The Belagavi Cantonment Board has approved participation in the Urban Challenge Fund Scheme, paving the way for a ₹14.60 crore infrastructure development proposal aimed at creating revenue-generating public assets within the cantonment.

According to an infographic released by the Board, the proposed projects will be implemented under a public infrastructure model designed to generate sustainable income while improving civic amenities. The plan will now be taken forward under the Urban Challenge Fund Scheme.

Funding Pattern

The total project cost of ₹14.60 crore has been structured through a three-way funding model:

• Government of India Grant (25%) – ₹3.65 crore
• Belagavi Cantonment Board Contribution (25%) – ₹3.65 crore
• Bank Loan/Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Funding (50%) – ₹7.30 crore

The Board has stated that the loan component will be serviced and repaid through the revenue generated from the completed projects.

Five Major Projects Proposed

The proposal includes five infrastructure projects across the cantonment area:

1. Commercial Complex with Lodging Facilities – Construction of first and second floors above the existing ground floor commercial building at GLR Survey No. 299-B. (Belagavi Railway Bus Stand and the Railway Station)
   Estimated Cost: ₹2.11 crore
2. Restaurant/Food Court Near the Lake – A new restaurant and food court at GLR Survey No. 129.
   Estimated Cost: ₹1.16 crore
3. Food Court Near INOX Theatre – Development of a food court on Head Post Office Road near the INOX theatre.
   Estimated Cost: ₹1.51 crore
4. Shopping and Office Complex – Construction of first and second floors above the existing ground floor shopping complex opposite the Honda showroom at GLR Survey No. 269.
   Estimated Cost: ₹6.07 crore
5. Open Air Theatre and Multipurpose Hall – Development of an open-air theatre and multipurpose hall near the existing community hall at GLR Survey No. 129.(Dhobi Ghat Lake and its surrounding)
   Estimated Cost: ₹3.75 crore

Focus on Revenue Generation

The Board says the proposed developments are intended to modernise civic infrastructure while creating long-term revenue streams for the Cantonment. The projects are expected to support commercial activity, provide new public amenities and reduce dependence on conventional sources of income.

The Cantonment Board’s communication highlights that the initiative aims to develop modern infrastructure, create new business opportunities, strengthen the Board’s financial position and move towards a more self-reliant cantonment through revenue-generating public assets.

The proposal is subject to the necessary approvals and implementation process under the Urban Challenge Fund Scheme.

Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar has urged Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to allow the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to begin the bidding process for the construction of the proposed 4/6-lane bypass around Belagavi.

During a meeting with the Union Minister at the new Parliament House in New Delhi, Shettar said the nearly 70-km bypass, planned under three packages, is essential to ease traffic congestion in and around Belagavi and improve the movement of vehicles.

Shettar pointed out that land acquisition for Package-1, covering about 35 km from NH-4A (Goa side) to NH-4 (Pune side), has made significant progress, with around 80% of the land acquisition and 88% of compensation disbursal already completed.

However, the Ministry has directed that construction under all three packages should commence only after the completion of land acquisition and compensation processes. Shettar requested Gadkari to permit the bidding process for Package-1 immediately so that work on the first stretch can begin without waiting for the remaining packages.

The MP also raised concerns regarding the new six-lane Belagavi–Hungund–Raichur highway, stating that farmers in several villages across Belagavi, Bailhongal and Ramdurg taluks have not been provided with adequate access roads to reach their agricultural fields. He urged the Ministry to include service or connecting roads at necessary locations to ensure farmers are not inconvenienced.

According to Shettar, Union Minister Gadkari responded positively to both requests and assured him that the issues would be examined and appropriate action would be taken in the larger public interest.

A young engineer from Belagavi has become part of a landmark moment in India’s space journey. Sourabh Magadum, an alumnus of KLS Gogte Institute of Technology (GIT), Belagavi, played a key role in Skyroot Aerospace’s historic Vikram-1 mission under Mission Aagaman, which became India’s first privately developed rocket to successfully reach orbit.

A 2021 graduate in Electronics & Communication Engineering, Sourabh served as the Lead of the Ground Instrumentation & Control (GIC) team in Skyroot Aerospace’s Avionics Department. His team was responsible for the systems that monitored the launch vehicle throughout its development and launch, including sensors, data acquisition systems and the control room interfaces used during testing, rehearsals and the final countdown.

Sharing his experience on LinkedIn, Sourabh revealed that before Vikram-1 lifted off on July 18, members of the team signed a commemorative card that flew aboard the rocket. “Our names are now circling the planet,” he wrote.

Reflecting on the mission, he described the moment when telemetry confirmed orbital insertion as the culmination of years of effort. “Years of work compressed into a single moment — first silence, then the loudest cheer I’ve ever heard,” he said.

Sourabh also expressed his gratitude to his Ground Instrumentation & Control team and colleagues at Skyroot Aerospace who contributed to the success of Mission Aagaman. He noted that the name “Aagaman”, meaning arrival, aptly symbolises the beginning of India’s private space era.

His achievement highlights the growing contribution of engineers from Belagavi to India’s expanding aerospace and space technology sector, inspiring aspiring engineers across the region.

Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar has once again urged the Union Government to operate the proposed Bengaluru–Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat train via Tumakuru–Davanagere–Hubballi–Belagavi–Pune, arguing that the route would better serve North Karnataka’s industrial, educational and commercial belt.

In a letter dated July 22, 2026, addressed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shettar requested the Railway Ministry to reconsider the alignment of the proposed Sleeper Vande Bharat service, which has been announced to run via Kalaburagi–Solapur–Pune–Mumbai.

Shettar contended that the alternative route through Hubballi and Belagavi covers one of Karnataka’s most economically significant corridors, comprising major industrial centres, educational institutions, agricultural markets and defence-related industries.

In the letter, the MP highlighted that the Bengaluru–Tumakuru–Davanagere–Hubballi–Belagavi–Pune corridor serves:

• Major industrial and commercial hubs
• Aerospace and defence-linked industries
• Educational institutions
• Agricultural regions, including Belagavi, often referred to as Karnataka’s “Sugar Bowl”
• KLE Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital, which attracts patients from several states

He stated that introducing the premium overnight train on this alignment would protect the interests of residents of Belagavi and the wider North Karnataka region while ensuring balanced regional development.

Shettar specifically requested the Railway Ministry to announce a new Sleeper Vande Bharat between Bengaluru and Mumbai via Tumakuru, Davanagere, Hubballi, Belagavi and Pune instead of the presently proposed route.

Not the First Time

This is not the first representation made by Shettar on the issue.

Over the past several months, he has repeatedly pursued the demand after the Railway Ministry indicated that the Bengaluru–Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat would operate through the Kalaburagi corridor.

Available records indicate at least the following interventions:

• July 2026: Shettar publicly appealed for the Sleeper Vande Bharat to be routed via Hubballi and Belagavi.
• July 22, 2026: Fresh formal representation to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterating the same demand (latest letter).
• Earlier, he had also pursued the long-pending Belagavi–Bengaluru Vande Bharat, which was eventually launched after repeated representations to the Railway Ministry.

Demand Gains Wider Support

The proposal has also found support among rail users and civic groups in North Karnataka and western Maharashtra, who argue that the Belagavi corridor already has upgraded railway infrastructure and connects several major population centres. Similar demands have been raised by rail activists after reports emerged that the sleeper service would bypass the Belagavi–Miraj route.

However, Indian Railways has not yet announced any change in the approved alignment of the proposed Bengaluru–Mumbai Sleeper Vande Bharat.

Belagavi-based SVAN Finesse has announced the launch of Kashma-Kash, a new music label created in collaboration with Downboy Global/Sounds Inc., UK. The announcement was made by music composer and lyricist Ashok Paranjape during a press conference in Belagavi. Amit Soundalgekar (Business Strategist and Organic farmer)a member of the SVAN core team, presented details of the initiative.

Kashma-Kash has been conceived as a platform for original music that tells stories through melodies and lyrics. The label seeks to create music that connects with listeners across languages and cultures while providing opportunities for talented musicians, singers and composers.

Ashok Paranjape, a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA,CGMA) by profession and partner at the well-known chartered accountancy firm Paranjape Phadnis, has pursued music as a lifelong passion. Along with his professional career, he has been composing music and writing lyrics, and Kashma-Kash is the culmination of that musical journey.
A unique aspect of the project is that it brings together experienced international music professionals. The team includes Brian Harris, a UK music industry veteran who has worked with globally acclaimed artists including Barry White, Robert Palmer, Chic, Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson, besides contributing to major film and television projects.

The project also features Nigel Lowis, one of Britain’s leading songwriter-producers, who has sold more than 18 million records and worked with music legends including Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, George Benson and many others. Another member of the team is Phil Dane, a London-based producer and recording engineer with decades of international experience.Two other members of the core team include Mrs Varsha Paranjape(CA) and Raj Belgaumkar (B.E mech and MBA Finance)

One of the highlights of the project is that the vocals for the songs were recorded entirely in Belagavi at SVAN’s own studios. These recordings were then shared with the international production team in London, where the music was produced and completed. The project demonstrates that music of international quality can now begin its journey from Belagavi itself.
To make this possible, SVAN has established two state-of-the-art recording studios in Belagavi. Built to international production standards, the studios feature professional acoustic treatment, world-class microphones, advanced music production software, premium monitoring systems and dedicated spaces for recording, mixing and music production. A specially designed “Pancham Caravan” jam room can also host intimate live performances and listening sessions for around 50 people.

Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Ashok Paranjape said the studios are not meant only for the Kashma-Kash label. SVAN hopes to make this infrastructure available to aspiring singers, musicians, composers and bands from Belagavi and neighbouring regions so they can create world-class music without having to travel to Bengaluru, Mumbai or other metro cities.
“The idea is to create an entire music ecosystem in Belagavi,” he said. “Our city has immense talent. We want to provide professional infrastructure, mentoring and global collaborations so that local artists can produce music of international standards from their own hometown.”
With Kashma-Kash and its world-class recording facilities, SVAN hopes to position Belagavi as a new destination for original music creation, where local talent can collaborate with internationally renowned music professionals while creating music that reaches audiences across the world.

For details please contact: svanmusicbrewery@gmail.com

Belagavi district is poised to further strengthen its position as Karnataka’s sugar capital, with 13 of the 42 proposals for new sugar factories submitted to the state government coming from the district.

Karnataka currently has 81 operational sugar mills, and Belagavi alone accounts for 29 of them—the highest number in any district.

The fresh wave of investment is being driven by the district’s robust sugarcane production, extensive irrigation network in the Krishna basin, and its well-established cooperative and private sugar industry. The growing demand for ethanol production and cogeneration-based power generation has also made the sector more attractive for investors.

Industry experts say Belagavi’s strategic location along the Maharashtra border, efficient transport connectivity, and access to sugarcane from neighbouring regions have further enhanced its appeal. The district also offers an established ecosystem of distilleries, ethanol plants, skilled manpower, and industrial infrastructure, helping reduce project costs for new entrants.

The proposed sugar mills are planned across Ramdurg, Bailhongal, Kittur, Savadatti, Belagavi, Gokak, Athani, Raibag and Khanapur by various private companies.

However, experts have cautioned that a rapid increase in the number of sugar mills could lead to intense competition for sugarcane, place additional pressure on already stressed water resources, and raise environmental concerns. They emphasised that future expansion should be carefully planned to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry in the region.

In a dramatic twist to an alleged jewellery shop(Ramdev Galli) burglary case, the Khadebazar Police have arrested the complainant himself after the investigation revealed that he had allegedly staged the theft and filed a false complaint.

On July 16, 2026, a complaint was lodged by Krishnananda Vishwanath Vernekar of V.P. Vernekar & Sons, claiming that unidentified persons had broken into the jewellery shop by forcing open the door and stolen gold and silver ornaments along with cash. Based on the complaint, Khadebazar Police registered Crime No. 74/2026 under Sections 331(4) and 305(A) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and initiated an investigation.

During the course of the investigation, police found inconsistencies in the complainant’s version of events. As investigators examined the evidence and sequence of events, suspicion fell on the complainant himself. Further interrogation led police to a scooter (KA-22/EW-4822), in which the allegedly stolen property had been concealed.

The accused subsequently admitted to the offence, following which police recovered property worth a total of ₹65.95 lakh, including:

• Gold ornaments weighing 519.8 grams, valued at ₹62,60,990
• Silver ornaments weighing 31 grams, valued at ₹6,000
• Cash amounting to ₹2,83,010
• The scooter used in the offence, valued at ₹45,000

Police have seized all the recovered property and initiated legal proceedings against the accused. Further investigation is underway, and a charge sheet will be filed upon completion of the probe.

The case was investigated under the supervision of Khadebazar Police Inspector M.K. Dhamannavar. PSI S.R. Mutattatti, along with police personnel A.B. Shetty, Santosh Baragi, B.L. Sarvi, Channappa Teli, Aarti Heggannavar, Sunil Chavan, Sadashiva Halagimani, Prakash Madar, and teams from the Fingerprint Unit, Technical Section, and SOCO Section, assisted in solving the case.

The Belagavi district administration on Friday launched investigations into two more private investment firms following allegations that they collected crores of rupees from the public by promising unusually high monthly returns. The action comes in the wake of recent investigations into Shivam Associates, Appexx Bizcorp and Adityaraj Capital and is part of the administration’s ongoing crackdown on unauthorized investment schemes.

Acting on the directions of District Magistrate Mohammad Roshan, a joint team comprising officials from the Revenue Department, Cooperation Department and Police, led by Sub-Divisional Officer Shravan Kumar Naik, carried out simultaneous investigations at the offices of Growdhan LLP in Tilakwadi and City Index on Mahatma Phule Road. Officials examined financial records and other relevant documents during the exercise.

Investigators scrutinised financial transactions, investor records and related documents, with the verification process continuing late into the night.

According to Sub-Divisional Officer Shravan Kumar Naik, initial findings suggest that around 1,100 investors had deposited approximately ₹38 crore with Growdhan LLP. Officials believe these funds were accepted in the form of loans.

In the case of City Index, preliminary records indicate that nearly 1,500 investors had invested around ₹30 crore. The funds were reportedly mobilised through debentures. Although the company is said to be registered with SEBI, officials are examining its legal compliance, business operations and financial transactions in detail.

The preliminary investigation report on Growdhan LLP is expected to be submitted to the District Magistrate on Saturday. The inquiry into City Index will continue, after which a detailed report will be prepared and further legal action taken, officials said.

Over the past several days, the Belagavi district administration has intensified scrutiny of investment firms promising unusually high returns and is examining whether their operations comply with applicable laws and regulations.

The alleged investment fraud involving APPEXX Bizcorp LLP has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), making it the third major deposit scam from Belagavi district to be transferred to the state agency in the past two months. The earlier cases involving Shivam Associates and Adityaraj Capital were also referred to the CID following allegations of illegal deposit mobilisation and failure to repay investors.

Belagavi City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase confirmed that the case qualifies for a CID investigation as the alleged fraud exceeds ₹50 crore.

“Since the alleged scam is above ₹50 crore, the investigation automatically comes under the CID. We are handing over the case to the agency,” Borase told reporters.

According to the police, APPEXX Bizcorp LLP, a trading firm operating from the first floor of Renuka Niwas Apartment in Mangalwar Peth, Tilakwadi, allegedly collected nearly ₹160 crore from more than 3,000 investors by promising returns of 4% per month.

A case has been registered at Tilakwadi Police Station against Chief Managing Director Kashinath Mahadev Waghmare, Managing Director Ganesh Parashuram Bhandare, Deputy Manager Santosh, and other partners of the firm. The complaint was lodged by Ashok Virupaksha Bisguppi of Koujalagi village in Gokak taluk.

Police have invoked provisions of the Karnataka Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Act, 2004, the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Hundreds of investors had staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office earlier this week, alleging that the company had stopped responding to depositors and demanding a comprehensive investigation into the firm’s finances and its promoters.

Company records show that APPEXX Bizcorp LLP, a Limited Liability Partnership, was incorporated on January 10, 2024, with its registered office in Mangalwar Peth, Tilakwadi.

The APPEXX Bizcorp case follows the Shivam Associates scam, in which the company allegedly mobilised deposits worth thousands of crores by promising high monthly returns. More than 30 bank accounts linked to the firm were frozen, and its promoter, Shivanand Neelannavar, was arrested before the case was transferred to the CID. He was later granted bail.

Last month, the CID also took over the investigation into Adityaraj Capital, another alleged investment fraud in Belagavi. The company is accused of collecting hundreds of crores from investors through illegal deposit schemes, while its Maharashtra-based promoter has secured anticipatory bail.

With three major investment fraud cases now under CID investigation, authorities are expected to examine the financial transactions, assets, and operations of the firms to determine the extent of the alleged scams and trace the funds collected from investors.

Motorists flouting traffic rules across Belagavi district are now under the watch of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance cameras. In just 42 days, the AI-based traffic enforcement system has detected a staggering 233,892 traffic violations, leading to the collection of more than ₹5 crore in fines, according to Belagavi Superintendent of Police K. Ramrajan.

The AI cameras, installed at major junctions in taluk headquarters across the district, have been deployed to improve road safety, enforce traffic discipline, reduce accidents, and ensure continuous monitoring of violations. Operating round the clock, the cameras are monitoring traffic at busy intersections in towns including Bailhongal and Athani, making it increasingly difficult for violators to evade penalties.

Data collected between June 4 and July 15 shows that an average of 5,570 traffic violations were recorded every day during the 42-day period.

Among the violations detected:

• 68,025 motorists were found riding two-wheelers without helmets.
• 30,536 motorists were caught driving without wearing seatbelts.
• More than 135,000 additional violations included triple riding, using mobile phones while driving, jumping traffic signals, and other traffic offences.

The district police have collected over ₹3 crore in fines from helmet violation cases alone, while the total amount recovered from all categories of traffic offences has crossed ₹5 crore, SP K. Ramrajan said.

Police officials have appealed to motorists to strictly follow traffic rules, wear helmets and seatbelts, avoid using mobile phones while driving, and obey traffic signals to ensure safer roads for everyone.