Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

Image for representational purposes only. | Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J

1. Lab tests show ethanol blend in E20 petrol as high as 31% in Karnataka

Petrol sold by several major oil companies in Karnataka contained ethanol far above the prescribed 20% level, in some cases as high as 31.2%, the State government has alleged, raising questions about transparency in the controversial ethanol blend petrol being sold to consumers across the country.

The samples in question were taken recently by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs from Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Tumakuru, and Dakshina Kannada districts in Karnataka, said Rizwan Arshad, Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Karnataka, on November 6. 

Petrol samples from major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) recorded ethanol blend percentage of 31.2% and 30.5%, respectively. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Nayara, and Shell petrol samples revealed 26.5%, 26.1%, and 25.5% ethanol blend, respectively, he said.

2. Bengaluru cab driver kills wife, six members of her family

In a shocking murder spree in Bengaluru, a 52-year-old man allegedly killed his wife and six members of her family over a family dispute, according to police officers. The accused, Indushekar, a cab driver, has been arrested by the Rajajinagar police.

The murders are believed to have been carried out between October 16 and November 3, with the bodies dumped at multiple locations on the city’s outskirts, including one near the foothills of Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur.

The incident came to light after a family member of one of the deceased lodged a missing complaint at the Srirampura police station. Subsequent investigations led to Indushekhar being detained, and his statements unravelled a series of horrific murders that allegedly took place at his house near Bhashyam Circle in Rajajinagar, north Bengaluru.

3. Profit-sharing formula in sugarcane pricing introduced in Belagavi district of Karnataka farmers

The Belagavi district administration has managed to introduce a profit-sharing formula in the pricing of sugarcane for this crushing season. Most farmers’ leaders have welcomed the formula and suspended their protest. This has succeeded in breaking the deadlock between sugarcane farmers and factories, allowing commencement of operations in sugar factories.

District In-charge minister Satish Jarkiholi claimed that for the first time in the country, profit sharing formula had been introduced according to the C. Rangarajan committee recommendations. On November 6, eight out of the 29 factories in Belagavi district issued notices, saying they were starting crushing operations and would abide by the formula.

4. Noted Kannada linguist, critic K.V. Narayana passes away in Bengaluru at 78

Noted Kannada linguist and critic K.V. Narayana, 78, passed away at his residence in Bengaluru on November 6. He is survived by his wife, noted feminist writer H.S. Shrimati, and two children. He is reported to have passed away in his sleep.

A 2024 Sahitya Akademi awardee for his pathbreaking work Nudigala Alivu, Professor Narayana was a popular teacher. He worked in the Kannada University at Hampi, and also served as its registrar and in-charge Vice-Chancellor for some time.

Published - November 06, 2026 05:41 pm IST