Hubballi: Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Arvind Bellad, has raised concerns over an alleged unusual spike in the sale of mobile SIM cards in Hubballi between May 2 and 10. He has urged the Police Commissioner to take the matter seriously and initiate a comprehensive investigation.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Bellad stated that there are reports indicating a sudden and suspicious increase in SIM card purchases during the mentioned period. He warned that such activity could potentially lead to a “digital war,” and called on the police to thoroughly probe the issue.
His statement gained prominence following tension at the borders after Operation Sindoor. Bellad also questioned the authorities on another front, asking how many individuals currently residing in the city without valid visas have been verified. He further alleged that the police and the state government are favoring a particular community, which he criticized as a biased approach.
In response to the allegations, Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar assured that the matter would be examined. He said the department would convene a meeting with telecom service providers to sensitize them on the issue and would verify whether there was indeed an unusual surge in SIM card sales during the timeframe highlighted by the MLA.
