National News
Delhi court defers decision in National Herald case to Dec 16
New Delhi, Nov 29: A Delhi court on Saturday deferred the pronouncement of its decision to December 16, on whether to take cognisance of the prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged National Herald money laundering case.
The high-profile case arrays Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others as accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne, who was expected to deliver the verdict on Saturday, has deferred the pronouncement to December 16.
The Rouse Avenue Court had reserved its order on November 7 after the ED submitted additional clarifications following the court’s inspection of the case records.
“Further submissions and clarifications have been advanced by the Additional Solicitor General on behalf of the ED in light of the inspection of the case files by the court. List for orders on November 29,” Judge Gogne had stated.
As per the ED, top Congress functionaries allegedly conspired to wrongfully acquire control of assets exceeding Rs 2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the original publisher of the National Herald, by paying a nominal price of Rs 50 lakh.
Earlier, the court had deferred its decision, noting that further scrutiny of the transaction documents, alleged rent receipts, and fund flow patterns was required before determining whether the prosecution complaint met the statutory threshold for cognisance under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
While the ED argued that the case involves a “serious economic offence” and a conspiracy to usurp AJL’s properties through Young Indian — in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are majority stakeholders — for a nominal sum, the Congress leaders have described the money laundering allegations as “really strange” and “unprecedented”.
As per the ED, a conspiracy was hatched to form Young Indian to acquire control over the vast assets of the now-defunct newspaper, aimed at benefiting the top Congress leadership personally.
The probe agency reported that several senior Congress leaders were involved in “fake transactions,” alleging that individuals, acting on their instructions, had issued fraudulent advance rent payments for years using fabricated rent receipts.
The controversy over the National Herald’s assets came into focus in 2012 when BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint in a trial court, alleging that Congress leaders had engaged in cheating and breach of trust in the process of acquiring AJL.
Crime
Delhi Police solves robbery case; two arrested, juvenile apprehended

Delhi Police has solved a robbery case registered at DBG Road police station by arresting two men and apprehending a 15-year-old juvenile. Police also recovered a Vivo Y58 mobile phone allegedly stolen from the complainant during the robbery, an official said on Monday.
The incident took place on October 11 at around 7.30 p.m., when the complainant was returning from Karol Bagh Market to his residence in Manakpura. According to the police, the complainant was near TT Garments on East Park Road, close to Ajmal Khan Park, when three males allegedly followed and intercepted him. Initially, there were no known suspects or clear clues in the case, officials said.
The accused allegedly assaulted the complainant before fleeing with his Vivo Y58 mobile phone and Rs 2,000 in cash. They escaped from the spot following the robbery.
After the incident, police registered a case at DBG Road police station under Sections 309(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and began an investigation to identify and apprehend the accused.
The case was subsequently solved by the crack team of DBG Road police station through an investigation involving the analysis of CCTV footage and technical surveillance. Investigators examined available footage and pursued technical leads to establish the identities of the suspects.
A crucial lead obtained through a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction helped the team identify the accused and trace their whereabouts. Acting on the information gathered during the investigation, the police apprehended all three suspects from their respective residences.
The accused were identified as Rohit alias Sumit, 18, a resident of Motia Khan, Sadar Thana Road, Delhi; Krishna, 19, a resident of Mangol Puri, Delhi; and a 15-year-old juvenile, also residing in Motia Khan, police said.
The two adult accused were arrested and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. The juvenile was dealt with in accordance with the applicable law and sent to an appropriate Child Observation Home.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed that they had committed the robbery to earn quick money through illegal means, according to the police. One Vivo Y58 mobile phone, allegedly robbed from the complainant, was recovered during the operation.
The operation was carried out by a team comprising ASI Surender, Head Constables Manish and Satish, and Constables Ravi, Arun and Neeraj. The team worked under the close supervision of DBG Road Station House Officer Inspector Randhir Singh and the overall supervision of ACP Paharganj Dharampal. Investigation in the matter is underway.
National News
Rahul Gandhi acquitted in defamation case over remarks against HM Amit Shah

A special MP-MLA court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday acquitted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case over alleged objectionable remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was the BJP president at the time.
Rahul Gandhi was present before the court at the time of the pronouncement of the verdict. The court said Rahul Gandhi’s remarks are not defamatory.
The defamation case was filed by local BJP leader Vijay Mishra, a former chairman of the Sultanpur District Cooperative Bank. Rahul Gandhi made the alleged remark during a campaign rally in Bengaluru ahead of the 2018 Karnataka Assembly elections.
Mishra had alleged that Gandhi made derogatory remarks about Shah, citing his statement that while the BJP professed a commitment to honest and clean politics, it was led by a “party president who is an accused in a murder case”.
Gandhi appeared before the court for the final proceedings in the case on Monday. He travelled to Sultanpur via Lucknow.
After the court verdict, Congress leaders and supporters were seen celebrating outside the court with drums and slogans.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Rahul Gandhi’s counsel, Kashi Prasad Shukla, said, “We respectfully accept the court’s decision, and the truth has ultimately prevailed. Rahul Gandhi had to face many hardships during this period…”
The complaint was filed in 2018, and the matter was subsequently heard by the special MP-MLA court in Sultanpur.
In February 2024, Gandhi appeared before the court and was granted bail on personal bonds. The proceedings continued thereafter.
Earlier this year, Gandhi travelled from Lucknow to the Sultanpur District Court amid heavy security to record his statement. He missed an earlier hearing scheduled for January 19, following which the court fixed February 20 as the next date.
After arguments from both sides concluded, the court delivered its verdict on Monday, acquitting Gandhi in the defamation case.
Earlier in the day, Vijay Mishra’s counsel, Santosh Kumar Pandey, said, “If he is convicted, arguments will be heard on that point. After that, the court will deliver its verdict immediately. The possible outcomes are that he may either be acquitted or sentenced by the court. The maximum punishment prescribed is up to two years of imprisonment. There is also a provision for a fine. The court may impose both imprisonment and a fine, or either one of them.”
National News
PM Modi witnesses IAF’s air show, inaugurates garment facility in Varanasi

Varanasi witnessed the mega air show ‘Wings Over Ganges’ organised by the Indian Air Force (IAF) over the Ganga River here on Sunday to mark its 94th anniversary, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the audience at the Namo Ghat here.
The spectacular aerial display saw various aircraft showcase their capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present at the event.
The event gave spectators an opportunity to witness a wide variety of aircraft and aerial manoeuvres, showcasing the Indian Air Force’s capabilities across different operational roles, from fighter operations and helicopter formations to transport and coordinated flying.
The air show was organised to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, bringing together a range of aircraft for an aerial display highlighting the force’s operational capabilities, precision flying and coordination.
The event featured aircraft such as the Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, Su-30MKI and Rafale, along with several transport and other military aircraft.
The second phase of the programme began with three Mi-17 V-5 helicopters carrying the national flag and the Indian Air Force flag in an ‘Omkar’ formation.
The formation was led by Group Captain Anuj Gupta, marking the beginning of another series of aerial manoeuvres during the event.
The air show also featured the ‘Bhagirathi’ diamond formation, comprising LCH and Apache helicopters, followed by the Tridev formation.
The latter brought together the Indian Navy’s Kamov 31 helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark 3 helicopters from the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, showcasing coordination among the three services.
As part of the programme, flowers were showered from the sky, adding a ceremonial element to the display. This was followed by a performance by Rudra aircraft led by Wing Commander S. Bhargava, which carried out a spectacular flare display while soaring across the sky.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) also performed a precision aerial display over the River Ganga, drawing attention with its coordinated manoeuvres and tight formations. The team operates nine red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, which painted the skies with a series of signature formations and aerobatic routines during the performance.
The aerial display further showcased the Indian Air Force’s airlift and formation-flying capabilities, with aircraft including the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, MiG-29, P-8I, IL-78, Mirage-2000 and Su-30MKI participating in different formations. The formations were named Freelocean, Nataraj, Mahadev, and Vishwanath, adding to the significance of the display held in Varanasi.
The ‘Neelkanth’ formation, featuring three Rafale aircraft flying in a ‘V’ formation, was led by Squadron Leader Kaustubh Nalawade. An indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft brought its aerial display over Varanasi to a close with a distinctive Spider-Man farewell, providing a memorable conclusion to the performance.
Large crowds gathered at Namo Ghat and nearby ghats to watch the Indian Air Force aircraft perform their aerial manoeuvres. Spectators also assembled at Bhosale Ghat and along the opposite bank of the Ganga, towards Ramnagar, to catch a glimpse of the spectacular display.
Extensive security arrangements were put in place at the ghats to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Personnel from the Water Police, the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with divers, were deployed at Namo Ghat and surrounding areas.
Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the event generated considerable enthusiasm among residents, with large numbers of people gathering along the route from the police lines to Namo Ghat to welcome him. The atmosphere remained lively as people assembled at designated points to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.
BJP workers and local residents greeted PM Modi with rose petals, traditional musical performances and cultural programmes organised at various points along the route. People raised slogans of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” as the Prime Minister stood on the footboard of his vehicle and acknowledged the crowds gathered to welcome him.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated a new garment manufacturing unit of Arvind Ltd in the Mirzamurad area of Varanasi. Officials said the facility is aimed at promoting industrial development in the region and strengthening India’s textile and garment manufacturing sector.
During his visit to the facility, the Prime Minister also interacted with around 300 women. Officials said the new unit is expected to create employment opportunities, particularly for women, while giving a boost to local economic activity and supporting industrial growth in the region.
The initiative is also expected to connect garments manufactured in Varanasi with international customers by facilitating access to global markets, thereby providing fresh opportunities for the region’s textile and garment industry.
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