National

ECI: Duplication of EPIC Numbers Does Not Indicate Duplicate or Fake Voters

Published

3 months ago

March 2, 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) stated on Sunday that the presence of duplicate Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers does not equate to duplicate or fraudulent voters. This clarification comes in response to various social media posts and news reports highlighting instances where voters from different states share identical EPIC numbers.In its statement, the ECI explained that while some electors may have the same EPIC number, all other information, including demographic details, Assembly constituency, and polling booth, varies for those holders of the identical EPIC number.

It emphasized that regardless of EPIC numbers, each voter must cast their ballot exclusively at their designated polling station within their registered constituency in their respective State or Union Territory.

The ECI clarified that the issuance of identical EPIC numbers to voters across different States/UTs arose from a decentralized and manual process employed before transitioning the electoral roll database to the ERONET platform. This led to specific State/UT Chief Electoral Officer offices using overlapping EPIC alphanumeric series, which increased the likelihood of duplicate EPIC numbers assigned to voters across different constituencies and states.

To address these concerns, the ECI has committed to ensuring that every registered elector receives a unique EPIC number. Any occurrences of duplicate EPIC numbers will be corrected through the allocation of distinct EPIC numbers.

Furthermore, the ECI mentioned that the ERONET 2.0 platform would be updated to facilitate this process.

National

Kerala Vigilance Claims ₹30 Crore Bribery Racket Linked to ED Kochi Office

Published

2 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Namma Kudla Editorial

The Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has ramped up its probe into a ₹2-crore bribery case involving Shekhar Kumar, an Assistant Director with the Enforcement Directorate (ED), who is the main accused.

Reports indicate that the VACB has identified a fraudulent operation within the ED’s Kochi office, which allegedly has amassed over ₹30 crore in bribes.

It is believed that the gang assured those facing ED scrutiny that their cases could be “settled” in return for money. The Vigilance Bureau has also acquired land transaction documents linked to some of the individuals arrested.

Nonetheless, investigators have not yet found direct evidence connecting Shekhar Kumar to the bribery scheme. Authorities are optimistic that forensic analysis of the mobile phones seized from the suspects will yield definitive proof linking him to the case.

The Vigilance Bureau suspects that this gang has been operational since 2016. One of the accused, Mukesh (the third accused), allegedly purchased land in Puthanvelikara, Ernakulam district, using illicit funds.

The agency is currently gathering testimonies from individuals who have previously dealt with economic offence cases overseen by the ED. While many have verified that bribe demands were made, no formal written complaints have yet emerged.

Essential documents were reportedly seized during a raid at the home of chartered accountant Ranjith Warrier, another individual arrested in connection to the case.

Among the discoveries was a diary listing over 30 individuals summoned by the ED, believed to serve as a target list for extortion. Sensitive documents that should have been secured in the ED office were also allegedly found in Warrier’s possession.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate has denied the corruption allegations and dismissed media claims of an FIR against its officials. The ED labeled these accusations as attempts to undermine its ongoing money laundering investigation against businessman Aneesh Babu, who has allegedly been evading summons for the past four years.

“The allegations made by Aneesh Babu are aimed at instigating a media trial to damage the reputation of the Enforcement Directorate,” stated an ED release. “These claims are contradictory and disseminated through media channels to sway public opinion against the agency.”

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National

Odisha CID Arrests 31 Cybercriminals in ₹6.28 Crore Online Trading Fraud Case

Published

8 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Namma Kudla Editorial

The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Odisha Police has arrested an additional suspect in the online trading investment fraud case amounting to ₹6.28 crore, bringing the total number of arrests to 31.
The CID initiated its investigation after Kuntal Majumdar from Angul reported being defrauded by unidentified cybercriminals on August 24 of last year. They lured him into investing in IPO and OTC trading by promising high returns, resulting in a transfer of ₹6,28,00,000.
Despite facing initial losses, he was persuaded to invest more funds. However, upon trying to withdraw his money, he was asked for additional payments and denied access to his funds. Realizing he had fallen victim to a scam, he filed an FIR.

Following an analysis of transaction details and other digital evidence, the CID team identified and arrested another suspect in Hyderabad, named Mohammed Faiz Ahmed.

Previously, the Odisha CID had apprehended 30 individuals involved in this fraudulent online trading scheme from states including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, and West Bengal.

The CID advises citizens to remain cautious of unsolicited investment offers found on social media and messaging applications. Always verify before investing to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud, and report such incidents to the 1930 Cyber Helpline or your nearest police station.

National

CHSE Odisha 12th Results 2025 Announced: Here’s How to Access Your Scores

Published

9 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Namma Kudla Editorial

The Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), Odisha, announced the results for the CHSE Odisha Class 12 Examination 2025 on Wednesday. This includes results for Arts, Science, Commerce, and Vocational streams.

Students who participated in the CHSE Class 12 board examinations can view their results on the official board websites: [chseodisha.nic.in](http://chseodisha.nic.in) and [orissaresults.nic.in](http://orissaresults.nic.in).

### Steps to Check CHSE Odisha Class 12 Results 2025:

1. Visit the official websites – chseodisha.nic.in or orissaresults.nic.in.
2. Click on the link for ‘CHSE Odisha 12th Result 2025’ found on the homepage.
3. Enter the required information, including your roll number and registration number.
4. Click on Submit.
5. Your result will appear on the screen.
6. Download the result and print it for future reference.

This year, 393,618 students sat for the CHSE Odisha Class 12 board exams, which concluded on March 27, 2025. The breakdown of candidates is as follows: 247,391 in the Arts stream, 25,526 in Commerce, 5,721 in Vocational courses, and the remaining students in the Science stream.