Bengaluru, 8 Oct

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday accused HD Kumaraswamy and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) of ‘doing only politics’ over the closure of Bigg Boss Kannada studio in the City, asserting that the inspection was conducted legally by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).

“Kumaraswamy and JD(S) can’t sleep without taking my name. I have directed officials to act as per law,” he told reporters.

Highlighting his commitment to safeguarding the interests of the entertainment industry, he said, "I personally called the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police and guided them to take action through the law. I also contacted the chairman of the pollution control board. Private investments might go wrong. But the entertainment industry should be retained. This is my order to them."

Authorities sealed Vels Studio (Jollywood and Entertainment Ltd) in Bidadi following a KSPCB order citing violations of air and water pollution norms. KSPCB Member Secretary SS Lingaraju said the studio lacked mandatory consent to operate and its 250 KLD sewage treatment plant was non-functional.

Officials reported that 2.5 lakh litres of untreated wastewater were found due to poor waste management. The shutdown halted Bigg Boss Kannada production, with contestants shifted overnight to Eagleton Resort.