Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

Commuters using bike taxi in Bengaluru on June 16, 2025. | Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

1. Bike taxi ban comes into effect in Karnataka, but some aggregators continue to operate

Following the refusal of the High Court of Karnataka to stay the order on suspension of bike taxi services, service providers were supposed to halt their services from June 16, 2025 (today). However, as of Monday morning, a few aggregators continued to operate bike taxis and commuters took rides on the two-wheelers in Bengaluru.

Bike taxi services of Uber and Ola were operational while another aggregator, Rapido, put up a message on its app indicating its compliance with the HC order. While bike taxis were available, the wait time was quite high in the morning as the number of bikes was sparse. Meanwhile, thousands of commuters lamented the shutting down of an affordable last-mile transport service.

2. Orange alert declared in nine districts in Karnataka

The IMD Bengaluru issued an orange alert for the Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu and Shivamogga districts on June 16, 2025, forecasting moderate rain with gusty wind at the speed 40-50 Kmph. Heavy rain also lashed parts of north Karnataka on June 15.

Landslips, tree-falls and traffic jams on bridges were reported from several districts. Movement of heavy vehicles was prohibited on National Highway 169 between Tanikod and S.K. Border in view of landslips and the damage caused to minor bridges on the stretch. Vehicular movement was also banned on the Kumta-Sirsi Road due to a landslip from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further orders.

3. Mangaluru mob lynching: Court rejects bail for four due to prima facie involvement

Finding material on record that prima facie showed involvement of petitioners in the mob lynching incident, a Mangaluru court rejected bail applications of four persons arrested in connection with the death of 38-year-old Ashraf near Kudupu on April 27. The application was filed by Saideep, Anil Kumar, Yathiraj and Adarsha Pandith, who were arrested and are accused No. 13, 16, 17 and 18.

“The material placed on record as of now indicates the involvement of the petitioners and the prima facie case against them. In view of the gravity and seriousness of the offence committed, this is not a fit case to exercise the discretion vested under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Samhita,” V.N. Jagadeesh, 2nd Additional District and Sessions Judge, Mangaluru, said in his order.

4. Rapido bike taxi driver booked for slapping woman customer in Bengaluru

The Jayanagar police have registered an assault case against a Rapido bike taxi driver for allegedly slapping a woman customer in Jayanagar on June 13, 2025. The victim, a private firm employee, objected to the rider’s rash and negligent driving, leading to a heated argument where the accused, Suhas, allegedly slapped her, sending her tumbling to the ground.

Passersby witnessed the incident and one of them recorded the video on his mobile phone, which went viral. The Jayanagar police reached the spot and took stock of the situation, but the victim refused to file a complaint. However, the police registered an Non-Cognizable Report (NCR).

5. 58 school vehicle drivers fail alcohol test in Bengaluru

The Bengaluru Traffic Police carried out a special drive against school vehicle drivers in the city and booked 58 drivers for allegedly driving drunk. A special campaign was carried out on June 16 and 4,559 school vehicle drivers were checked for consumption of alcohol. The accused drivers were booked under the IMV Act and their DLs were sent to the respective RTOs for suspension.

Published - June 16, 2025 07:06 pm IST