Oil tanker released by pirates
Kasargod: An oil tanker that went missing off the coast in West Africa has been released, and all 22 sailors including Shri Unni of Kasargod on board are safe, said sources in the company.
Sree Unni (25), a resident of Perale Hittil, Uduma called his family members after release. The family which has been spending sleepless nights for the past one week is much relieved and is eager to see Unni.
Pirates had hijacked the vessel owned by Mumbai-based Anglo-Eastern Ship Management on February 1.
Sources in the company have confirmed that the vessel has reached the coast of Nigeria and is expected to reach Mumbai within ten days. Shree Unni is expected to reach his native place soon after the arrival of the vessel in Mumbai.
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Udupi: Woman, bank employee arrested in property tax fraud case
Udupi: Udupi City Police have arrested two persons, including a woman, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of property tax funds belonging to the Udupi Municipal Council.
The accused have been identified as Shalini, who was working as a tax consultant outside the municipal office, and Ganesh, a bank employee.
According to police, Anand Suvarna had paid Rs 34,730 towards 12 years of property tax for his building in Kalmadi to Shalini on October 16, 2025. She reportedly issued him a receipt acknowledging the payment.
However, when Suvarna recently checked the status of the payment on the property tax portal, he found that the amount had not been credited and was still shown as pending. He then brought the matter to the notice of the Municipal Commissioner, who verified that the payment had not been recorded.
During questioning, Shalini allegedly admitted to the lapse. On February 16, 2026, she generated a new challan in Suvarna’s name and paid Rs 35,213 towards the dues.
Police said a case has been registered at the Udupi City Police Station against the accused for allegedly misappropriating tax money and defrauding the government by affixing the seal of Union Bank on the challan without remitting the amount initially received from the taxpayer.
Further investigation is under way.
