The Belagavi district administration has stepped up preparations for Ganeshotsav, with a focus on road repairs, uninterrupted power supply, security and better facilities for citizens during the festival and immersion procession.

District Collector Mohammad Roshan held a meeting with office-bearers of the Ganesh Utsav Mahamandal and discussed arrangements for the festival.

Electricity bills for Ganesh pandals waived

In a major relief to Ganesh Mandals, the administration has decided to waive electricity charges for Ganesh pandals this year.

The expense will be shared equally, with 50% being borne by the district administration and the remaining 50% by the Belagavi Municipal Corporation.

No DJs during Ganeshotsav

City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borse said there will be a complete ban on DJs during the festival. The police had imposed a similar restriction last year, which was welcomed by senior citizens.

At a meeting held at Kumar Gandharva Kala Mandir on Thursday, the Commissioner issued several guidelines for Ganesh Mandals.

Public Ganesh idols have been restricted to a maximum height of 12 feet. Large idols must also have hooks installed to facilitate smooth handling during immersion.

Mandaps should not obstruct traffic, and organisers have been asked to cooperate with the police to manage traffic and maintain public safety.

CCTV mandatory at mandaps

As part of the security arrangements, a police officer will be deployed at every Ganesh Mandal.

CCTV cameras will be mandatory at all mandaps to prevent incidents such as theft, chain-snatching and pickpocketing.

Obscene songs on loudspeakers are prohibited. The use of loudspeakers and generation of loud noise after 10 pm will also not be permitted.

100 roads to be monitored

Road repairs have been given priority, particularly roads affected by the ongoing L&T works. Suggestions from Ganesh Utsav Mahamandal office-bearers will also be considered while identifying roads requiring urgent attention.

Around 100 roads in the city will be monitored. The responsibility for specific roads will be assigned to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, district administration officials and Ganesh Mahamandal representatives.

The Collector said L&T has been directed to complete the required road repair works within 20 days.

Live immersion procession at major grounds

The Municipal Corporation is planning a new facility for citizens this year by setting up galleries and large LED screens at two or three major grounds, including Sardar Maidan and Sambhaji Maidan.

The Ganesh idol immersion procession will be shown live on the LED screens, allowing citizens to watch the procession from the galleries instead of standing in crowded streets.

Hawking zones are also proposed at these grounds, where food and snacks can be made available to visitors.

The district administration, Municipal Corporation, police department and Ganeshotsav Mahamandal will work together to ensure that the festival is conducted peacefully, safely and with improved facilities for citizens, Collector Mohammad Roshan said.

Work on the ₹21.08-crore underpass at Belagavi’s Fourth Railway Gate is progressing, with around 80% of the work on one side and 40% on the other completed. The project, awarded to S.V. Construction, Mangaluru, commenced on July 7, 2025 and was originally targeted for completion within a year. The underpass is now expected to be opened to traffic by March-April 2027.

The 265-metre-long and 11.55-metre-wide underpass has seen the walls on the KLE Engineering College side largely completed, while work on the opposite side is underway. Minor works will follow once the second-side wall is completed.

Rain has slowed construction at some locations, but the pace is expected to increase once rainfall subsides. A key pending component is the installation of beams beneath the railway tracks, for which Railway Department permission is required. Following approval, Central Railway engineers will inspect the site and conduct the necessary technical procedures before the beam work begins.

Drainage arrangements have also been made to prevent water accumulation, with a pipeline connecting the underpass to a nearby drain. Drainage and water supply lines have been laid, while electrical poles and cables have been procured. Officials have also been asked to ensure safe cable installation along the inner side of the underpass walls.

A properly constructed service road and drains along the service road have also been proposed to improve connectivity and drainage around the underpass.

Work on the new master plan for Belagavi city and 55 villages in the taluka has officially commenced, with Bengaluru-based X-Impasse Groups setting up a dedicated office at the Belagavi Urban Development Authority (BUDA) office.

The master plan will cover approximately 389.41 sq km, encompassing Belagavi city and the surrounding 55 villages. It will guide the region’s future development, taking into account population growth, urban expansion, transportation and road networks, residential and commercial areas, industrial development, public amenities and future urbanisation.

The agency is currently preparing the preliminary draft through data collection, field surveys and an assessment of existing conditions, using modern technology and guidelines issued by BUDA.

Once the draft is prepared, it will be published for public feedback. Citizens, organisations and other stakeholders will be invited to submit objections and suggestions. The final master plan will be prepared after examining the feedback and making necessary changes, followed by the required statutory approvals.

The project had faced delays at the tender stage. BUDA had earlier cancelled the contract after the selected bidder failed to deposit the required security amount. Subsequently, X-Impasse Groups was selected after its tender was approved by the Tender Approval Committee of the Commissionerate of Town and Country Planning.

BUDA issued the letter of acceptance and later the work order after the company deposited the required security amount. The agency has now established its dedicated cell in a room on the first floor of the BUDA office building.

For now, the ongoing work is limited to preparation of the draft master plan; no final development proposals have yet been approved.

Strong opposition is emerging among citizens over a proposal to transfer three key roads under the jurisdiction of the Belagavi Cantonment Board to the Military Engineering Services (MES).

The proposal, which was first considered in 2022, was opposed by Cantonment Board nominated member Sudhir Tupekar, following which it was put on hold. The issue has now resurfaced on the Board’s agenda, prompting renewed concerns over public access and traffic movement.

The roads proposed to be transferred to the MES are:

• Albert Ekka Road, between Raigad Gate and Jinji Gate
• Smart Road, between Harshan Enclave Gate and Ramghat Road
• Queen’s Garden Road, between Sharkat Park and Queen’s Garden

In exchange, Gymkhana Road, between Shaurya Chowk and Gandhi Chowk, which is currently under MES control, is proposed to be handed over to the Cantonment Board.

Although the proposal was listed for discussion at the Board’s previous meeting, no detailed deliberation took place. Tupekar sought a separate discussion on the matter at the next meeting, and the decision has been kept pending.

The Cantonment Board has also invited objections from the public. The proposal could be reconsidered if a significant number of objections are received.

Residents are particularly concerned that transferring the roads to the MES could result in restrictions on civilian movement or even the closure of certain routes. Since the roads are important links for daily commuters, any restrictions could increase traffic pressure on alternative routes.

The proposal also involves changes in the classification of the roads from ‘A Land’ to ‘C Land’ and vice versa, which could alter their administrative control and conditions of use.

Tupekar said the proposal should not be considered without examining its impact on public access and traffic.

“I had opposed this issue when it first came up in 2022. We remain opposed to the proposal now as well. A detailed discussion on the matter is scheduled for the next meeting. Citizens should register their objections in large numbers.”

The issue is expected to come up for detailed discussion at the next Cantonment Board meeting, with public objections likely to play an important role in determining the future of the three roads.

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mangaluru, conducted search operations on August 7, 2026, at multiple premises in Belagavi, Chikkodi and Nipani linked to M/s Shivam Associates, Shivanand Siddappa Neelannavar and other associated persons and entities.

The searches were carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED said it initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Malamaruthi Police Station in Belagavi City under the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019, and the Karnataka Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Act, 2004.
According to the FIR, members of the public were allegedly induced to invest money by promising them unusually high and assured returns.

The ED’s preliminary investigation indicates that Shivam Associates and its associated persons and entities allegedly mobilised substantial funds from a large number of investors. Analysis of bank accounts and other financial records has revealed extensive movement of funds through business, personal and intermediary accounts, including transfers to stock brokers, fixed deposits, related persons and other beneficiaries.
The agency said it has identified a financial nexus involving Shivam Associates, Shivanand Siddappa Neelannavar, Subhash Ramagouda Nandargi, Mahesh S. Neelannavar, Shivam Productions, Shivam Lifeline Pvt. Ltd., Shivam Sevaa (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. and other associated persons and entities.

The ED said its investigation found that Shivanand Siddappa Neelannavar allegedly lured members of the public by promising returns of 3% per month on their investments or deposits.
As per the agency’s findings, approximately ₹2,110.97 crore was collected from the public. Against this amount, repayments of approximately ₹333.89 crore have been identified during the search operations.
The ED said approximately ₹1,777.08 crore of the alleged proceeds of crime remains untraced.

The investigation also found that a 0.5% commission was allegedly paid to leaders or commission agents who were involved in bringing investors into the scheme.

During the searches, the ED said it recovered and seized various incriminating documents and digital evidence relating to the alleged generation, movement, layering and parking of proceeds of crime.
Records relating to monetary transactions, diversion and parking of funds, investments in immovable properties and dealings with various persons and entities associated with the accused were also recovered and seized.

The ED said the documents and digital evidence seized during the searches are currently being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Tilakwadi, Belagavi police have arrested one of the accused in connection with an alleged multi-crore investment fraud involving APPEXX Bizcorp LLP, a trading company accused of collecting around ₹160 crore from more than 3,000 people.

According to the complaint filed by Ashok Veerupakshi Bisaguppi, 43, of Kaujalagi village in Gokak taluk, APPEXX Bizcorp LLP was operating from the first floor of Renuka Niwas Apartment in Tilakwadi.

The company allegedly collected money from the public by promising high returns and invested the funds in the stock market, real estate and other immovable properties. The complaint alleges that the funds were subsequently misappropriated, resulting in losses to investors.

Based on the complaint, Tilakwadi police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the BDS Act, IPC and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

As part of the investigation, police arrested Accused No. 6, Arjun Mahadev Waghmare, 36, a resident of Chikkodi. He was produced before the competent court in Bengaluru.

The arrest was carried out by a team led by the Tilakwadi Police Station Inspector under the direction of senior police officials.

Police said the investigation into the other accused and the alleged financial transactions is continuing.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted searches at premises linked to Belagavi-based Shivam Associates managing director Shivanand Neelannavar, who is accused of collecting thousands of crores of rupees from investors by allegedly promising unusually high returns.

ED teams from the Mangaluru and Goa units searched Neelannavar’s apartment in Shivabasava Nagar and premises linked to his close associates. Officials also questioned his wife, Sangeeta, and son-in-law, Sanju, during the operation.

The searches are part of a parallel money-laundering investigation into the alleged financial irregularities surrounding Shivam Associates. The action comes while the Crime Investigation Department (CID) is investigating a case registered under the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes (BUDS) Act.

Neelannavar was arrested by the Belagavi police a few months ago over allegations that he was operating a Ponzi scheme. Preliminary investigations by the police, revenue and cooperation department officials indicated that more than ₹3,500 crore had allegedly been collected from nearly 40,000 investors, with returns of over 35% reportedly promised.

The case was subsequently transferred to the CID for a detailed investigation.

As part of Friday’s operation, the ED also searched properties linked to Neelannavar’s close associates, including a residence in Badkundri village of Hukkeri taluk and another property in Chikkodi.

The first round of searches in the case was conducted on May 15 under the supervision of the Belagavi Assistant Commissioner. A case was later registered at the Malmaruti police station before being handed over to the CID.

The ED searches indicate a widening of the investigation into the alleged financial transactions, with the agency examining the money trail and possible laundering of funds while the CID continues its probe into the alleged deposit scheme.

The music of Belagavi has many shades. The multicoloured aura of the Saptaswars created here has brightened the lives of hundreds of aspirants. The Gurus here have devoted their lives to accumulating unlimited knowledge and have given it back to them in heaps. Many of them have earned fame not just due to their teachings, but for their open-eyed observations and keenness of uncorrupt flow of right knowledge. Among such personalities, Adv. A V Kulkarni (1912 – 1999) was noted as a man with a passion for music and a dogmatic belief that it was with the most perfect teacher! He was an unmatched critic in this matter, who lived his musical life adhering to its right principles.

A V Kulkarni completed his B.A. from Fergusson College in 1936 and L.L.B. from Poona Law College in 1939. While in Pune, he developed his passion for classical music and commenced learning vocal music from Pt. Avadhutbuva Pujari.

Pune at that time was at the peak of cultural activities and music-loving people had enjoyed the closeness of many stalwarts like Balgandharva. Marathi stage music became the landmark of being a music lover. This atmosphere helped A V in developing his own passion. Along with learning vocal music, he took interest in reading old texts on music. Thus, his music progressed with a thought, based on earlier texts as well as on contemporary views.

Adv. A V Kulkarni began his career as a lawyer in Belgaum. In those days, he learnt harmonium, flute and Tabla to support his musical talent. He took guidance from Pt. Ingalebuva of Gwalior Gharana (the disciple of Pt. Balkrishnabuva Ichalkaranjikar) and later from Pt. Tamhankarbuva. His vocal programmes were broadcast from AIR Dhawad since 1950s. He was an A-graded artiste. He took part in ABGMV Mandal’s Golden Jubilee music conference at New Delhi in 1952. He bore a special place in the hearts of his co-artists and was an active member of Sangeet Kalakaar Sangh and Art’s Circle too!

A V Kulkarni earned his doctorate ‘Sangeet Praveen’ from ABGMV Mandal in 1963 with flying colours. He was appointed on the panel of the examiners by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board and also by the Mandal. He was an important member of the examination committee and a question paper setter of Karnataka University, Dharwad.

As a Guru, he was admired by all musicians in Belgaum. He guided many talented aspirants like Nagesh Bandekar, Vitha Kanwinde, Gururaj Mirajkar, Lalita Kulkarni, Ramesh Marathe (Goa), Hegde and Das from Shirsi and Dr. Tengse from Devgad.

Adv. A V was a prolific writer. Along with music, he wrote on the philosophy of J Krishnamurty. He wrote many articles in Tarun Bharat, Sangeet Kala Vihar and in other magazines devoted to music. His reviews were well studied and threw light on the good angles of the performers. They helped the artistes improve their performance. His quotations from the earlier texts explained the terms and their relevance in today’s music. Unfortunately, most of the music performers were ‘illiterate’ from the theoretical point of view and that disturbed him a lot. I began writing on music in 1979, and I was happy that he read those articles and critically examined the way I wrote. Since I was a fresh writer on music, his guidance made me what I am today.

A V tried his best to improve the examination system of ABGMV Mandal. His observations and suggestions were exemplary, and they could improve the system a little.

One more part of his artistic life was his passion for acting. He acted in many musical and non-musical plays from Varerkar Natya Sangh. His house in Baswan Galli was a rendezvous for many artistes, actors and art lovers.

IndiaRF’s ₹2,000 crore Fine Edge Engineering deal strengthens Belagavi’s foundry legacy
Belagavi’s engineering sector has received a major investment boost with India Resurgence Fund (IndiaRF) acquiring Fine Edge Engineering Private Limited in a transaction valued at around ₹2,000 crore.

The acquisition marks a significant move in India’s machine castings and precision engineering sector and further strengthens institutional investment in Belagavi’s long-established foundry ecosystem.
Fine Edge Engineering Private Limited, incorporated in 1982, has its roots in Belagavi’s industrial landscape and is involved in manufacturing machine castings and engineering components for industrial applications.

The company is closely associated with Ashok Iron Works, one of Belagavi’s prominent engineering companies. Fine Edge shares its leadership connection with the Humbarwadi family-led industrial group.

IndiaRF’s investment follows its earlier acquisition of a stake in Ashok Iron Works, expanding its presence in Belagavi’s foundry and precision manufacturing sector.

For decades, Belagavi has been recognised as one of Karnataka’s major foundry clusters, with hundreds of foundries and engineering units supplying components to industries across India and global markets. The entry of a private equity-backed investor into companies like Ashok Iron Works and Fine Edge Engineering signals a new phase of consolidation, technology upgrades, and expansion.
The ₹2,000 crore transaction is expected to support Fine Edge Engineering’s growth plans, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and create new opportunities for Belagavi’s industrial ecosystem.

From a traditional foundry hub to a modern precision manufacturing centre, Belagavi’s engineering sector is now attracting investments at a scale that puts the city on the national industrial map.

On August 7, 2026, All About Belgaum completes 19 years.

Nineteen years ago, we started with a simple belief—that Belagavi deserved a platform dedicated to its people, its stories, its achievements, its challenges, and its future.

What began as a small blog in 2007 has grown into one of Belagavi’s most trusted digital platforms. Together, we’ve witnessed the city’s transformation—new roads and flyovers, changing skylines, sporting triumphs, cultural celebrations, elections, festivals, floods, droughts, and countless moments that have shaped our city.

Over the years, we’ve reported thousands of stories, highlighted civic issues, celebrated local heroes, supported community initiatives, and provided a platform for voices that deserved to be heard. Through it all, our commitment has remained unchanged: to report with honesty, independence, and a deep love for Belagavi.

But this journey has never been ours alone.

Every reader who shared a story, every citizen who sent us a tip, every follower who commented, every advertiser who believed in us, every well-wisher who encouraged us, and yes, even every critic who pushed us to do better—you have all been part of this incredible journey.

As we step into our 20th year, we are more excited than ever. We will continue to embrace new technology, strengthen hyperlocal journalism, tell more meaningful stories, and remain a platform that informs, connects, and inspires the Belagavi community.

To many, All About Belgaum is a news website. To us, it is a responsibility. It is a promise we made 19 years ago—and one we renew today.

Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for making All About Belgaum a part of your everyday life.

Here’s to Belagavi. Here’s to all of you. And here’s to many more years of telling our city’s story—together.