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Robert Vadra’s grilling by ED in Gurgaon land case: Questioning over in one case, other witnesses to be examined

ANI
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Robert Vadra’s grilling by ED in Gurgaon land case: Questioning over in one case, other witnesses to be examined

Businessman Robert Vadra’s questioning in the Gurgaon land deal case is “concluded for now,” but the Enforcement Directorate (ED) intends to question additional witnesses and gather further evidence, according to officials familiar with the matter.

With the ED wrapping up its intensive three-day questioning of Vadra–spanning nearly 16 hours and concluded on Thursday–officials indicated that the investigation remains ongoing. The agency is expected to summon others connected to the Gurgaon land deal case for further interrogation in the coming days.

There is a strong possibility that fresh summons may be issued to Vadra if the ED requires his presence for cross-questioning with other witnesses or in light of new evidence that may emerge during the ongoing investigation.

“Questioning of Robert Vadra is over in only one case. Other witnesses to be examined and evidence to be collected. Long way to go…,” officials suggest.
Besides, ED is also engaged in collecting more evidences in two other ongoing money laundering cases against Vadra on charges of his alleged links with fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, who had acquired properties in London from alleged proceeds of crime from defence deals, as well as a case linking Bikaner land deal.

It is also learnt that the agency will later file separate prosecution complaints (chargesheets) in these three cases against Vadra after it collects enough evidence and records the statements of witnesses.

As per the officials, filing prosecution complaints against Vadra in these three money laundering cases will take time.

According to sources, submitting prosecution complaints will lead to charges being formally brought against Vadra in all three cases at the same time.

Amid Vadra’s questioning in Gurgaon land deal case, ED filed a chargesheet against his mother-in-law Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case.

The two have been accused of illegally acquiring assets valued at Rs 5,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), a company once controlled by the Congress party, through Young Indian, in which they held a dominant 76 per cent stake.

The remaining 24 per cent of Young Indian was owned by former Congress treasurers Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes, both of whom have since passed away. The Gandhis held official positions in the Congress party and served as its presidents during the time these transactions took place, continuing in those roles until 2022.

In addition to the Gurgaon case–where Vadra is accused of purchasing land for Rs 7.5 crore and selling it for Rs 58 crore within a few months–his legal troubles also arise from his alleged ties to close associates CC Thampi and Bhandari.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has already detailed financial transactions involving Thampi and Bhandari in an earlier chargesheet, linking them to suspected kickbacks from various defence deals, including India’s acquisition of 75 trainer aircraft from the Swiss company Pilatus.

In its investigation into the Pilatus deal, the ED uncovered suspected bribes totalling Rs 310 crore routed through accounts held by Bhandari’s Dubai-based firm, Offset India Solutions FZC. These alleged ‘proceeds of crime’ were reportedly used to acquire real estate in Dubai and London. The agency traced Rs 150 crore and seized Bhandari’s assets worth over Rs 26 crore in India. Vadra has been associated with some of Bhandari’s London-based properties in the course of the probe.

In the Bikaner land deal case, Vadra is accused of acquiring land designated for displaced persons by using forged documents through his associates. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized his properties in Delhi, claiming that 275 bighas were purchased through his firm, Skylight Hospitality, for Rs 72 lakh and later sold for Rs 5.2 crore.

In another case, a supplementary chargesheet filed on November 21, 2023, stated that Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi, and CC Thampi had purchased 531 acres of land in Faridabad between 2005 and 2008 from Delhi-based realtor HL Pahwa. Vadra and Thampi are also under investigation for a separate 12-acre land deal in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.

According to ED, all three later sold the Faridabad land back to Pahwa, who then transferred it to companies linked to the DLF group. The court acknowledged the chargesheet on December 22, 2023, and initiated the process of framing charges. At that time, neither Vadra nor Priyanka Gandhi were formally named as accused in the case.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

6 mosques to be demolished in Varanasi’s Dalmandi area: Read details of the road widening project and how 100s of shops are set to be relocated

OpIndia Staff
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6 mosques to be demolished in Varanasi’s Dalmandi area: Read details of the road widening project and how 100s of shops are set to be relocated

Under the recently approved road widening project in the Dalmandi market area of Varanasi, hundreds of shops and six mosques are set to be demolished by the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD). The Uttar Pradesh government recently gave a go-ahead for the Dalmandi road widening project, which will enlarge the route leading to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Hundreds of shops and 6 mosques will be demolished as part of the project

According to the local administration, the road passing through the Dalmandi market was not so narrow earlier. The width of the road has been reduced due to encroachment. The PWD will now demolish hundreds of shops on either side of the road to widen it. Six mosques, namely Mirza Qareemullah Beg Mosque, Sangemarmar Mosque, Ali Raza Khan Mosque, Nisaran Mosque, Rangeele Shah Mosque and Langde Hafiz Mosque, will also be demolished as part of the project. As per reports, a total of 146 buildings have been identified for demolition after a survey conducted by PWD, apart from the 6 mosques.

The Dalmandi market is one of Varanasi’s oldest and busiest markets, accommodating thousands of shops. Located about 100 metres away from the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the market area faces the problem of overcrowding and frequent traffic jams because of the narrow size of the road passing through it. The total length of Dalmandi from Nai Sadak to Chowk Thana is 650 meters. It is 9 metres wide in some places, while in other places it narrows down to 3 metres. Under the road widening project, the road will be enlarged up to 17.50 metres. The entire project has a budget of around ₹222 crore.

Dal Mandi is called the supermarket of Varanasi, as there are a large number of shops selling various merchandise. There are lines of selling clothes, jewellery, food, puja items, mobile phones, electronic items etc. People from the entire Purvanchal area visit the place for business. It remains so crowded that it becomes difficult to even walk during the day. After the road is widened, business in the area will improve due to improved facilities.

People affected by the project will receive compensation

The project was approved considering the increase in the number of devotees visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple every year. The area becomes overcrowded because of a large number of devotees visiting the temple, causing inconvenience to locals as well as devotees. The project gained momentum after it was approved by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a recent review meeting with public representatives and officials. The first installment of the project was released last month. The PWD has measured the road and collected the data to provide compensation to people whose properties will be demolished. The compensation will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible people.

Shivamogga, Karnataka: Students forced to remove janivara (sacred thread), Rudraksha at CET centre, Brahmin community leaders protest

OpIndia Staff
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Shivamogga, Karnataka: Students forced to remove janivara (sacred thread), Rudraksha at CET centre, Brahmin community leaders protest

On 16th April, two students were reportedly asked to remove their sacred thread before taking the Common Entrance Test (CET). Security personnel at Aadichunchanagiri Independent PU College in Shivamogga of Congress-ruled Karnataka forcefully removed the “Janivara” (holy thread) when the candidates entered the building. The Brahmin community has protested against the incident. They have demanded that the exam center be held accountable for offending religious feelings.

On April 17, representatives of the Bhramina Sanghagala Okkuta led by former MLA KB Prasanna Kumar complained to Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegade about a CET official in charge at an examination center in Shivamogga who made students to take off their kashidara and janivara (sacred thread) before they could enter the exam room. They also submitted a memorandum to him. The association was made aware of this instance by the parents of the students.

“Of the three students, who were asked to remove their ‘Janivara’ by the security at the entrance of the centre, one opposed it and he was allowed to enter the examination hall without removing it. The others who did not resist were made to remove it. It is unfortunate that the security staff threw ‘Janivara’ into a dustbin. We strongly condemn this and demand disciplinary action against the staff. Besides, such incidents must not repeat in the future,” expressed Kumar while talking to Deccan Herald. Additionally, he disclosed that the staff ordered that they take off the “Kashi Dara,” which is worn around the wrist.

The representatives voiced, “The incident left the students in shock. The CET is a milestone in a student’s life. The officer’s act was uncalled for and against Hindu practices. Such conduct by the official would disturb students appearing for the important examination of their student career.” After receiving the details, the Deputy Commissioner declared he would investigate the matter and obtain a report from the relevant officials in a week. He instructed the relevant authorities to refrain from engaging in such activities.

However, there were no extra limitations and they were following the dress code that the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KEA) had established, he conveyed while talking to the Times of India. Furthermore, Siddalinga Reddy, the additional deputy commissioner for Shivamogga, asserted that the claims have been denied by officials.

The controversy began when a home guard hired for security duties began enforcing the dress code too rigorously and insisted that students to get rid of their Rudraksha, Janivara, and Kashidaara. One youngster complained to his parents, but other pupils removed the threads without complaint and retrieved them after the test. Candidates at another CET center, an engineering college in Shivamogga, were instructed to remove Rudraksha, according to Congress leader HC Yogesh.

Leaders of the Brahmin community demonstrated outside the institution, led by S Dattatri of the BJP and Prasanna Kumar. The crowd was dispersed by a police platoon stationed at the center to guarantee a smooth exam, which ended incident-free on 17th April.

Similar incidents in the past

Two Brahmin candidates were only permitted to enter a Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET) center during Februray after taking off their sacred thread. Community groups responded sharply to the issue, which even made it to the state assembly. According to media reports and the administration’s investigation, a teacher who was the test supervisor at the center was suspended and a police constable was summoned to report to headquarters, based on Dungarpur Collector Ankit Kumar.

On 22nd September 2024, while traveling to a religious function in Thiagaraja Nagar, a Brahmin Hindu boy, Akhilesh was ambushed by four males riding a two-wheeler in a startling instance that transpired in Tamil Nadu. He was attacked while he was walking shirtless from TVS Nagar Street to take part in a bhajan that the Asthika Samajam Trust had organized. Akhilesh’s Janeu, or sacred thread (called Poonool in Tamil), was grabbed by the perpetrators, who then severed it and threatened him to never wear it again before they escaped.

On 15th May of last year, a Hindu student was compelled to take off his sacred thread prior to taking the Common University Entrance Examination (CUET). The unsettling episode happened at Bhawanipur Anchalik College, an exam center in the Assamese district of Bajali. The victim was named as Dhritiraj Basistha who went to the exam location with his mother. He was stopped at the entrance of Bhawanipur Anchalik College, where officials checked his identity card. They denied him entry after realizing he had a sacred thread beneath his shirt. “I was not allowed to enter the college to inform the higher authority,” his mother added.

That same year, another row erupted over the Common Eligibility Test (CET) for graduation level conducted by the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board when a student in Jaipur was forced to remove his sacred thread. Haren Dave, a resident of Talwara in Banswara, had his exam center allotted at Mahatma Gandhi School located near Tonk Phatak in Jaipur. The security personnel present there asked him to remove his janeu. When he protested, they took him to the school principal.

He complained to the principal about the issue and asserted that there is no provision in any exam that requires the removal of the janeu. However, the principal did not agree. When the student asked him for a written statement regarding the action, he responded, “You are trying to create an unnecessary issue.” Left with no choice, Haren reluctantly removed the sacred thread and appeared for the exam.

Murshidabad: Hindus continue to live in fear, priest and barber afraid to go to ‘shradh’ of father-son duo, killed by Muslim mob

OpIndia Staff
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Murshidabad: Hindus continue to live in fear, priest and barber afraid to go to ‘shradh’ of father-son duo, killed by Muslim mob

Days after a Hindu father-son duo was murdered by a Muslim mob in Shamserganj area of Murshidabad, it has come to light that the family members of Harogobindo Das and Chandan could not perform their ‘shradh’ due to unavilibility of purohit (priest) and naapit (barber).

According to reports, both the priest and barber did not show up in the shradh ceremony out of fear.

A relative named Chitradeep Das informed The Indian Express, “Today (17th April) was the shradh ceremony. We had asked a purohit (priest). But he said he can’t come because it is a security issue.”

“We arranged another purohit (priest). But he stays in Basudevpur, which is 5 km away. He said he can’t come because there is no security here. I went to the his house and got Gangajal,” the deceased’ nephew Bapon Das added.

According to a report by Aaj Tak Bangla, forced by circumstances, the family members of the deceased father-son duo had to perform ‘shradh’ without a priest and barber.

“The fact that no one wants to come to the shradh of the two people, who were killed during the Waqf violence, out of fear for their own lives is clear from this case,” the report by Aaj Tak Bangla stated.

The Background of the Case

For the unversed, Harogobindo Das (70) and his son Chandan Das (40) were killed on 11th April by Muslim rioters opposing the recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act.

A total of 3 extremists, namely Kalu Nawab, Dildar Nawab and Inzmam Ul Haque were arrested in connection to the murder of the father-son duo.

The Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district has witnessed large-scale incidents of violence, vandalism, arson and targeted attacks against the Hindu community on Friday (11th April) in the garb of protests against the newly enacted Waqf Amendment Act.

OpIndia has reported in detail how Hindus were selectively targeted, including their homes, shops and temples. The carnage began soon after Jumma Namaz on 11th April in the name of ‘protests’ against the new Waqf law and continued till 12th April.

The situation became so grim that 1000s of Hindus had to flee their homes in Murshidabad to the nearby Malda district via boats. 

Hindu homes were selectively marked with ‘black ink’ before Murshidabad carnage, later bombed and set on fire, reveals ground report

OpIndia Staff
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Hindu homes were selectively marked with ‘black ink’ before Murshidabad carnage, later bombed and set on fire, reveals ground report

Days after Muslim mobs ran riot in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, it has come to light that the extremists marked Hindu homes with black ink in advance to carry out bombing and arson attacks selectively.

The revelations were made exclusively by NMF News in their ground report published on Thursday (17th April).

Journalist Pankaj Prasoon was heard saying, “They have made these markings so that rioters can know which house needs to be bombed and which house needs to be set ablaze.”

“Hindu homes were marked like this before the onset of riots…Every Hindu home in the area has been marked with black ink. Only those houses were attacked during the riots. Bombs were hurled and houses were set on fire,” he informed.

Journalist Pankaj Prasoon talked to local Hindus and pointed out that the violent Muslim mobs had entered the Hindu lanes to spot the houses were were pre-marked and targeted them selectively.

Targeted attack on Hindus in Murshidabad

The Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district has witnessed large-scale incidents of violence, vandalism, arson and targeted attacks against the Hindu community on Friday (11th April) in the garb of protests against the newly enacted Waqf Amendment Act.

Muslim mobs unleashed mayhem in Suti and Samserganj areas in Murshidabad after the conclusion of the Jumma Namaz.

 In the guise of peaceful protests, the extremists destroyed the sweet shop of a Hindu couple and looted all their belongings.

While breaking down in tears, the owner of the shop said, “I had a sweet shop here.” He then pointed towards his now-destroyed ‘Subha Smriti Hotel.’

“They took away all our belongings. including cash kept inside the shop…There is nothing left. How will we eat now?” the owner’s wife was heard saying.

Muslims also vandalised another establishment named ‘Sri Hari Hindu Hotel & Lodge’. The visuals of the damage were shared by the news agency ANI.

There have also been local reports of attacks on Hindu temples and idol desecration in Murshidabad. In a video shared by Republic Bangla, Trinamool Congress MP Khalilur Rahaman admitted that a temple was vandalised in Jangipur.

According to a report by India Today, the extremists also targeted homes belonging to Hindu families.

“Several houses of Hindu families in the minority-dominated district were targeted and shops were attacked,” it stated.

“The protesters didn’t even spare an ambulance that got caught in the violence and set it ablaze. The driver of the ambulance was brutally thrashed before the vehicle was set on fire,” the report further pointed out.

An eyewitness confirmed to India Today that Muslims set fire to an ambulance and assaulted the driver of the vehicle. “We were scared and sitting inside our homes. I had kept my parents, wife and children at home,” he narrated.

The Hindu man pointed out that the attackers were local Muslims and not outsiders. A CCTV footage that has now surfaced online shows an attacker damaging the vehicle of a Hindu family in Murshidabad.

“They have destroyed and torched bikes, looted our belongings and set shops on fire,” another Hindu victim of the Murshidabad carnage narrated to ANI.

“I couldn’t sleep at night. We were awake and in fear. There was no police force when violence was being carried out here. The cops were running for their lives…Let us see if the government gives us compensation,” he added.

Manju Bhagat, the wife of a Hindu trader Amar Bhagat, told Aaj Tak, “They (Muslim mobs) tried to enter through the front gate. When they failed, they attempted to enter through the back gate.”

“They broke the bike, vandalised our home, and looted everything from chairs, mattresses, TV to expensive household items,” she added.

“Our whole family was praying to God. We were risking our lives and hiding on the terrace. We were chanting the name of God and praying that the mob leave the house. What would I have done if something happened to my daughter at that time” she narrated her ordeal.

The situation became so grim that 1000s of Hindus had to flee their homes in Murshidabad to the nearby Malda district via boats. 

Dawoodi Bohra community helped a lot in shaping the Waqf Amendment Act, even down to the smallest detail: PM Modi

ANI
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Dawoodi Bohra community helped a lot in shaping the Waqf Amendment Act, even down to the smallest detail: PM Modi

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the Dawoodi Bohra community for their significant contribution in shaping the Waqf (Amendment) Act, saying their involvement extended to even the smallest technical details — “even down to commas and full stops.”

PM Modi also lauded Dawoodi Bohra spiritual leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for playing a key role in the drafting process.

“Perhaps very few of you know that when I first got the idea of working on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the first person I consulted was Syedna Sahib,” PM Modi told the delegation.

He said Syedna Saheb gave his full support and even sent members of the Bohra community to help with the legal review and drafting of the law.

“He smiled and later sent you to me. After that, I kept bothering him for three years, asking him to look at it in his own way, to give me legal advice, to give me a draft. You cannot imagine how much support he gave me during the consultation.”

The Prime Minister added that the community’s involvement went into the smallest technical details.

“He brought in knowledgeable people from your community, and even down to commas, and full stops — I received help at every step.”

PM Modi also reflected on his long-standing connection with the Dawoodi Bohra leadership and said discussions around Waqf issues go back many years.

“You might remember, when your grandfather, Syedna Saheb, who lived to be 99 or 100, once came to my home — we started talking about the Waqf issue even back then.”

He said he understands the community’s concerns about encroachments on sacred lands and stressed the importance of empowering honest caretakers of Waqf properties.

“If there is anyone who can present the best model of how the spirit of Waqf should work, and for whom it should be done, it’s Saheb Sahena.”

PM Modi said one of the main motivations for the reform came from complaints by Muslim women.

“After my 2019 victory, there were over 1,700 complaints from the Muslim community. Most of these were from women and daughters seeking justice. That’s when I truly understood the reality on the ground.”

He said the government spent five years studying the issue and consulted religious leaders from different sects, including Shia Muslims.

“Whether it’s the larger Muslim society or the Shia Muslims, all of them face challenges with the Waqf board and Hadiya.”

He explained that the aim of the new system is to bring justice to the poorest and most vulnerable.

“When the prayers of the poorest people come to you, their power multiplies many times. Our job is to give authority and system control to such honest people — and that’s the fight we’re fighting.”

The Prime Minister thanked the Bohra community for their support and said he was happy to meet them again.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed to improve the management of Waqf properties. It focuses on empowering those involved in Waqf property management, improving survey, registration, and case disposal processes, and promoting development using modern and scientific methods. The Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 was also repealed.

The bill, first introduced in August last year, was revised based on suggestions by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. It amends the original Waqf Act of 1995 and aims to streamline the administration of Waqf properties across India. Key changes include a better registration system and more use of technology to improve Waqf board operations.

The new law is designed to fix the shortcomings of the earlier act and make Waqf boards work more efficiently. 

Varanasi gang rape case: Further arrests stopped after claims by families of accused that victim was active on social media during her abduction and demanded money, SIT formed

OpIndia Staff
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Varanasi gang rape case: Further arrests stopped after claims by families of accused that victim was active on social media during her abduction and demanded money, SIT formed

In a major development in the Varanasi gangrape case, Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal has said that there will be no further arrests in the case until the probe is completed by an SIT formed for the purpose. The police have so far arrested 14 accused in this case, in which a 19-year-old girl was gangraped by 23 youths over a period of 7 days.

The development came after the families of the accused youths questioned the version of the victim girl. In a memorandum submitted to the Police Commissioner, they raised the question that if the girl was being molested for so many days, then why did she not complain to the police earlier. They also claimed that there are no marks of any kind of injury on the girl’s body and it is a matter of investigation. 

They also alleged that the girl took money from some youths and did not include their names in the FIR and money was demanded from some others.

Moreover, the families showed several videos and Instagram chats to the police, apparently showing that the girl was active on social media during the 7-day period. The FIR claimed that the girl was gangraped by 23 youths from March 29 to April 4, but a video from 31 March allegedly showed the girl with three of the accused outside a restaurant, while the fourth accused was making a video.

In other videos, the girl is seen roaming around with the accused in a normal condition, raising questions about the claim that she was drugged and abducted. In other videos, the girl is seen roaming around with the accused in a normal condition, raising question on the claim that she was drugged and abducted. A CCTV footage also purportedly shows the girl riding a bike during the time period of the alleged gang rape as mentioned in the complaint.

The memorandum further claimed that the girl herself had messaged one of the accused, asking him to come to a cafe. It was also claimed that the girl initially named 23 people but identified only nine in her court testimony, which suggests possible manipulation or coercion.

Police Commissioner Agarwal confirmed that when the victim girl was first located by authorities, she neither mentioned rape nor expressed a desire to return home. “Only after a lengthy conversation with the officers did she agree to go back to her family,” he said.

Following these allegations and finding that the victim’s social media account was active during her abduction, the police commissioner formed an SIT to probe the case. The SIT, led by Pramod Kuma,r includes female officer ADCP Neetu, ACP and an inspector. SIT will have to submit its report within 30 days. Moreover, further arrests have been stopped in the case.

Guinness World Record: Japanese man dribbling football for 2,000 km from Kolkata to Delhi reaches Varanasi

ANI
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Guinness World Record: Japanese man dribbling football for 2,000 km from Kolkata to Delhi reaches Varanasi

In a remarkable feat of endurance, passion, and cultural connection, Japanese national Nozomu Hagihara has arrived in Varanasi as part of his 2,000-kilometre journey dribbling a football across India.

His mission is to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance dribbled with a football. Starting his journey from Kolkata on March 3, Hagihara aims to reach the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi by May 15th.

Hagihara, who has spent the last four years living in India, began his journey not just as a personal challenge but as a reflection of his deep bond with the country and its people.

“My challenge is to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dribbling,” Hagihara told ANI.

“It’s been four years since I have been in India. I was managing an organic farming project with the Japanese government in Bihar. Being in a Bihar village, I had nothing much to do, and a bunch of students came to me and asked me to teach them football,” he added.

That humble request sparked a new purpose. What began as casual coaching in a rural village gradually evolved into a personal mission that combines his love for football with a message of determination and cultural harmony.

On reaching Varanasi, a city known for its spiritual depth and vibrant traditions, Hagihara reflected on its significance, “Varanasi is the heart of India and a special place for Japan. This is not only a holy place for Hinduism but culturally rich also.”

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Murshidabad violence: Calcutta HC extends CAPF stay, says no provocative speeches allowed, Suvendu Adhikari demands NIA inquiry

OpIndia Staff
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Murshidabad violence: Calcutta HC extends CAPF stay, says no provocative speeches allowed, Suvendu Adhikari demands NIA inquiry

On 17th April, the Calcutta High Court issued a directive for central forces to remain present in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal after violent Muslim mobs attacked Hindu families in the under the pretext of Waqf (Amendment) Act agitation. Additionally, the court emphasized the need for restraint, advising all parties to avoid making instigating comments during this period of heightened tension.

“We will continue with the central force deployment. No provocative speeches will be allowed. This implies to all,” the court pronounced. The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC or TMC)-led state administration was also directed by a division bench of Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury to assemble a team to restore and rehabilitate individuals who were compelled to flee to nearby districts in an attempt to escape the violence.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the horrible events. Given the seriousness of the situation, it declared on 15th April that a team from its investigative division will carry out a field investigation in Murshidabad. The action comes after a complaint was submitted to the commission, citing several social media posts that reported a father and son were killed during the anti-Hindu riots.

The court recommended that a three-person panel, consisting of one representative from each of the State Legal Services Authority, West Bengal State Human Rights Commission and National Human Rights Commission visit the impacted areas of the district to supervise the rehabilitation of those displaced by the violence and ensure the restoration of peace.

The center’s attorney asked the court to extend the CAPF’s (central armed police forces) deployment in Murshidabad in light of the delicate circumstances. There are currently about 17 companies of central forces stationed in the district’s troubled areas of Suti and Samserganj-Dhulian. On 12th April, the high court ordered the CAPF to be deployed in the district to restore peace after BJP leaders including Adhikari submitted a plea.

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, also petitioned the court, contending that bombings occurred during the violence in the Muslim-majority district and seeking that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) be given the reins of the investigation into the unrest. He asserted that there was a major national security threat from the incident, which implicated elements from Bangladesh. Another petitioner asked the state government to take action to help those who were displaced return to their homes.

The court was briefed by the state administration on its attempts to bring peace back to the impacted districts. Additionally, it asked the court to prevent visit to Murshidabad until the situation with law and order improves. Two Special Investigation Teams (SITs) have been established to look into the violence during the protests, according to the administration of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. It further claimed that the state administration has implemented prohibitory orders and halted internet services in Murshidabad as a precaution.

“We are carrying out drone surveillance. Thirty-eight families have been rehabilitated. Seventy-nine people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a man and his son. We have registered two cases under the Explosives Act,” the state claimed.

The relatives of the victims rejected the government’s offer of compensation, according to the administration. It also rejected Adhikari’s charge that Murshidabad was “burning” and claimed, “That’s not true.” The state also expressed no opposition to the deployment of central forces. The suffering of Hindu victims who have sought safety in a temporary relief camp established in a school in the nearby Malda region after the violence upended their lives and compelled them to leave their homes was also discussed during the hearing.

The turmoil in places like Suti, Jangipur, Shamsherganj and Dhulian resulted in three fatalities and hundreds of homeless Hindus. Their properties were burned and looted, they were assaulted and even threatened with murder. Hindu women were molested and received rape threats. Their drinking water was poisoned and they had to flee to Malda with their infants.

Vehicles were set ablaze and railways were obstructed. Cops were also injured during stone pelting. On 14th April, more violent episodes shook the Bhangar neighborhood in the South 24 Parganas district, despite police claims that the law and order situation was under control.

AJL open and shut case against Sonia and Rahul, rampant corruption and money laundering: Union Minister Hardeep Puri

OpIndia Staff
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AJL open and shut case against Sonia and Rahul, rampant corruption and money laundering: Union Minister Hardeep Puri

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri said that the National Herald case is an open and shut case of fraud, corruption and money laundering.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday (17th April 2025), Puri said, “I want to share with you my understanding of the National Herald case…This is an open and shut case of fraud, corruption and money laundering… Congress party has used their lawyers to somehow delay and derail the case…”

The BJP leader slammed the Congress over its allegation of political vendetta, saying that the party need to introspect, as they are misleading the Congress party workers.

“When ED filed the chargesheet, Congress people started making statements that it is a political vendetta that we are using central agencies against them. I would like to advise them to introspect, as they are misleading the Congress party workers. The party workers must protest against their own leaders,” the BJP leader further said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Harish Rawat has termed the ED’s filing of a chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case an effort to “murder democracy.

“Speaking to ANI, Rawat claimed that the ED’s chargesheet is based on a plain lie.”It is an effort to murder democracy. Everyone knows the relationship between the National Herald and Congress, and this (ED’s chargesheet) is based on a plain lie… if anyone had any objection, a civil suit could have been filed, but involving ED is an effort to induce fear and malign the image of opposition leaders,” the former Uttarakhand CM said.

ED files chargesheet against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi

On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a prosecution complaint, also known as a chargesheet, against top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in connection with the National Herald money laundering case. The chargesheet also names Congress leader Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others, including several firms.

The matter has been listed for arguments on cognisance in the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court on April 25. The prosecution complaint has been filed under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for the offence of money laundering, as defined under Section 3, read with Section 70, and punishable under Section 4 of the PMLA, 2002.

ED issues notices to take possession of properties worth ₹661 crore

Last week, the Enforcement Directorate has served notices to property registrars in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow to take possession of assets worth Rs 661 crore. The ED served notices to property registrars in the three cities in connection with properties of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) on April 11, in accordance with Section 8 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and Rule 5(1) of the associated rules.

The probe agency said a notice under Rule 5(3) has been issued to Jindal South West Projects Limited, the occupant of the 7th, 8th, and 9th floors of Herald House in Bandra (E), Mumbai. “The company has been directed to transfer monthly rent payments to the Director of the Enforcement Directorate,” the agency said.

ED said these properties were attached after an extensive investigation, which revealed “signification generation, possession and use of proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 988 crores”.

Notably, ‘National Herald’ is owned by ‘Young India Private Limited’. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have 38-38% shares in this company. That is, both of them are majority shareholders in this company.

In April last year, the adjudicating authority of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) upheld the attachment of assets worth Rs 750 crore of  Congress-held Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and later acquired by Young India. In its order, the authority stated that it noted that the equity shares and movable assets that the ED had attached were proceeds of crime and were connected with money laundering offences.

ED investigation reveals acquired properties by undervaluing their worth

The investigation under PMLA 2002 has revealed that Young Indian, a private company owned by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, acquired AJL properties worth Rs 2000 crores for a mere Rs 50 Lakh, significantly undervaluing its worth. The findings from the ED also indicate that Young Indian and AJL properties were used “for generation of further Proceeds of Crime in the form of bogus donations to the tune of Rs 18 crore, bogus advance rent to the tune of Rs 38 crore and bogus advertisements of Rs 29 crore”.

To stop the further generation, utilization and enjoyment of the proceeds of crime and in compliance with Section 8 of PMLA 2002 and Prevention of Money Laundering (Taking Possession of Attached or Frozen Properties Confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority) Rules, 2013, the Directorate of Enforcement “has initiated the proceedings to take possession of the tainted properties”.

It must be recalled that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress party, and a few other party leaders were questioned earlier. The agency recorded their statements in relation to the case. The ED had revealed that the Congress party relaunched the news operations of the National Herald in 2016 to make it appear as if it was still engaged in newspaper publishing. The brand relaunch took place after ED and other agencies started probing into company affairs.

Back in 2020, it was reported that huge land in Mumbai was acquired by Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) meant for a Dalit hostel at a throwaway price and converted into a commercial property. Approximately 3,500 square meters of land was allotted to AJL in 1983, which was valued at Rs 262 crore in 2017.

National Herald Scam

The National Herald scam is one of the most notable legal cases in Indian history, as the Gandhis are directly accused. The Mother-Son duo of Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul, along with their aides – Oscar Fernandez, Motilal Vohra and Sam Pitroda are alleged to have involved in massive ‘cheating and breach of trust’ in the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) by Young Indian Pvt Ltd (YIL), as assets worth crores of rupees had been allegedly transferred for purposes other than originally intended for a paltry sum. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi got unconditional bail in December 2015.

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