Connect with us
Sunday,27-July-2025
Breaking News

National

Trying to benefit friends abroad: BJP’s Sinha accuses Cong over questions on ‘Op Sindoor’

Published

on

New Delhi, June 2: BJP National Spokesperson Tuhin Sinha on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party for questioning India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, and suggested that the party seems to be attempting to benefit its ‘foreign allies’.

Speaking to media, Tuhin Sinha said, “The way the Congress party is repeatedly creating doubts about our achievements in ‘Operation Sindoor’, it certainly seems that it is trying to benefit its friends abroad.

“The Congress keeps asking the same question: How many losses did we suffer? What were our casualties? Prime Minister Modi has already responded, and our party has also addressed this seriously. If the Congress wants a clearer answer, it will have to wait.”

He claimed, “This is the same Congress party that has never celebrated Pakistan’s defeats. On May 10, a list was released of Pakistan Air Force air bases that were destroyed by our armed forces. Yet, did we ever see the Congress party celebrate that victory?”

He questioned, “The Congress must decide whose side it is on. Why is it so eager to know our losses when the entire world has acknowledged this as a major achievement and a significant victory for India?”

Sinha further addressed the controversy surrounding US President Donald Trump’s comments, which Congress has frequently referenced.

“Trump has been changing his statements repeatedly. India’s position is clear — this was a bilateral conversation limited to the DGMO level, after which a ceasefire was announced. There is no role for any third party. If a third party gives a statement contrary to our official stance, the Congress should trust its own government and its DGMO rather than mislead Indian citizens with irresponsible remarks,” he told media.

On the Congress’ demand for a special session of Parliament, Sinha questioned the urgency.

“Why is the Congress so restless? The Monsoon Session will begin in less than a month. What is the need for a special session now? Do they want to use it to make statements that become headlines in the Pakistani media? Are they aiming to benefit their foreign friends with such remarks? This is a direct question to Mallikarjun Kharge.”

He added, “All the necessary information regarding the strikes has already been shared multiple times. Even Congress leaders like Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor have clarified it abroad. So, the Congress should stop misleading the country.”

On the Murshidabad violence, Sinha professed, “Many pieces of evidence have now emerged proving that the violence was sponsored by Mamata Banerjee’s party. It is appropriate to call it ‘state-sponsored terrorism.’ During the time of the violence, the Waqf law was becoming an issue, and Mamata Banerjee was inciting the Muslim community against it. She even claimed she would not allow anti-terror laws to be implemented in Bengal. Under what law does she have the right to block central legislation in a state? No state has this authority.”

He further added, “By making such statements, Mamata Banerjee was indirectly encouraging those involved in the violence. A committee appointed by the Calcutta High Court has also provided supporting evidence. Whenever the deployment of BSF in Murshidabad is discussed, Mamata Banerjee openly opposes it. One of our party workers approached the High Court, after which BSF was deployed under the court’s order.”

Sinha questioned Banerjee’s opposition to central security forces.

“Why does she hate the BSF? Is it because they’re preventing illegal migration from Bangladesh? Her apparent intention to alter Bengal’s demographic profile is deeply concerning. Many unanswered questions remain regarding the Murshidabad violence. It is alarming that such incidents, involving Trinamool leaders, have become common in Bengal’s border districts.”

Reacting further on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, Sinha pointed out recent actions taken post ‘Operation Sindoor’.

“In the last few weeks, BJP-ruled states have deported thousands of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Gujarat alone deported many. Similar actions are underway in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and even Odisha.”

However, he criticised Opposition-ruled states for inaction.

“States governed by the INDIA bloc are actively settling illegal Bangladeshis. The Santhal Pargana division of Jharkhand is heavily impacted, yet the Hemant Soren government shows no interest in tackling it. In fact, illegal immigrants are grabbing tribal lands with the state’s support,” he claimed.

He warned that illegal migration poses a significant threat.

“After ‘Operation Sindoor’, elements from Pakistan and Bangladesh may resort to proxy warfare. The presence of illegal migrants within our borders is a serious national security concern. BJP governments are taking decisive action, and we expect the same from Mamata Banerjee, Hemant Soren, and other INDIA bloc leaders. This is a national issue. No political compromise can be accepted when it comes to India’s security,” he concluded.

Crime

ED books 29 celebrities for endorsing betting apps

Published

on

Hyderabad, July 10: The Enforcement Directorate has booked 29 celebrities in Telugu states for endorsing betting apps.

The central agency has filed an ECIR against 29 actors, influencers, and YouTubers for allegedly promoting illegal betting platforms, in violation of the Public Gambling Act, 1867.

The probe, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, has been taken up based on five FIRs filed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Film actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash and Manchu Lakshmi, and Ananya Nagella are among those who have been booked by the ED.

The names of TV actors, TV hosts and social media influencers like Sreemukhi, Shyamala, and Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Harsha Sai and Bayya Sunny Yadav also figure in the list.

Most of these celebrities were earlier booked by the Hyderabad and Cyberabad Police. FIRs were registered against them at Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet, and Visakhapatnam police stations.

The ED suspects endorsements of platforms like Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, Lotus365, and others involved laundering of large sums through paid promotions.

The ECIR has been booked under BNS sections 318 (4), 112 r/w 49, Telangana Gaming Act sections 3, 3 (A), 4, IT Act 2000 and 2008 section 66D.

In March, Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj and others were booked by Cyberabad police for allegedly promoting betting apps. They, however, clarified that they are not promoting any illegal app.

While Rana Daggubati and Vijay Devarakonda stated that they endorsed only legally permitted online skill-based games, Prakash Raj said he did not renew a contract to promote an app in 2017 after realising that he should not have done it.

A case against six actors and 19 social media influencers was registered at the Miyapur Police Station of Cyberabad Commissionerate in March.

The police registered the case on a complaint by one Phanidra Sharma, a resident of Miyapur, who stated that he found several celebrities and social media influencers actively promoting illegal betting apps, websites and other platforms. The complainant said promotion of betting apps was causing harm to individuals and society by encouraging this addictive, short-term, risky money-making behaviour, leading to financial distress.

Continue Reading

Crime

2002 import-export fraud case: CBI takes custody of Monika Kapoor in US

Published

on

New Delhi, July 9: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken the custody of Monika Kapoor, an alleged economic offender, in the US and will bring her back to India, ending an over two-decade-long run from the law, officials said on Wednesday.

The development comes after Kapoor’s extradition from the US.

The CBI in a press release said the chase has ended after two decades “with the successful extradition of Fugitive Ms. Monika Kapoor, who is accused in a 2002 Import-Export fraud and was on run since then, from USA.”

According to the information provided by the Central agency, fugitive Monika Kapoor, Prop. of M/s Monika Overseas in conspiracy with her brothers, namely Rajan Khanna and Rajiv Khanna forged export documents viz. Shipping Bills, Invoices and Bank Certificates of Export and Realisation during the year 1998.

She obtained six Replenishment (Rep.) Licenses for the import of duty-free gold worth Rs 2.36 crore.

“In furtherance of the criminal conspiracy, they sold the said Rep. Licenses to M/s Deep Exports, Ahmedabad, on premium. M/s Deep Exports, Ahmedabad utilised the said licenses and imported duty-free gold, which caused a loss to the Government Exchequer to the extent of Rs 1.44 crore during the year 1998,” the press release mentioned.

The CBI, on the completion of the investigation, filed a charge sheet on March 31, 2004, against Monika Kapoor, Rajan Khanna, and Rajeev Khanna under sections 120-B r/w 420, 467, 468 and 471 of the IPC.

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, District Court Saket, New Delhi, vide order dated December 20, 2017, had convicted Rajan Khanna and Rajeev Khanna.

The CBI said the accused, Monika Kapoor, did not join the investigation and trial; she was declared a proclaimed offender by the trial court on February 13, 2006. The Ld. Trial Court had issued an open non-bailable warrant of arrest on April 26, 2010, and a Red Corner Notice was also issued against her.

A request for extradition was sent by the CBI on October 19, 2010, to the US authorities. Following intense coordination with authorities in the US, a CBI team travelled to the country to take custody of the fugitive.

This extradition marks a major breakthrough in the pursuit of justice and reiterates CBI’s commitment to bringing fugitives to face the law in India, irrespective of international boundaries.

The CBI team is returning to India with the fugitive. Monika Kapoor is being produced before the concerned court and will now face the trial.

The press release said that the CBI remains steadfast in its mission to combat economic crimes and will continue to pursue all legal avenues to ensure that the fugitives are brought to justice.

Continue Reading

National

Congress backs PM Modi’s BRICS stand, vows firm fight against terrorism

Published

on

New Delhi, July 7: Backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm stance on terrorism at the BRICS Summit, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari on Monday expressed his complete faith that India will fight terrorism with full resolve and determination.

His remarks came in response to PM Modi’s statement at the global summit, where he called terrorism “the most serious challenge facing humanity” and emphasised that condemning terrorism must be a matter of principle, not convenience.

Speaking to Media, Pramod Tiwari supported the Prime Minister, stating, “At the BRICS Summit, voices should have been more vocal against terrorism. The platform should also raise social, economic, and global concerns of its member nations. India has consistently spoken for global peace and justice.

“I have full faith that our country will fight terrorism with unwavering determination. I wish those responsible for the recent attack in Pahalgam had been caught — it would have revealed who trained and supported them. Such information is crucial and would have commanded greater respect globally.”

Tiwari also took a swipe at US President Donald Trump, who recently lashed out at the BRICS alliance and warned of an “additional 10 per cent tariff” on countries aligning with what he termed “anti-American policies.”

“BRICS is for protecting nations who are in it. President Trump had previously issued similar warnings during his visit to India. At that time, Prime Minister Modi should not have laughed or responded lightly. He should have stood firm and reminded Trump that BRICS works on its own principles and is committed to its founding objectives,” said Tiwari.

The Congress leader criticised the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

On Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that extensive consultations had been held with political parties and acknowledged that “no one was satisfied” with the current status of the electoral rolls.

Reacting to the development, Tiwari said, “We are not satisfied with the Election Commission of India’s response. The documents required for voter list revision are unnecessarily complicated and impractical. If the process is designed to make it difficult for traditional voters who are against the BJP, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and minority voters, to remain on the rolls, then this raises serious questions about the Election Commission’s intent. If the ECI wants to remove them.”

He added that while some groups have approached the Supreme Court, others are considering forming “people’s courts” to ensure fairness.

“The Congress has always upheld the voter’s right to participate in democracy. We will continue to stand by that principle and ensure that all necessary documentation is provided,” he asserted.

Tiwari also took aim at the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, particularly targeting Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan.

During a political rally in Saran district on Sunday, Chirag announced that he would contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and urged his party workers to prepare for all 243 constituencies in alliance with the BJP and JD(U).

Mocking the move, Tiwari remarked, “The NDA in Bihar is a sinking ship. Chirag Paswan, despite being the son of a respected leader like Ram Vilas Paswan, is trying to stay afloat in turbulent political waters. If he’s contesting all 243 seats, it means internal cracks have widened and many alliance members are already looking for the exit door ahead of elections.”

He continued, “It’s clear that NDA leaders are aware they are going to lose many seats. Their desperation is evident. While they are forming the central government, they are losing their grip on the state. This creates confusion among their own allies.”

In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, Chirag Paswan’s LJP had contested 137 seats but managed to win only one, Matihani. Despite this, Chirag currently holds a Lok Sabha seat and serves as a Cabinet Minister in the BJP-led central government, which includes JD(U) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) as key allies.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending