Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. Belagavi-based IT company challenges US-based AI major Anthropic for using same name

A Belagavi-based IT company has filed a civil case against US-based AI major Anthropic PBC, claiming that the latter has violated laws protecting its brand name and online identity. Anthropic Software Private Limited (ASPL), with its office in Bauxite Road in Belagavi, had registered the name of the company with the appropriate authority in India in 2017. It has claimed that it is suffering daily losses as the US-based company is driving away all its online traffic.

In a case filed with the district court, Ayyaz Mulla, one of the founder-directors of ASPL, has alleged that its “online visibility has been displaced, with search and AI-based platforms prioritising” the US company’s name. They have accused the US Anthropic of passing off, misrepresentation, and erosion of the Indian company’s brand identity. Mr. Mulla’s petition has requested the court to restrain the company from using the name Anthropic, not to operate in India with that name, and pay damages of around ₹1 crore.

2. Supreme Court refuses to intervene in Karnataka HC’s refusal to grant MLA Byrathi Basavaraj pre-arrest bail

The Supreme Court on February 12, 2026, refused to intervene in a Karnataka High Court decision refusing to grant anticipatory bail to BJP MLA B.A. Basavaraj (Byrathi Basavaraj) in the July 2025 murder of Shivaprakash alias Bikla Shiva, a realtor-cum-rowdy-sheeter, while highlighting the close nexus between land-grabbers and politicians.

“Land-grabbers have political protection. It is true the public perception is that land-grabbers have one or the other protection,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked. The Bench, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, gave the MLA liberty to apply for regular bail after surrendering in the case.

3. General strike in Bengaluru: Workers protesting around Town Hall arrested, taken away from spot

Thousands of workers and trade union activists gathered at Town Hall in Bengaluru in response to the general strike called by the joint committee of trade unions against the four labour codes on February 12. Trade unionists from CITU, INTUC, AITUC, HMS, AIUTUC, AICCTU, TUCC and HMKP took part in the protest.

The workers who demanded repeal of the labour codes and reinstatement of MGNREGA, were detained, arrested and removed from the spot by the police. The police removed close to 10 busloads of workers from the Town Hall area. Many of the arrested protesters were taken to the CAR police grounds in Adugodi, where they continued the protest.

4. ₹7.11 crore ATM van robbery case: Bengaluru police file chargesheet against nine accused

The Siddapura police have filed a chargesheet against nine accused in connection with the sensational ₹7.11 crore dacoity reported under Siddapura Police Station limits in Bengaluru on November 19. After an extensive probe lasting three months, the Investigating Officer has submitted the final report to the 56th ACMM CCH Court.

According to police, the charge sheet is backed by 129 documentary and material exhibits. The evidence includes eyewitness testimonies, technical data, and forensic findings, such as fingerprint analysis, that allegedly establish the involvement of the accused.