Hubli court blast no terror attack

The case takes a new turn; rowdy Nagaraj Jambagi confesses to having planted bombs

The arrest of a gang of eight members led by notorious rowdy Nagaraj Jambagi has given a new twist to the Hubli court blast case.

Jambagi confessed during the interrogation that he was responsible for carrying out blasts in the court and planting bombs at National Highway 4.

The gang, which was arrested by Bagalkot police special squad, was involved in over two dozen criminal cases.

On interrogation, Jambagi confessed that he, with the help of his associates, had planted bombs at the Hubli court to eliminate his rival gang and a few police officers.

Though the bomb exploded, there were no casualties or major damage. Jambagi then planned another attack at National Highway near Venkatapura village. He placed the bombs under the bridge but the bombs didn't explode due to rain. The hidden bombs found by the police were diffused.

The police have also seized some bullets and a live bomb from Jambagi, which resembles the explosives planted at the court premises. The police are also investigating whether Jambagi was associated with any organisation.

According to police, Jambagi and his gang were involved in seven cases including murder, extortion and dacoity.

In November 2007, Jambagi hatched a conspiracy to kill politicians Satish Jarkiholi and Ramesh Jarkiholi at Gokak.

Police recovered Rs 11, 08,250 cash, silver and gold valuables worth Rs 1.3 lakh and three mobiles from the gang.

Further investigations revealed that in March 2008, Jambagi purchased two country-made bombs from illegal arms dealers Hanumanth Arjun Sainasakali and Channabasappa Revannasiddappa of Indi Taluk.

Underworld plans

"Jambagi had made more than 5 lakh mobile calls from his cell phone. He was trying to build a gang of his own as he wanted to become an underworld don," the police said."

Karnataka police solve Hubli bomb blast case

Bangalore: The Karnataka police on Sunday claimed they solved the last year's mysterious Hubli bomb blast case with the arrest of a man and his aides who allegedly involved in several criminal activities.

Inspector General of Police Ragavendra Auradhkar said Nagraj Jambagi and his aides were involved in the blast case which occurred in the court premises during the last Assembly polls. No person was injured as the courts were shut due to a holiday.

The IGP also said that this was the same team which had planted a bomb on the Belgaum-Hubli highway last year.

However, this bomb failed to explode as it was raining heavily. After high drama, the bomb squad finally retrieved the bomb.

The IGP said investigations showed that they carried out the blasts to bump off their rivals and also causing harm to the police force.

Explaining the operation, the IGP said that the police nabbed Nagraj and eight others in connection with various criminal cases that had occurred at Bagalkot, Karnataka. The police also seized Rs 11,08,250 from them apart from silver, gold and two motor cycles.

The IGP said that Nagraj led the gang which was involved in seven murder cases in North Karnataka. Besides, the gang was also allegedly involved in several cases of abduction.

Best tribute to Gangubai Hangal

The doyenne of Hindustani classical music and one of the foremost exponents of the Kirana Gharana, Gangubai Hangal, died at a private hospital here on Tuesday morning following cardiac arrest. She was 96.

A recipient of more than 50 awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, the Padma Bhushan and the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, four honorary doctoral degrees and 24 titles, Ms. Hangal had the rare honour of being felicitated by nine Prime Ministers and five Presidents.

The vocalist, who had studied only up to class V, went on to serve as honorary professor and then as Senate Member of Karnatak University, Dharwad. Apart from several performances in and outside the country, she had performed in more than 200 schools and colleges across India in an effort to promote Indian classical music.

Gangubai Hangal (Kannada: ಗಂಗೂಬಾಯಿ ಹಾನಗಲ್) (5 March 1913 – 21 July 2009) was an Indian singer of the khyal genre of Hindustani classical music, who was known for her deep and powerful voice. Hangal belonged to the Kirana gharana.

EARLY LIFE

Gangubai Hangal was born in Dharwad to Chikkurao Nadiger, an agriculturist and Ambabai, a vocalist of Carnatic music. Hangal received only elementary education and her family shifted to Hubli in 1928.Initially, she learned classical music from Krishnacharya and Dattopant Desai before studying under Sawai Gandharva, a respected guru.
MUSICAL CARRER

Hangal's family was considered as of low social status and for women of her generation singing was not considered appropriate employment; Hangal struggled against this prejudice and made a career. Hangal served as honorary music professor of the Karnatak University. She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honor, in 2002. Hangal gave her last concert in March 2006 to mark her 75th career year. She had overcome bone marrow cancer in 2003, and died of cardiac arrest at the age of 96, on 21 July 2009, in Hubli, where she resided. She donated her eyes to increase awareness for organ donation.

^{PERSONAL LIFE}

Hangal married at age 16 to Gururao Kaulgi, a Brahmin lawyer.They had two sons, Narayan Rao and Babu Rao and one daughter, Krishna, who died from cancer in 2004, aged 75.

^{AWARDS AND HONORS}

Gangubai Hangal received a number of awards, which include:

• Karnataka Sangeet Nritya Academy Award, 1962
• Padma Bhushan, 1971
• Padma Vibhushan, 2002
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, 1973
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, 1996

The Karnataka state government declared two days of mourning for Hangal. A state funeral was announced for 22 July in Hubli by the district commissioner of the Dharwad district.

FURTHER READING

• Nanna Badukina Haadu (The Song of My Life), as told to Mr. N.K.Kulkarni, translated into English by G. N. Hangal.