Bhayandar: Following the long-awaited confirmation of the alliance between the Thackeray brothers, which had the entire state of Maharashtra watching, an atmosphere of intense enthusiasm was seen among Shiv Sena and MNS workers in the Mira-Bhayandar area. The reunion of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray after nearly two decades has triggered a wave of joy among party activists.

Against the backdrop of this historic development, Shiv Sena and MNS workers celebrated at the Golden Nest Circle in Bhayandar by distributing sweets, bursting firecrackers, and cheering in jubilation. The area resonated with slogans of “Thackeray Brothers Together.” Workers were seen dancing to the traditional beats of Dhol-Tasha.

Speaking on the occasion, activists stated that the alliance of the Thackeray brothers is a victory for Marathi pride (Asmita) and will have a significant impact on upcoming elections. They expressed confidence that the coming together of both parties would increase organizational strength and help address local issues more effectively.

Meanwhile, the political ripples of this alliance are being felt across Maharashtra, including Mira-Bhayandar. This partnership is being viewed as a crucial turning point for the upcoming Municipal Corporation and other elections. The reunion of the Thackeray brothers clearly signals the emergence of new equations in state politics.

Indore/Mumbai, Dec 25: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Indore Zonal Office, has conducted extensive search operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at multiple locations in Indore and Mumbai, the investigation agency said on Thursday.

The raids on December 23 targeted premises linked to the Ruchi Group in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged bank fraud cases.

The probe stems from multiple FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Bhopal, against several Ruchi Group entities. These include M/s Ruchi Global Ltd. (now renamed M/s Agrotrade Enterprises Ltd.), M/s Ruchi Acroni Industries Ltd. (now M/s Steeltech Resources Ltd.), and M/s RSAL Steel Pvt. Ltd. (now M/s LGB Steel Pvt. Ltd.), it said.

The companies, promoted by the late Kailash Chandra Shahra and Umesh Shahra, are accused of orchestrating large-scale bank frauds through fund diversion, siphoning, and accounting manipulations, resulting in substantial wrongful losses to public sector banks.

The ED officials revealed that the investigation uncovered a sophisticated conspiracy involving the creation of numerous shell entities, the agency said.

These were used for round-tripping transactions, where spurious Letters of Credit and Cash Credit facilities were manipulated to divert funds for private gain.

Bogus sales and purchases were recorded, and deliberate losses inflicted to siphon off loan amounts obtained ostensibly for legitimate business purposes, it said.

Proceeds of crime generated from these frauds were allegedly concealed and layered to disguise their illicit origins.

During the searches, authorities froze bank balances exceeding Rs 20 lakh belonging to the accused persons and their family members. Additionally, cash amounting to over Rs 23 lakh was seized, along with significant incriminating documents and digital devices that establish the roles of the accused in the fraud, said the agency.

This action revives scrutiny on the Ruchi Group, which has faced prior allegations of financial irregularities.

Earlier CBI probes, dating back to 2021, had flagged similar issues in group companies, including a Rs 188 crore fraud case involving a bank consortium.

The current ED operation signals intensified efforts to trace and recover laundered assets, it said.

Further investigation is progressing, with sources indicating potential attachments of properties and deeper probes into the beneficiaries of the diverted funds.

Gwalior, Dec 25: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah delivered an inspiring address at the ‘Abhyudaya Madhya Pradesh Growth Summit’ here on Thursday, marking the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Speaking on the theme ‘Investment to Employment – Atal’s Resolve, a Bright Madhya Pradesh’, HM Shah hailed the state’s rapid transformation under the double-engine government, declaring that Madhya Pradesh is emerging as the growth engine of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

HM Shah lavished praise on Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for pioneering initiatives aimed at balanced regional development across the state.

He highlighted CM Yadav’s innovative approach of organising regional investment promotion events and ground-breaking ceremonies in every division, ensuring equitable growth and unlocking the untapped potential of all areas.

“Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken thoughtful steps to establish a strong foundation for all-round development through his regional investment committees,” he said, adding that these efforts surpass even the energetic pace set by previous long-serving BJP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The Home Minister emphasised the critical importance of symmetrical industrial establishment to leverage Madhya Pradesh’s strategic geographical location.

He pointed to the traditional strength of cotton production in the Malwa and Gwalior-Chambal regions, noting that declining farmer incomes due to unfair prices could be reversed by setting up processing and allied industries locally. This would minimise transportation costs, make cotton farming profitable again, and connect seamlessly to markets in Delhi, western states, and nearby districts.

HM Shah described the day’s massive investment push – with foundation stones laid for 1,655 industrial units worth over Rs 2 lakh crore, expected to create 193,000 jobs – as a fitting tribute to former Prime Minister Vajpayee’s vision of good governance and national progress.

Held in Vajpayee’s birthplace, the summit, he said, embodied the late leader’s ideology of self-reliance, development, and inclusive growth, giving it a grand resonance on this auspicious occasion.

HM Shah expressed hope for continued central support, promising that true welfare stems from aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a prosperous India. The event, attended by prominent industrialists and cabinet ministers, reinforced Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to converting investments into widespread employment and regional prosperity.