to differentiate between real and created images in a film. "It is mind-blowing what technology can do. Things that take months with traditional animation only take minutes now," he said.

The technology of 3D printing is also being used in the film industry to create finely-detailed props.

Kannada film director and cinematographer for 'Mungaru Male' S Krishna said that Kannada actors should capture their images in 360 degrees every year so that even after they grow old, movies can be made with their younger selves.

He said that such advanced technology is not being used in the Kannada film industry now because of budget constraints but it could be beneficial once it becomes cheaper.

The BBMP is all set to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) to take up the development work of 14 roads providing alternative connectivity to the International Tech Park (ITPL).

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced the plan in the recent 2018-19 state Budget.

The BBMP has now identified about 43-km of roads along the 14 stretches and plans to start the work after April.

"The Whitefield area has been hit by traffic due to the ongoing Metro construction work in the area. The government will take up the development of 14 roads providing alternative connectivity to the ITPL to mitigate the inconvenience caused due to high vehicular density," Siddaramaiah had said in his Budget speech.

A BBMP official said: "We have started to prepare the DPR and in two months we will begin the work which will include remodelling of footpath and drainage and uniform carriageways."

In October 2017, the members of Outer Ring Road Companies Association (ORRCA) met the chief minister and Mahendra Jain, additional chief secretary, Urban Development, with a proposal to develop 150 km ORRs (outer ring road).

Speaking to DH, a representative of ORRCA said: "Since the ORR is one of the fastest-growing IT corridors in the world, we meet the chief minister and gave the proposal to develop 150-km of the road on the stretch. But at least the government has sanctioned 43-km road development work on the ORR."

Roads to be developed

Kundalahalli Main Road from Whitefield Main Road to Graphite India Junction (Excl Metro stretch) 2.9 km.

Chinnapanahalli Main Road from ORR to Graphite India 3.1 km.

Munekolala Road from ORR to Old Airport Road 1.7 km.

Panathuru-Balagere Road from ORR to Varthuru Road 5.9 km.

Doddakanenahalliâ€"Kadubeesanahalli Road from Sarjapura Road to Panathuru Road 3.75 km.

Devasandra Main Road from OMR to ITPL Road at Hoodi 3.75 km.

Kodigehalli Main Road-Belathuru Road from Ayappanagara to SH-35 in Kadugodi 5.42 km.

Kadubesanahalli to Kempapura Main Road 1.9 km.

Doddanekundi Main Road to HAL Old Airport Road 2.4 km.

Yemaluru Junction to Bellanduru Junction 4.6 km.

SH 35 to Dinnuru-ITPL to Bescom office 1.8 km.

Whitefield Main Road to Nagondanahalli via Vijayanagar (Munising Hospital Rd) 2.4 km.

Vijayanagara Main Road to VSR Layout Main Road (White Acres Road) 1.7 km.

Siddapura Nallurahalli Road 2.3 km.

The BBMP is all set to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) to take up the development work of 14 roads providing alternative connectivity to the International Tech Park (ITPL).

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced the plan in the recent 2018-19 state Budget.

The BBMP has now identified about 43-km of roads along the 14 stretches and plans to start the work after April.

"The Whitefield area has been hit by traffic due to the ongoing Metro construction work in the area. The government will take up the development of 14 roads providing alternative connectivity to the ITPL to mitigate the inconvenience caused due to high vehicular density," Siddaramaiah had said in his Budget speech.

A BBMP official said: "We have started to prepare the DPR and in two months we will begin the work which will include remodelling of footpath and drainage and uniform carriageways."

In October 2017, the members of Outer Ring Road Companies' Association (ORRCA) met the chief minister and Mahendra Jain, additional chief secretary, Urban Development, with a proposal to develop 150 km ORRs (outer ring road).

Speaking to DH, a representative of ORRCA said: "Since the ORR is one of the fastest-growing IT corridors in the world, we meet the chief minister and gave the proposal to develop 150-km of the road on the stretch. But at least the government has sanctioned 43-km road development work on the ORR."

Roads to be developed

Kundalahalli Main Road from Whitefield Main Road to Graphite India Junction (Excl Metro stretch) 2.9 km.

Chinnapanahalli Main Road from ORR to Graphite India 3.1 km.

Munekolala Road from ORR to Old Airport Road 1.7 km.

Panathuru-Balagere Road from ORR to Varthuru Road 5.9 km.

Doddakanenahalli€"Kadubeesanahalli Road from Sarjapura Road to Panathuru Road 3.75 km.

Devasandra Main Road from OMR to ITPL Road at Hoodi 3.75 km.

Kodigehalli Main Road-Belathuru Road from Ayappanagara to SH-35 in Kadugodi 5.42 km.

Kadubesanahalli to Kempapura Main Road 1.9 km.

Doddanekundi Main Road to HAL Old Airport Road 2.4 km.

Yemaluru Junction to Bellanduru Junction 4.6 km.

SH 35 to Dinnuru-ITPL to Bescom office 1.8 km.

Whitefield Main Road to Nagondanahalli via Vijayanagar (Munising Hospital Rd) 2.4 km.

Vijayanagara Main Road to VSR Layout Main Road (White Acres Road) 1.7 km.

Siddapura Nallurahalli Road 2.3 km.

Patients needing organ transplant may have to pay Rs 25,000 for the green corridor, an exclusive route for ambulances carrying harvested organs. The fee will be over and above hospital and ambulance charges.

The traffic police will send a proposal to this effect to senior officials in the Home Department. Under the green corridor, police block all traffic signals to facilitate the transport of organs such as heart, liver and kidneys harvested from a brain-dead patient in a hospital to patients waiting to receive them in another hospital.

Hospitals usually charge organ recipients anywhere between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh for the operation. The ambulance service costs extra. R Hithendra, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said green corridors would not be free either. The fee will be collected from hospitals. "We are going to prepare a detailed proposal on the matter. Every month, three to four city hospitals carry out organ transplant and ask for a green corridor," he told DH. "But creating a green corridor doesnt come cheap. The process hassles motorists. Considering these things, we decided to charge the fee."

Hospitals could well pass on the cost to recipient patients.

According to Hithendra, hospitals had shot down a proposal to take brain-dead patients to the place of organ recipients, saying thats not feasible. He suggested that some private hospitals were carrying out organ transplants "for publicity".

Last year, police created 17 green corridors to facilitate the transport of harvested organs. This year has already seen seven of them, an official said.

Patients needing organ transplant may have to pay Rs 25,000 for the green corridor, an exclusive route for ambulances carrying harvested organs. The fee will be over and above hospital and ambulance charges.

The traffic police will send a proposal to this effect to senior officials in the Home Department. Under the green corridor, police block all traffic signals to facilitate the transport of organs such as heart, liver and kidneys harvested from a brain-dead patient in a hospital to patients waiting to receive them in another hospital.

Hospitals usually charge organ recipients anywhere between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh for the operation. The ambulance service costs extra. R Hithendra, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said green corridors would not be free either. The fee will be collected from hospitals. "We are going to prepare a detailed proposal on the matter. Every month, three to four city hospitals carry out organ transplant and ask for a green corridor," he told DH. "But creating a green corridor doesn't come cheap. The process hassles motorists. Considering these things, we decided to charge the fee."

Hospitals could well pass on the cost to recipient patients.

According to Hithendra, hospitals had shot down a proposal to take brain-dead patients to the place of organ recipients, saying that's not feasible. He suggested that some private hospitals were carrying out organ transplants "for publicity".

Last year, police created 17 green corridors to facilitate the transport of harvested organs. This year has already seen seven of them, an official said.

Three people were killed on the spot and three others were injured in a ghastly accident that took place near Solapur in Maharashtra, on Tuesday morning.

Police said the mishap occurred when a car rammed into two people who were standing at a tea shop by the highway drinking tea, at Tulajapura.

Two of them are from Vijayapura district in Karnataka.

They are Kannala residents Tippu Chapparbandh (24) and Abdul Saab Chapparbandh (40).

The driver of the car also died in the accident and his identity yet to be established.

The injured have been admitted to a Solapur hospital.

All deceased and injured are from Basavanabagevadi in Vijayapura district.

They had been to Aurangabad in Maharashtra for an Isthama function and were on their way back home.

Police said that the driver lost control of the vehicle when the car tyre burst.

Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Suri said that the embassy is working with local authorities to ensure Sridevis mortal remains can be sent to India at the earliest.

"We are working with local authorities to ensure that mortal remains can be sent to India at the earliest. We are on the job," Suri tweeted.

"Our experience in similar cases tells us that it does take 2-3 days to complete processes," he pointed out. Suri also said that they are in touch with Sridevis family. "We are in regular contact with the family of #Sridevi and other well-wishers. We share their pain," he tweeted.

On the causes of death and speculations, he said: "We leave it to the experts to determine the cause of demise Lets be responsible."

Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Suri said that the embassy is working with local authorities to ensure Sridevi's mortal remains can be sent to India at the earliest.

"We are working with local authorities to ensure that mortal remains can be sent to India at the earliest. We are on the job," Suri tweeted.

"Our experience in similar cases tells us that it does take 2-3 days to complete processes," he pointed out. Suri also said that they are in touch with Sridevi's family. "We are in regular contact with the family of #Sridevi and other well-wishers. We share their pain," he tweeted.

On the causes of death and speculations, he said: "We leave it to the experts to determine the cause of demise Let's be responsible."

The death of Indias first "female superstar", Sridevi, at 54, has come as a shock to the film industry and the millions of her fans.

But, in fact, Sridevi, is not the only one to have died so young - and the list is rather long.

Some of them include the versatile singer and genius Kishore Kumar, the legendary singer Mohammed Rafi, the music maestro RD Burman, Vinod Mehra, Geeta Bali and Smita Patil.

One of the finest actors Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan, who essayed the roles of Thakur and Gabbar Singh, in all-time hit Sholay, too died young.

And no one can forget Guru Dutt, one of the finest directors that the Indian cinema had and the silver screen queens Madhubala and Meena Kumari.

Several of them died below the bracket of 60 and 50 years- leaving a void.

The death of India's first "female superstar", Sridevi, at 54, has come as a shock to the film industry and the millions of her fans.

But, in fact, Sridevi, is not the only one to have died so young - and the list is rather long.

Some of them include the versatile singer and genius Kishore Kumar, the legendary singer Mohammed Rafi, the music maestro RD Burman, Vinod Mehra, Geeta Bali and Smita Patil.

One of the finest actors Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan, who essayed the roles of Thakur and Gabbar Singh, in all-time hit Sholay, too died young.

And no one can forget Guru Dutt, one of the finest directors that the Indian cinema had and the silver screen queens Madhubala and Meena Kumari.

Several of them died below the bracket of 60 and 50 years- leaving a void.

The death of Indias first "female superstar", Sridevi, at 54, has come as a shock to the film industry and the millions of fans.

Sridevi, however, is not the only star to have left us too soon. The list is rather long.

The list includes singers Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi, music maestro RD Burman, Vinod Mehra, Geeta Bali and Smita Patil.

Some of the finest actors taken before their time were Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan, who played Thakur and Gabbar Singh in Sholay.

And no one can forget Guru Dutt, one of the finest directors in Indian cinema, and silver screen queens Madhubala and Meena Kumari.

The death of India's first "female superstar", Sridevi, at 54, has come as a shock to the film industry and the millions of fans.

Sridevi, however, is not the only star to have left us too soon. The list is rather long.

The list includes singers Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi, music maestro RD Burman, Vinod Mehra, Geeta Bali and Smita Patil.

Some of the finest actors taken before their time were Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan, who played Thakur and Gabbar Singh in 'Sholay'.

And no one can forget Guru Dutt, one of the finest directors in Indian cinema, and silver screen queens Madhubala and Meena Kumari.