Two shipyard workers arrested in Udupi for allegedly spying for Pakistan
Udupi: Karnataka Police have arrested two employees of a shipyard in Udupi on charges of spying for Pakistan, setting off a major security alert along the coastal belt.
The accused have been identified as Rohit and Santhri, both residents of Uttar Pradesh. They were employed at the Malpe unit of Cochin Shipyard on contract through Sushma Marine Pvt. Ltd.
Police said the duo had been sharing sensitive information from inside the shipyard for over 18 months. The material allegedly included details of vessels being built for the Indian Navy as well as private clients. Investigators believe the information was sent to handlers in Pakistan through WhatsApp in return for monetary rewards.
The arrests were made after the CEO of Cochin Shipyard filed a written complaint, prompting police to take the two workers into custody. They were produced before court soon after the arrest.
Officials said the nature of the information leaked by the accused had the potential to compromise national security and operational secrecy.
According to sources, agencies suspect the involvement of a larger network and believe the two arrested workers may not be the only ones in contact with foreign handlers. National security and intelligence agencies are expected to join the investigation as it moves forward.
Further details are awaited as the probe continues.
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Guv Gehlot clears bill paving way for Panchayat elections through ballots
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has given his assent to the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act that will pave the way for holding the Panchayat elections through ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Following the assent, the Act was notified in the state gazette on Wednesday.
The bill was passed by both houses of the Karnataka legislature in March during the budget session, amid protests by the opposition BJP.
As per the law, the principle of secrecy of the ballot is a cornerstone of free and fair elections, as recognised by the judiciary, which emphasised that the secrecy of the ballot protects voters from coercion, intimidation, and undue influence, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the democratic process in several judgments of the Supreme Court.
Some concerns have been raised regarding the functioning of EVMs, necessitating a return to the robust secret ballot paper system to restore public trust, according to the Act.
Justifying its decision, the Karnataka government said there is “a growing consensus on the need to strengthen electoral mechanisms that prioritise anonymity and transparency”.
