Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. Over 2,000 immigrants verified in special drive against illegal stay in Bengaluru

The city police on Wednesday (February 25, 2025) launched a special drive to identify foreign nationals allegedly residing illegally within Bengaluru limits, questioning over 2,000 individuals in a single day as part of the operation. A significant number were found either without valid documentation or overstaying their visas.

The verification exercise is being carried out under the directions of Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh. Police teams from various divisions have been deployed across different parts of the city to verify visa status, Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) registration and other relevant documents of foreign nationals.

Officials said information had been received about some migrants from Nigeria and Bangladesh allegedly residing in the city without proper authorisation. Legal action is being initiated against those found violating immigration norms, they said .The drive is aimed at ensuring law and order and maintaining proper documentation of foreign residents in the city.

2. Student Council opposes Azim Premji University’s FIR against Spark Reading Circle

Hours after ABVP activists allegedly trespassed into Azim Premji University (APU), assaulted guards, vandalised property and created a ruckus to protest against a discussion being held on the campus, the Registrar of the varsity filed a complaint with the police against Spark Reading Circle, a social media page, and sought action.

On February 26, the Student Council of Azim Premji University expressed concern that individuals who allegedly entered the campus without permission and vandalised it had been granted bail and were facing bailable charges. However, the students who organised what the council termed a ‘peaceful gathering’ are reportedly facing a non-bailable offence under Section 299.

3. POCSO case against Mallikarjun Mutya of Yadgir’s Mahal Roja Mutt for allegedly misbehaving with minor girl

Police booked self-styled ‘godman’ Mallikarjun Mutya of Mahal Roja Mutt in Yadgir district under the POCSO Act on February 25, after a video of him allegedly misbehaving with a minor girl went viral. The video of him taking a minor girl on his lap and behaving in an allegedly improper manner was shared on social media platforms, and users discussed the incident and demanded action.

Following the viral video, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had registered a suo moto case, and requested the Superintendent of Police Yadgir and District Child Protection Officer to submit a report on action taken based on the video, the FIR stated. The video was uploaded on an Instagram account with the intention to get more likes, the FIR added.

4. Debt-ridden farmer scales 400 KV tower threatening to end life in Karnataka

A 45-year-old farmer climbed a 400 KV high-tension power transmission tower in B.K. Halli of Pavagada taluk in Tumakuru district, allegedly in an attempt to end life reportedly due to mounting debt. According to sources, the farmer, Gopalappa had borrowed around ₹6 lakh in 2025 to drill a borewell. Subsequently, he had taken more loans for his children’s marriage.

Unable to cope with alleged harassment by money-lenders, Gopalappa reportedly consumed alcohol and climbed a 400 KV solar power transmission tower, located on the outskirts of the village, and threatened to end his life. Local residents working in nearby fields noticed him atop the high-tension tower. They alerted the police and fire services.