Home Blog Page 1430

Jai Shree Ram, temple only possible under PM Modi’s leadership: New Zealand Minister David Seymour

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Jai Shree Ram, temple only possible under PM Modi’s leadership: New Zealand Minister David Seymour

Ayodhya has been decked up with all sorts of decorations to welcome visitors as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “Pran Pratishtha” (consecration ceremony) of Ram Mandir on 22nd January. As well-wishes stream in from all across the world, David Seymour, the Minister for Regulation in New Zealand has also stepped out to greet Hindus on the historic occasion.

He stated, “I am very pleased to be here today. Jai Shri Ram to the entire planet and what a wonderful celebration of a monument that will last a thousand years. I want to congratulate everybody in India including and especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership that has made this construction possible after 500 years, ready to last another 1000 years. It’s a testament to what people can do.”

He added, “I wish PM Modi courage and wisdom as he helps over a billion people in India navigate the challenges of the world today. I hope that he will have strength and faith that allow him to see the challenges before they become crucial and wisely help the Indian nation navigate through them. I’d be delighted to visit the Ram Temple. I am very happy to discuss any opportunities with the Indian government. Wish you all the very best for a wonderful celebration.”

More than 100 private aircraft are expected to land at the recently opened Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham (MVIAA) and other nearby airports as the holy city of Ayodhya gets ready to host the inauguration event.

Operational since 30th December 2023, the recently opened airport features eight bays or aprons, that can hold smaller aircraft and single-aisle 200-seaters. The festivities which are expected to draw over 8,000 VIPs, celebrities, actors, businesspeople, saints, seers, and other notable guests are slated to be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On 19th January, images of Lord Ram’s idol that was placed on the marble mandapa in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple’s garbhagriha surfaced online. The idol is crafted from ‘shyamal’ (dark) stone which shows the deity as a five-year-old boy standing on a lotus composed of the same stone.

The 150 kg and 51-inch idol sculpted by popular Mysuru artist Arun Yogiraj was brought to the temple on the night of 17th January accompanied by the chanting of prayers and placed on the marble pedestal in the Garbhagriha in the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra in his presence.

Not Indian plane, incorrect news circulating online: Indian authorities dismiss the rumours, confirm that the plane crashed in Afghanistan is not Indian

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Not Indian plane, incorrect news circulating online: Indian authorities dismiss the rumours, confirm that the plane crashed in Afghanistan is not Indian

On 21st January (Sunday), the Ministry of Civil Aviation officially dismissed fake news following an unfortunate plane crash in Afghanistan. Within minutes of reports that a plane had crashed in the mountainous region of Afghanistan, a concerted effort was made to spread fearmongering claiming that it was an Indian flight. Several netizens also claimed that a large number of casualties might have taken place. 

Quoting an Afghan media report, Congress sympathiser Tehseen Poonawala tweeted, “This is terrible news. It is not a scheduled flight…I also really hope this is NOT a chartered flight … Just hoping and sending pleas to the universe.”

There were several other tweets repeating the claims.

Several social media users also peddled reports adding to the fearmongering that an Indian flight had suffered a tragic crash in Afghanistan. Incidentally, several journalists had also initially shared the same fear about an Indian flight crashing in Afghanistan, but it was soon pointed out that it was not an Indian flight and initial Afghanistani media reports had ambiguous or wrong details. 

Importantly, clearing the air, the Ministry of Civil Aviation categorically noted that the flight that had crashed recently in Afghanistan was neither an Indian flight scheduled nor a non-scheduled/Charter aircraft. According to the information, it was a Moroccan small aircraft.    

The Ministry tweeted, “The unfortunate plane crash that has just occurred in Afghanistan is neither an Indian Scheduled Aircraft nor a Non-Scheduled (NSOP)/Charter aircraft. It is a Moroccan-registered small aircraft. More details are awaited.” 

Additionally, the Director General of Civil Aviation also confirmed that it was not an Indian plane as certain netizens had maliciously peddled on social media. 

According to DGCA officials, a plane had crashed in the mountains of Topkhana near the districts of Kuran-Munjan and Zibak of Badakhshan province. It was a Moroccan-registered DF 10 aircraft. 

According to a Reuters report, the Russian Aviation Authorities had stated that a Russian-registered plane with six people thought to be on board disappeared from radar screens over Afghanistan on Saturday (20th January) evening. The plane was a French-made Dassault Falcon 10 jet. The plane was a charter flight travelling from India via Uzbekistan to Moscow.

The announcement by Russia’s aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia came after local Afghan police had stated that they had received reports of a crash the previous night.

Meanwhile, the clarification from Indian authorities came at a time when there was a slew of tweets that tried to spread fearmongering over the unfortunate incident. Based on initial and unconfirmed news reports in Afghanistan media, several netizens shared posts peddling misinformation and unconfirmed reports leading to fearmongering of a large number of casualties in an Indian flight. While more details are awaited about the reported plane crash, the authorities cleared misinformation claiming it to be an Indian flight.

Holiday for employees, hotel constructions, direct flights to Ayodhya: Corporate India gears up for Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha

Gopal Tiwari
-
0
Holiday for employees, hotel constructions, direct flights to Ayodhya: Corporate India gears up for Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha

In the lead-up to the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 22nd January, corporate India is seizing the opportunity to connect with the masses in an unparalleled marketing extravaganza. The excitement surrounding the event has prompted major companies to employ creative marketing strategies and contribute to the celebrations.

India’s largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries, has declared a nationwide holiday on 22nd January, aligning with the Maharashtra government’s decision to observe it as a public holiday.

The consecration, expected to be witnessed by millions in India and abroad, has prompted a surge in corporate initiatives, ranging from the hospitality industry’s expansion with new hotels to airlines swiftly adding Ayodhya to their destinations.

With over 50 hotel construction projects underway, major players like Taj Hotels, Marriott International, Sarovar Hotels, and the Park Inn are establishing their presence in the city. The recently inaugurated Maharshi Valmiki International Airport has attracted carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, Akasa, and SpiceJet, connecting Ayodhya with major cities.

The hospitality industry isn’t the only sector capitalising on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir wave; FMCG and retail giants are also making significant contributions.

According to reports, Dabur India has pledged to donate a portion of its profits from Dabur products sold until 31st January to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra. Dabur is strategically increasing product distribution in Ayodhya, anticipating a surge in demand for daily essentials, and creating experience zones for visitors to interact with products like Real juices, Dabur Amla hair oil, and Dabur Vedic Tea.

Adani Group’s Fortune Brand plans to distribute over 25,000 jalebis shaped in the form of their ‘Bloom’ logo, along with Fortune Special Pakoda Platte and Fortune Mega-Bhog for devotees. Additionally, ITC’s Agarbatti brand Mangaldeep has donated its flagship dhoop, “Mangaldeep 3 in 1 Dhoop,” for six months to facilitate daily puja rituals.

Beyond consumer goods, corporate contributions extend to infrastructure and services. Reliance Industries has set up a water distribution stall providing free packaged water to devotees, while its telecom arm, Jio, has upgraded its network in Ayodhya.

Coca-Cola is actively placing vending machines and supporting local shopkeepers by placing coolers in their stores. Ride-hailing firm Uber has introduced its electric auto-rickshaw service in Ayodhya, catering to the growing travel demand and aiming to provide enhanced mobility options for tourists and pilgrims.

As the corporate world aligns with the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the spiritual merchandise market is experiencing an unprecedented surge. T-shirts bearing the slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ flags adorned with images of Hanuman, and replicas of the Ram Mandir are witnessing a significant boost in sales.

E-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon are featuring these items prominently, with sales of spiritual merchandise doubling or even tripling compared to regular days. Ayodhya-related products have become an ‘open IP,’ allowing numerous sellers on e-commerce platforms and in general trade to capitalize on the event for merchandise sales.

The spiritualism and cultural significance associated with the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya have not only stimulated sales but also prompted companies to leverage the occasion across various categories.

With expectations of a substantial increase in visitors, airlines like SpiceJet are introducing special flight services, and marketplaces in cities like Delhi are gearing up for celebrations akin to “Diwali”, featuring special programs in over 100 retail and wholesale markets.

As the countdown to the consecration continues, corporate India’s multifaceted involvement reflects the scale and significance of the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Tamil Nadu: PM Modi reaches Ram Setu’s origin point ‘Arichal Munai’ ahead of Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha in Ayodhya

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Tamil Nadu: PM Modi reaches Ram Setu’s origin point ‘Arichal Munai’ ahead of Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha in Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Arichal Munai point in Dhanushkodi on 21st January before the Pran Pratishtha (consecration ceremony) of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. Arichal Munai is believed to be the origin point of the Ram Setu.

He practised ‘anulom vilom’ and offered flowers at the site. He also performed meditation and Yoga at Arichal Munai.

Furthermore, the prime minister performed pooja at the Sri Kothandarama Swamy temple in Dhanushkodi. The name Kothandarama means Lord Ram with the bow.

Dhanushkodi is the place where Lord Ram is believed to have taken the vow to defeat Ravana and proceeded to Lanka. It is stated that Vibhishana, the brother of King Ravana encountered Lord Ram here for the first time and implored him for refuge.

According to sacred texts and legends, this is also the location where Lord Ram conducted Vibhishana’s coronation. The Prime Minister prayed at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli and Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram in the southern state earlier on 20th January.

He is visiting the holy places as part of his spiritual journey before the temple’s landmark inauguration event. He conveyed, “As we prepare for the auspicious occasion of the consecration of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya, it is heartening to visit these temples that hold deep religious and cultural significance.

Congress’ war on Lord Ram

During the tenure of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-I led by the Congress party in 2007, the government used an affidavit to claim that there was no historical evidence to establish the existence of Lord Ram or any of the other characters in the Ramayana. It stressed, “The petitioner while seeking relief have primarily relied upon the contents of the Valmiki Ramayana, the Ram Charit Manas by Tulsidas and mythological texts, which formed an important part of ancient Indian literature, but which cannot be said to be historical records to incontrovertibly prove the existence of the characters or the occurrence of the event, depicted therein.”

The administration asserted that the Ram Setu was the result of naturally occurring formations “caused by tidal action and sedimentation.” The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintained that Ram Setu could not be regarded as a historical or archaeological monument and for the same reason unworthy to be declared as a protected monument based on the premise of corralling theory which would suggest that it was not a manmade structure.

It alleged, “The Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas, the Valmiki Ramayana, and other mythological texts, which admittedly form an ancient part of Indian literature, cannot be claimed to be historical records that prove incontrovertibly the characters and events depicted therein existed or occurred,” in the affidavit while claiming that its major objective is to research human history scientifically.

While it proclaimed that the ASI acknowledged and appropriately honoured the profound religious significance that the Hindu community throughout the world has bestowed upon these texts, it further contended that the study of human history, which was the ASI’s main focus, must be conducted in a scientific manner with the use of current technological tools and that its conclusions must be supported by verifiable material evidence. Regarding the Ramayana, an allegation was made that there was no “historical record” that could definitively demonstrate the existence of the character or the events it describes.

In addition to the obvious denial that the Ramayana is historical, a closer examination of the UPA Government’s affidavit disclosed that great attempts were made to reduce Lord Ram to the status of “a character” alone. Additionally, it was purposefully stated that the religious works of Tulsidas’ Ramacharitmanas and Valmiki’s Ramayana were on par with “other mythological texts forming an important part of ancient Indian literature.”

As a result, the UPA government was forced to withdraw the affidavit and endure public outrage across India. The Ministry of Culture allegedly proposed the removal of at least three clauses from the affidavit, however, only two of these clauses were eliminated. One of the unremoved statements mentioned that the Ramayana was not historically accurate, a charge that was soon refuted.

Punjab: Jalandhar Police arrest two members of Lawrence Bishnoi gang after early morning encounter

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Punjab: Jalandhar Police arrest two members of Lawrence Bishnoi gang after early morning encounter

On 21st January (Sunday), Jalandhar Police engaged two members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in an early morning encounter. In the exchange of fire, both members of the Bishnoi gang suffered critical injuries. Subsequently, the Police arrested the duo and rushed them to hospital for treatment. As per reports, a police officer also sustained injuries during the encounter. 

Informing about the operation, Police officials said that two members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang were injured during an encounter with the Jalandhar Police on Sunday morning. The early-morning encounter took place in the Gulmohar Colony, Jalandhar, which falls in the Bhargo Camp police station area.

According to the officials, a police officer also sustained injuries during the encounter. Both critically injured gangsters were rushed to hospital. Several videos of the purported incidents have surfaced online in which smashed window panels of the Police vehicle and two gangsters could be seen being taken away by the officials in their vehicle. 

Jalandhar Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma led the early morning operation. Notably, Sharma, the former DIG of the Jalandhar Range had played a major role during the manhunt against Khalistani separatist ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh who was arrested in April, last year. 

Meanwhile, the two gangsters of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang arrested by the police were involved in a host of illegal activities including murder, extortion, contract killing, and drug smuggling, as per the officials.

As per reports citing sources, a CIA team had received specific intel and subsequently decided to conduct a raid at Nakha Wala Bagh near Gulmohar Colony in the early hours of this morning. During their raid, the cops found a suspicious car parked on a road. They soon encircled the suspicious vehicle. 

Following the encirclement, the suspects opened fire at the CIA team from inside the vehicle and a bullet hit a police officer’s turban. In the retaliatory police firing, both of the assailants were hit and sustained serious injuries. 

The officials added that weapons and other items were recovered from them following the encounter. 

According to CIA in-charge Surinder Singh Kamboj, the accused were associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and were wanted in multiple cases registered with the Jalandhar Commissionerate.

It is important to note that Lawrence Bishnoi is a gangster who has over two dozen criminal cases against him, including for targeted killing and extortion. Additionally, his gang had repeatedly sent threatening warnings to Bollywood actor Salman Khan about the latter’s alleged involvement in the black buck case.  

Chhattisgarh: BJP government cancels Rs 218 crore contracts awarded to former Congress minister Mohammad Akbar’s brother due to irregularities

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Chhattisgarh: BJP government cancels Rs 218 crore contracts awarded to former Congress minister Mohammad Akbar’s brother due to irregularities

Housing and environment minister of Chhattisgarh, Om Prakash Choudhary, has issued an order to revoke ten projects worth a total of Rs 218 crore that were awarded to ‘Raipur Construction Limited’ which is owned by Mohammad Asghar, the brother of former Congress cabinet minister Mohammad Akbar.

The BJP minister stated that poor performance and a protracted delay in concluding the construction project work, most of which is to be completed under the smart city project in Chhattisgarh’s new capital, Nava Raipur-Atal Nagar, were the reasons for withdrawing the agreement.

Choudhary said, “The agreements of Rs 218 crore for 10 major works have been cancelled. The contracts were awarded to an executing agency Raipur Construction Ltd, which is managed by a relative of a former senior Congress minister. The Congress government had been giving extension after extension to the firm that was also served with notices to conclude the given projects in the given target time. But it didn’t comply, so we took stringent action against the agency revoking the contract work orders.”

The minister announced that his administration would not put up with sub-par work from any business or contractors. He noted that extra caution needs to be taken to guarantee that all initiatives are completed on time.

When asked if the company was connected to Mohammad Akbar’s family who had previously served as state housing and environment minister in the Bhupesh Baghel administration, the BJP minister responded that it was a serious concern. He said that he learned about it and had an internal team look into the matter thoroughly before deciding to cancel the Rs 218 crore projects.

Furthermore, Mohammad Asghar was hired despite breaking the guidelines.

The newly elected BJP government has given orders to wrap up all projects by their respective deadlines and appears to be moving swiftly to create Nava Raipur, the new smart city capital. The deadline for finishing the outstanding projects in various cities under the Smart City Mission has been extended by the Center until June 2024. The administration headed by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai issued directions to complete all projects by the due date.

Greater Raipur will serve as the model for the development of Nava Raipur, Raipur, and Durg-Bhilai. The State Capital Region is planned to be structured similarly to the National Capital Region. A plan has been formulated and the government decided to move forward with the project which will facilitate easy access from Nava Raipur to Raipur and Durg-Bhilai. Residential and commercial sectors will be constructed in conjunction with the development of the area’s infrastructure.

AIIMS reverses decision to shut down OPD for Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha on January 22

OpIndia Staff
-
0
AIIMS reverses decision to shut down OPD for Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha on January 22

On 21st January, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, reversed its order of shutting down the Outdoor Patient Department (OPD) till 2:30 PM on 22nd January, on the occasion of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Several media houses quoted unnamed sources suggesting the 20th January order to shut down OPD for half a day has been reversed.

AIIMS OPD remains shut on holidays like Eid, Christmas, Diwali, Independence Day, Republic Day, Saturdays and Sundays. As one of the most significant days for Hindus in India and worldwide, government offices, private companies, schools and colleges have announced a half-day on 22nd January, Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

AIIMS, in its notice, clearly stated that critical services will remain functioning on 22nd January. However, left-liberals, journalists, and opposition leaders spread fake news that critical services would be shut down as well on that day.

However, AIIMS has decided to put those rumours to rest by clarifying that even the OPD will function as usual on the 22nd of January.

Earlier, Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) announced its closure until 2:30 pm on January 22 in observance of the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

According to the memorandum from AIIMS, it stated, “The Government of India has officially announced a half-day closure on Monday, January 22, 2024, until 14:30 Hrs, as per Office Memorandum reference: F.No.12/7/2023- JCA, DoPT dated 18th January 2024, due to the celebration of Ram Lalla Pram Pratistha at Ayodhya, to be observed nationwide.”

US soldiers injured in major missile attack by Iran on Iraq Airbase: Tensions escalate amid ongoing Middle East geopolitical strife

OpIndia Staff
-
0
US soldiers injured in major missile attack by Iran on Iraq Airbase: Tensions escalate amid ongoing Middle East geopolitical strife

A major missile attack on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq has resulted in injuries to several US military personnel and one Iraqi service member. The assault, orchestrated by Iranian-backed terrorists, occurred on Saturday (20th January) evening, with multiple ballistic missiles and rockets targeting the airbase, as reported by US Central Command. While most of the missiles were intercepted by the base’s air defence systems, a significant number managed to hit the base, prompting an ongoing assessment of the extent of the damage.

The injured US personnel are currently undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries, as confirmed by central command. The attack follows a series of strikes on US positions in Iraq and Syria by Iran’s proxies since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.

US central command posted on X, “Iranian-backed Militants Attack Al-Assad Airbase, Iraq. At approximately 6:30 p.m. (Baghdad time) time 20th January, multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants in Western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase. Most of the missiles were intercepted by the base’s air defence systems while others impacted the base. Damage assessments are ongoing. Several US personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded.”

In the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war, the US military has faced a total of 58 attacks in Iraq and 83 in Syria by Iran’s proxies. These assaults, comprising a mix of rockets and one-way attack drones, are seen as a response to US support for Israel against the Iran-backed Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas.

The terrorists, aligned with Tehran’s “Axis of Resistance”, aim to “impose a cost” on the United States for its involvement in the region. The recent attack on the Ain al-Asad airbase represents the 144th strike on U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Syria since the initiation of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023.

This missile attack follows a pattern of increasing hostilities in the region. Notably, the US military’s assessment of the situation is more severe than initial reports from Iraqi security sources, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The terrorists responsible for the strike have been identified as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group comprised of Iran-backed Iraqi terrorists. The attack comes in the wake of the US conducting airstrikes against a Houthi anti-ship missile in the Gulf of Aden.

The broader context of these developments involves ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with accusations from both sides. Iran has accused the US of supporting Israel’s strikes in Syria and Lebanon, leading to fears of a wider conflict. In response, the US has designated the Yemen-based Houthi Group as a terrorist organisation and conducted airstrikes across Yemen.

Meanwhile, Iran has launched ballistic missiles at targets in Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan in recent days. The situation further escalated with a suspected Israeli strike in Damascus, resulting in the death of Iran’s intelligence chief and three other military advisers. Amidst these events, Iran has vowed retaliation, raising concerns about the potential spillover of hostilities in the broader Middle East region.

BJP slams DMK govt for giving ‘verbal warning’ against conducting special puja in Tamil Nadu temples for Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha

OpIndia Staff
-
0
BJP slams DMK govt for giving ‘verbal warning’ against conducting special puja in Tamil Nadu temples for Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha

On Sunday (21st January), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit out at the DMK-led-Tamil Nadu government for its verbal diktat to State temples against doing special pooja on the occasion of the Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha.

In a tweet, BJP Tamil Nadu President Annamalai said, “It seems that the DMK government, which is engaged in anti-Hindu activities in the name of running a secular government, has banned special pujas and food offerings in Tamil Nadu temples.”

“What right does the DMK government have to interfere in temple practices? Apart from that, it is said that the police should not hold any program on behalf of the temple administration or the public in Tamil Nadu in view of the installation of the statue of Sri Ram and should not broadcast live through a big screen for the public to see,” he pointed out.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted, “TN govt has banned watching live telecast of #AyodhaRamMandir programmes of 22 Jan 24. In TN there are over 200 temples for Shri Ram. In HR&CE managed temples no puja/bhajan/prasadam/annadanam in the name of Shri Ram is allowed.”

“Police are stopping privately held temples also from organising events. They are threatening organisers that they will rip off pandals. Strongly condemn this anti-Hindu, hateful action,” she further added.

As per a news report published by Tamil daily Dinamalar, the DMK-led-Tamil Nadu government had reportedly given ‘unofficial verbal directive’ to temples against conducting special prayers and offering Annadanam (free food) on the occasion of Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha.

The report pointed out that the government has verbally warned temple administrators against organising special programmes on behalf of the devotees.

“No special puja, offering of Annadanam and any related programs should be held in Tamil Nadu temples on the occasion of the opening ceremony of Ayodhya Ram temple. No program should be held on behalf of the temple administration or in the name of devotees or in the name of organizations or parties. It should not be advertised. Action will be taken against the concerned temple executive if any activities including Annadanam are done in violation,“ the report emphasised.

Screengrab of the news report by Dinamalar

The report further added that the Tamil Nadu police are actively working to prevent the live telecast of the Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha on big screens in public places in the State.

CBI summons Lalu Yadav’s close aide Arun Yadav in sand mining case a day after ED summoned RJD chief

OpIndia Staff
-
0
CBI summons Lalu Yadav’s close aide Arun Yadav in sand mining case a day after ED summoned RJD chief

On Saturday, 20th January, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) summoned Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s close aide and former MLA Arun Yadav in an illegal sand mining case. Notably, the day before CBI summoned Arun Yadav, the Enforcement Directorate issued fresh summons to the RJD chief Lalu Yadav and his son, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, in connection to the land-for-jobs scam.

As per reports, the CBI team reached the ancestral house of Arun Yadav at village Agiaon in district Bhojpur and handed over a summons to his wife and RJD MLA Kiran Devi as Yadav was not available at the house. Arun Yadav’s wife was given a ticket, but he failed to secure one in the last elections, as his name figured in a rape case. He was accused of sexually assaulting a minor and was booked under the POCSO Act. However, he was later acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Yadav is accused of being involved in an illegal sand mining business that is spread over districts Ara to Patna in Bihar. Earlier, his name surfaced when the CBI took action against MLC Radha Charan Seth in an illegal sand mining case. CBI reportedly has evidence against Yadav in the case.

Meanwhile, ED has asked Lalu Yadav and his son Tejashwi to appear before it for questioning at its Patna office, sources said, adding that while Lalu Prasad has been asked to appear on January 29, Tejashwi is called the next day, on January 30.

Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi had skipped previous summons issued by the probe agency. Lalu Prasad, Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu’s wife and former Bihar CM Rabri Devi were granted bail by a trial court in October last year in the CBI case for the same scam.

1...1,4291,4301,431...7,657Page 1,430 of 7,657