Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. Mobile theft during IPL: Minors hired to steal during RCB vs SRH match in Bengaluru, police recover 21 phones worth ₹18 lakh

In a major breakthrough, the Cubbon Park police have cracked a series of mobile phone theft cases reported during the IPL 2026 match held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28. They have busted a group of minors, who were employed by a gang from outside Karnataka, to operate in and around the stadium during the match. Police have recovered 21 mobile phones of various brands worth ₹18 lakh from the gang.

According to police, several spectators who had come to watch the match reported theft of their mobile phones. Acting swiftly, the police registered a case and launched an investigation. A key accused has been taken into custody, along with a few juveniles suspected to be involved in the crime, city Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh informed mediaperson. Police are trying to track down other members of the gang who are on the run.

2. NGT directs Smart City to strictly follow CRZ norms while executing Netravati waterfront project in Mangaluru

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal disposed off applications challenging the execution of Netravati Waterfront Promenade Project by Mangaluru Smart City Limited, directing the agency to strictly adhere to the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011, the conditions imposed in the CRZ clearance, and all other applicable statutory provisions, to ensure seamless execution of the project.

Passing the order on March 24, Judicial Member Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Expert Member Prashant Gargava cautioned MSCL, “The Project is already under the radar of not only this tribunal, but also environmental activists.” MSCL is executing the project between Netravati railway bridge and Bolara seaface over a length of 2.1 km.

3. Students beautify college walls with murals and Hase Chittara patterns in Shivamogga district

Colourful wall murals and intricate Hase Chittara designs warmly greet everyone visiting Sahyadri Commerce and Management College, a constituent college of Kuvempu University, in Shivamogga. A striking portrait of Kuvempu, at the entrance, immediately catches the eye, setting the cultural tone for the campus.

Visitors often appreciating the skills and the creativity of the artists, enquire with the college administration about the talented artists behind the artwork. The administration takes pride in revealing that the creators are none other than students on the same campus – Rihan A. and Meghana K.S.

4. Techie couple found dead in Bengaluru

A techie couple was found dead at an apartment in Kothanur in Bengaluru on March 31, 2026, Tuesday. The deceased have been identified as Bhanu Chander Reddy Kunta, 32, and Bibi Shaziya Siraj, 31, both natives of Telangana, who had moved to the city in August 2025. A note, believed to have been written by Bhanu Chander, was found in the residence.

The couple had been married for over five years and had no children. The police said they were in a live-in relationship before getting married. According to the preliminary investigation, Bhanu Chander allegedly ended his life in their residence when Shaziya had reportedly gone out. When Shaziya returned home, she found her husband dead.