Latest news with #Lalitha
Hans India
4 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Millet magic from Bhadrachalam wins national applause
In a quiet corner of Bhadrachalam, famously known as the South Ayodhya, a group of determined tribal women is rewriting the story of rural enterprise — one millet biscuit at a time. Their venture, now known as 'Bhadradri Millet Magic Biscuits,' has earned the rare distinction of being praised by none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. The recognition has created a wave of pride across the region. What started as a modest effort to make healthy snacks has blossomed into a small but impactful business with growing popularity. 'For the past six years, we've been making millet biscuits — using jowar, ragi, sama, and korralu,' shares Thati Lalitha, one of the four women behind the initiative. 'We never imagined they would one day be mentioned by the Prime Minister. His praise gave us a huge boost.' Her teammate Uke Venkatalakshmi adds, 'We were so encouraged when our friends and sisters started asking for the biscuits — some even sent them abroad! Representatives from TIFED recently visited our ITDA office and tasted our biscuits. They said they were wonderful.' Their journey began in 2018 with the formation of the 'Srirama Joint Liability Group.' Initially, the group focused on producing sanitary napkins under the brand Giri. 'It was difficult,' recalls Lalitha. 'People weren't interested in buying them. We faced many hurdles and lost nearly ₹15,000. But we didn't give up.' Support from the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) proved critical. A subsidy of ₹8 lakhs helped them buy essential machinery, with the remainder financed by a bank loan and their own contribution. But then came an unexpected blow — the COVID-19 pandemic. 'We couldn't begin napkin production because of the lockdowns,' explains Venkatalakshmi. 'Instead, with support from authorities, we pivoted and started making masks. We produced and delivered 40,000 of them to the GCC in just one month.' It was during this period that the idea of making millet biscuits took hold. 'We were seeing people move toward healthier food — jowar rotis, ragi java, korrala rice. So, we thought, why not make healthy snacks too?' says Lalitha. 'We experimented with jowar and ragi initially. There were challenges, but we kept going.' Backed by guidance from then ITDA PO Prateek Jain, who arranged training in Hyderabad, the group refined their recipes. Today, their daily production has grown from a modest three kilograms to twenty, sourced from tribal farmers in Tulsipaka, Chintur Mandal (Andhra Pradesh). The biscuits — sold in attractive packs — now come in varieties like Sama and Korralu (₹150), and Ragi and Jonna (₹130). The team has also begun making Karakkaya tea powder, priced at ₹200. They're now dreaming bigger. 'We want to see our millet biscuits on the shelves of big shopping malls. That's our next goal,' says Venkatalakshmi. 'Right now, we are just four women. But we hope to grow and provide employment to at least ten more.' Their journey is an inspiring example of how resilience, innovation, and community support can turn humble beginnings into a source of regional pride. As Lalitha puts it, 'We didn't get success easily. Behind this recognition is a story of struggle, setbacks, and sheer will.'
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Indian Express
Solving Crime: How a woman's murder probe led Karnataka cops to a ‘Drishyam'-inspired crime that stayed hidden for 5 years
In 2013, the Malayalam film Drishyam, with its intricate plot of a man outwitting the police and covering up a murder, captivated audiences across India. But for a man in Karnataka, the film served as a blueprint for murder—a crime that went unnoticed until a routine missing person case in 2024 unravelled his web of deception. On August 12, 2024, a man named Balaraju walked into the Magadi police station with a worried expression. His friend Lalitha, a beautician from Madanayakanahalli on the outskirts of Bengaluru, had vanished without a trace. Known to many as Divya, the 30-year-old had been living separately from her husband, Umesh, for two years, raising their five-year-old son alone while pursuing divorce proceedings. The police later learnt that Lalitha's marriage to Umesh, a travel agency employee, had crumbled under the weight of his alcohol addiction. Her active Instagram presence was a source of constant suspicion for Umesh, who was convinced she was having an affair. The couple's separation had been bitter. That August evening, Umesh had called Lalitha to discuss the divorce, Balaraju told the police. Umesh suggested they meet near the Basavanna temple close to Magadi to discuss matters 'amicably', he allegedly said. Lalitha agreed, but sensing something amiss, she shared her live location on WhatsApp with Balaraju's wife, Uma, before she left, borrowing a two-wheeler from him. The live location that Lalitha shared told a chilling story. In the FIR, Balaraju said that at 6.17 pm, Lalitha's location signal ended abruptly near Honnapura Lake. When Uma tried calling Lalitha and Umesh, neither answered. At 8.12 pm, Balaraju told the police, Umesh returned the borrowed two-wheeler, claiming he had accompanied Lalitha and put her on a bus home. But 19 minutes later, at 8.31 pm, Umesh allegedly called Balaraju confessing that he had killed Lalitha and begged him not to tell anyone. Twelve minutes after that, he allegedly made another desperate call, pleading with Balaraju to delete the WhatsApp live location that had been shared, as per the FIR. Balaraju and Uma immediately alerted the police. Following the digital trail left by Lalitha's shared location, the police found her body buried in a forest. Umesh was arrested. So was an alleged accomplice, Kiran Kumar—a man who seemingly had no motive for the murder. What transpired later left the police shocked. During questioning, the police asked Kiran about his family. His response was allegedly matter-of-fact: his wife Pooja had eloped with another man a decade ago, leaving him to raise their seven-year-old daughter alone, he told the police. However, Inspector Giriraj G Y, who was leading the investigation, was puzzled by certain aspects of Umesh's crime. 'Why would Umesh bring his wife all the way from Madanayakanahalli to Magadi to kill her?' he remembers wondering. 'He could have done it anywhere close to his place.' When pressed, Umesh allegedly revealed that choosing the remote location had been Kiran's idea. This detail sparked Giriraj's curiosity about Kiran's background, especially since no family members had visited him after his arrest. The breakthrough came when a constable contacted Kiran's mother-in-law, Gowramma, who lived in Tavarekere, Bengaluru. When asked about her daughter Pooja, Gowramma's story differed from Kiran's narrative, the police said. She said Pooja had disappeared five years ago—not 10—and that Kiran had filed a missing person's complaint with Magadi police. A quick check of police records, however, revealed that no such missing complaint had ever been filed. When confronted with this discrepancy, Kiran allegedly claimed he had come with two friends to file the complaint. The police tracked down these alleged friends, who categorically denied accompanying Kiran to any police station. Faced with evidence of his alleged deception, Kiran's carefully constructed story began to collapse. Under intense interrogation, he allegedly confessed to a murder in Hujugallu village in Ramanagara district that had remained hidden for five years. Kiran's confession revealed a chilling parallel to the Mohanlal-starrer Drishyam that had allegedly inspired his crime. On May 1, 2019, following fights with his wife, Pooja, he strangled her to death, the police said. Taking inspiration from the film's protagonist, George Kutty, he buried her body in a forest near Magadi, creating an elaborate cover story about her eloping with another man, the police added. To maintain his deception, Kiran allegedly prepared a fake police complaint, which he would show to Gowramma whenever she inquired about the investigation's progress. Over time, Pooja's family's questions became less frequent, allowing Kiran to believe he had gotten away with murder. The story took an even more bizarre turn when Kiran revealed how Drishyam 2 also allegedly influenced his actions. Two years after the murder, forest department officials began digging trenches in the area to prevent elephants from entering nearby villages. Fearing his crime might be discovered, Kiran took inspiration from the sequel, he allegedly told the police. He allegedly secretly excavated Pooja's remains, burnt the bones and teeth, and reburied them at a farm. Like the movie's protagonist, he believed destroying evidence would eliminate any possibility of detection, the police said. On August 26, 2024, based on Gowramma's complaint, the police registered a murder case against Kiran. He led investigators to the burial site, where forensic experts and Tahsildar Sharath Kumar oversaw the excavation. The burnt bones and teeth were recovered and sent for DNA analysis, with samples from Gowramma taken for comparison. The Magadi police later filed charge sheets in both murder cases. Though Umesh and Kiran are out on bail, a police officer said that there was sufficient scientific evidence to prove the murders.
India.com
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Why Mysuru is a Must-Visit During Monsoon Season? Know Here
Mysuru functions as Karnataka's cultural central hub and presents itself as a historic city with traditional roots and pretty natural views. Throughout its monsoon season the city Mysuru presents an alternative charm which contrasts with its traditional palaces and festive dining and splendid festivals. Mysuru becomes a beautiful green oasis when the rains arrive which creates a distinctive experience for everyone in the city. These seven features demonstrate why Mysuru presents such lovely monsoon season attractions. 1. Lush Greenery and Vibrant Landscapes Mysuru exhibits its most dramatic transformation when the monsoon season occurs due to its dramatic landscape changes. The otherwise dry or partly dry areas transform into lush green regions. The downpour refreshes both Brindavan Gardens and the wide open spaces surrounding the Mysore Palace. When rain runs its course the Chamundi Hills present an even more stunning appearance with the rain-heavy foliage shining on the sky's wetness. The numerous trees that grow during monsoon season form an atmospheric environment which encourages nature enthusiasts to explore the natural surroundings. 2. A Feast for Photographers The monsoon season in Mysuru constantly exposes endless photographic landscape possibilities to photography lovers. Misty morning conditions combined with rain-soaked streets and flooded pathways make brilliant scenic photographs possible. The mystical atmosphere of overcast skies together with shimmering puddles enhances the charm of Mysore Palace and St. Philomena's Church at the same time. The Shivanasamudra and Balmuri Falls by Mysuru experience their annual flood events in which visitors can capture the essence of monsoon thanks to their breathtaking scenery. 3. Cultural Festivals Amidst the Rains Mysore showcases its traditional heritage during monsoon because important cultural festivals occur at this time. The Dasara festival serves as the most well-known festival that occurs during September or October after the monsoon season has finished. At this period residents take pride in decorating the city in vibrant colors while the Mysore Palace becomes alive with ten thousand illuminations. The mix of enthralling religious celebrations and moisture-laden air during this season creates a memorable experience for everyone living in Mysuru as well as its visitors. 4. Comfortable Weather for Exploration The hot summertime temperatures in Mysuru become cooler during the monsoon period which provides a delightful climate experience. The city's moderate moisture content creates perfect conditions for visitors to visit all the main attractions in Mysuru. Visitors experience improved satisfaction from their travels throughout the Jaganmohan Palace and Lalitha Mahal Palace due to the pleasant climate during this time. Periods of drizzle create a charming atmosphere when you explore Mysuru during this season. 5. Delicious Monsoon Treats Any assessment of Mysuru during the monsoon season must address its delicious food offerings. During the rainy period consumers actively seek traditional snacks and beverages because these food items enhance the momentous weather perfectly. Residents in Mysuru enjoy the combination of warm masala dosas , bondas and pakoras with their filter coffee which they have as piping hot meals. Local food stalls offer hot fresh food to customers along with Mysore pak and badam halwa desserts available at sweet shops. Food flavors bring taste and aroma experiences that make the monsoon more perceptible. 6. Revitalized Water Bodies Mysuru's lakes and rivers become alive with fresh energy owing to the transition of season into monsoon. The seasonal overflow of water in Karanji Lake connects it with Migratory birds bringing joy to birdwatchers visiting the Mysore Zoo area. The Kukkarahalli Lake offers families and walkers alongside joggers a suitable spot to enjoy picnic activities while being cooled by breezes. These water bodies experience revitalization which amounts to increased biodiversity together with numerous sites for relaxation and recreational activities. 7. Spiritual Retreats and Temple Visits The monsoon brings out increased importance for the collection of temples and spiritual destinations throughout Mysore. The rains establish a peaceful atmosphere which leads people to visit religious sites like Chamundi Temple on Chamundi Hill and Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens where spiritual values unite with serenity. People commonly hold the belief that temple visits during monsoon season will lead to gaining blessings and increased prosperity. The collision of temple bells and falling raindrops produces an atmosphere which encourages people to reflect in a relaxed frame of mind. Conclusion Mysuru becomes a magical place during its monsoon season. Thanksgiving awaits visitors here because the town provides exciting festivities and beautiful terrains coupled with refreshingly clean waters while treating residents to local seasonal delicacies. The rainy season in Mysuru delivers unforgettable memories to people who want both time within nature and exploratory adventures or just need a normal escape from daily life. At this time the town celebrates its natural appeal to draw tourists into exploring its enchanting qualities. The Mysuru monsoon period creates such an enchanting experience that it appeals to both newcomers and this city's permanent residents.
Hans India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Comrade Lalitha killed in Chhattisgarh encounter
Aspari (Kurnool district): In a tragic development, Comrade Lalitha alias Sangita, a full-time Maoist cadre, was reportedly killed alongside senior Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao in the encounter with the security forces in Narayanpur of Chhattisgarh on May 21. The news of her death reached her family on Saturday evening, following which her relatives, along with members of the Association for Martyrs' Families and Friends, have begun efforts to retrieve her mortal remains. Lalitha hailed from a Dalit family in Malagundam village of Aspari mandal in Kurnool district. The eldest among six siblings, she grew up in a region often afflicted by drought, which compelled many, including her family, to migrate to cities like Hyderabad in search of livelihood. It was during one such migration that Lalitha met various people's movements and eventually became actively involved with the Kula Nirmulana Porata Samiti (KNPS). Her commitment to the cause led her to the Dandakaranya region, where she responded to a call from the Maoist party to support the establishment of the Janatha Sarkar (people's government). There, she dedicated herself to serving the Adivasi communities as a nurse, offering healthcare services in the remotest forest areas. Lalitha had been a full-time activist in the Maoist movement for over 15 years. Her sudden death has left her family and comrades in deep grief. As they prepare to claim her body, tributes pour in for the woman who chose a path of resistance and service in the face of adversity. Further details about the encounter and the official response from authorities are awaited.
New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Medchal police crack woman's murder, robbery case in 72 hours, nab labourer
HYDERABAD: Medchal police arrested a 24-year-old labourer from Saidabad for the robbery and murder of a 50-year-old woman in Athvelly village, solving the case in the span of 72 hours. The accused, K Rakesh, a labourer from Saidabad, Dilsukhnagar, is originally from Lingampet in Kamareddy district. The victim, Dasari Lalitha, alias Lakshmi, was found dead on May 16 after her landlord noticed smoke coming from her locked room. On breaking in, he found her charred body with a slit throat and her nose and ears severed. Preliminary investigation indicated robbery and foul play. A case was subsequently registered. According to police, Rakesh, reportedly in financial distress and recovering from an accident, had been living with his mother and doing odd jobs. His mother, seeking help for his employment, contacted Lalitha, an old acquaintance from their time working at the Patancheru dumping yard. On May 15, Lalitha invited them to meet her at her workplace, a wine shop in Kistapur. After consuming toddy together, Rakesh's mother returned home, leaving him with Lalitha. Later that night, at her Athvelly residence, Rakesh gave her more toddy. Once she was asleep, he attempted to steal her jewellery. When she resisted, he slit her throat, mutilated her body to remove ornaments, set the body on fire, locked the house from outside and fled with the valuables. Special teams tracked him down using technical evidence and CCTV footage and recovered 5 grams of gold ear and nose studs, 60 grams of silver jewellery, Rs 3,500 in cash, two mobile phones and the room key used to lock the house.
