Category: SPECIAL

ED court frames charges against key accused in Rs 2,200 crore SRS Group money-laundering case

New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) The PMLA Special Court at Gurugram has framed charges against key individuals and entities associated with the Rs 2,200 crore money-laundering case involving real estate firm SRS Group, an ED statement said on Wednesday.

This also marks the commencement of the trial in the scam.

The ED said that in line with its efforts for an expeditious trial under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), charges were framed on November 3, against SRS Group Promoter-Director Anil Jindal and several others, including Vinod Jindal, Bishan Bansal, Rajesh Singla, Vinod Kumar Garg, Navneet Kwatra, Seema Narang, Dheeraj Gupta, and Devender Adhana.

Charges have also been framed against the companies M/s SRS Real Estate Ltd., M/s Horizon Global Ltd., and M/s SRS Finance Ltd.

The ED initiated its probe based on 81 FIRs registered across various police stations in Faridabad, Delhi, and by the CBI, in which the accused were alleged to have cheated investors and banks of over Rs 2,200 crore.

According to the ED, the accused lured investors into SRS Group’s residential and commercial projects by promising high returns. The funds collected were allegedly routed through hundreds of shell companies and laundered for personal and corporate gains.

The agency has already issued a Provisional Attachment Order worth Rs 2,215.98 crore, and a chargesheet was filed before the Special PMLA Court in Gurugram on August 29.

The latest court order paves the way for the trial of the accused and potential restitution of attached assets to legitimate claimants and homebuyers.

The ED termed the development a “crucial milestone” in ensuring justice for investors defrauded by the SRS Group.

Earlier, three other accused — Praveen Kumar Kapoor, Sunil Jindal, and Jitender Garg — were declared proclaimed offenders, with Red Corner Notices sought through Interpol.

Acting on the notice, United States authorities recently deported Praveen Kumar Kapoor from Newark International Airport on November 2.

The ED also confirmed that proceedings under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) have been initiated against the absconding accused.

“With charges now framed, the Directorate will take all necessary steps for restitution of properties to legitimate claimants in accordance with law,” the agency said, adding that further investigation is underway.

–IANS

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Adinath Kothare: With ‘Detective Dhananjay’, we’re set to bring something truly special

Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) The mahurat ceremony of Adinath Kothare’s much-awaited web series Detective Dhananjay was held and the actor said that with the upcoming project, he’s set to bring something truly special.

The mahurat of Detective Dhananjay took place in Mumbai, marking the official start of shooting. The web series will be streaming soon on ZEE5.

Speaking about Detective Dhananjay, Adinath shared: “I always strive to bring unique and diverse projects to the audience. Their constant love inspires me to keep creating something new.”

He added: “With Detective Dhananjay, we’re set to bring something truly special! The character of Dhananjay, created by novelist Baburao Arnalkar, will come alive through this web show. I’m thrilled to play both the roles of actor and producer for this project. We’re all excited to offer something different and striking to the OTT space.”

The series brings to life the iconic character Dhananjay created by renowned novelist Baburao Arnalkar.

Under the Zee5 Marathi Originals banner, Detective Dhananjay will soon premiere, featuring Adinath in the titular detective’s role. Production houses Shrirang Godbole’s Indian Magic Eye and Adinath Kothare’s Storytellers Nook Pvt. Ltd are coming together for this project.

Adinath first appeared on screen as a child actor in his father’s film Majha Chakula in 1994. As an adult, he made his acting debut with Ved Lavi Jeeva and went on to appear in the sports drama Standby in 2011 and Aditya Sarpotdar’s college drama Satrangi Re in 2012.

He gained recognition for playing a ventriloquist in Zapatlela 2, an adventurous young man in Hello Nandan, an atheist student in Avatarachi Goshta and real-life cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar in the Hindi film 83.

He rose to prominence in the 2020s with the musical romantic drama Chandramukhi, followed by the family drama Shaktimaan and the comedy Panchak.

Kothare made his directorial debut with Paani, which won the National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation along with several other awards and nominations. He was also a part of series such as City of Dreams – Season 2 and Crime Beat.

–IANS

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‘Even Hindu Dharma is not registered’: Mohan Bhagwat on legal status of RSS

Bengaluru, Nov 9 (IANS) RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, while responding to a question about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s legal authenticity, and whether it remains unregistered by choice or to avoid legal obligations, said that ‘many things exist without registration, and even Hindu Dharma is not registered’.

He made this statement during a question-and-answer session on the second day of the event “100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons” held in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Bhagwat stated, “This question has been answered many times. Those who want to raise such questions keep repeating them, and we have to keep responding. This is not the first time this issue has been raised.”

“The Sangh began in 1925. Do you expect us to have registered with the British government — the same government our Sarsanghchalak was fighting against?” he asked.

After independence, he explained, the laws in independent Bharat (India) do not make registration compulsory. “The legal status is also granted to unregistered bodies of individuals. We are categorised as such and are a recognised organisation,” he underlined.

Bhagwat further said, “The Income Tax Department once asked us to pay income tax, and there was litigation. The court ruled that we are a body of individuals, and our ‘Guru Dakshina (donations)’ were exempted from income tax.”

“We were banned three times, which itself implies that the government recognises us. If we didn’t exist, whom did they ban? Each time, the courts dismissed the ban and reaffirmed that the RSS is a legal organisation,” he added.

“Questions are often raised in the Assembly and Parliament; statements are made both in favour of and against the RSS. All of this indicates recognition. Legally and factually, we are an organisation. We are not unconstitutional — we function within the framework of the Constitution. Therefore, we don’t need to register,” Bhagwat clarified.

“Many things exist without registration. Even Hindu Dharma is not registered,” he reiterated.

Answering a question about the RSS’s vision for the next two decades, Bhagwat said, “We want to unite and organise the entire Hindu society, imparting quality and discipline so that it creates a prosperous and strong Bharat — a nation that can share the knowledge of Dharma with the world, making it happy, blissful, and peaceful.”

“That part of the task has to be carried out by the entire society — the entire nation. We are preparing the Hindu society for that purpose. This is our single and only vision. Once we fulfil that vision, we have nothing else to pursue,” he said.

“Organising the entire Hindu society is our task, and we will accomplish it. To organise society, we will do whatever is required. Our mission is to build an organised and strong Hindu society,” Bhagwat concluded.

–IANS

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‘Sweet Revolution’: India becomes world’s 2nd largest honey exporter

New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) India has emerged as the second-largest exporter of honey globally with shipments of around 1.07 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of natural honey worth $177.55 million in FY 2023-24, rising steadily from the 9th rank in 2020, an official statement said on Sunday.

The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the government for the overall promotion and development of scientific beekeeping and the production of quality honey and other beehive products.

Implemented through the National Bee Board (NBB), the scheme was announced under the banner of Atmanirbhar Bharat with a total budget outlay of Rs 500 crore for three years (FY 2020–21 to 2022–23). It has since been extended for another three years (FY 2023–24 to 2025–26) with a remaining budget of ₹370 crore from the original allocation, according to the statement.

The Madhukranti portal has been launched for the online registration and traceability of the source of honey and other bee products.

India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions offer vast potential for beekeeping, honey production, and export. Recognising its importance in rural development and agricultural sustainability, the Centre launched the NBHM as part of the “Sweet Revolution”, an ambitious initiative aimed at promoting apiculture to accelerate the production of quality honey and boost farmers’ income through scientific and organised beekeeping.

Beekeeping, an agro-based activity undertaken by farmers and landless labourers in rural areas, forms an integral part of the Integrated Farming System. It plays a crucial role in pollination, thereby enhancing crop yields and farmers’ income while providing honey and other high-value beehive products such as beeswax, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom, etc., all of which serve as important sources of livelihood for rural communities.

The NBHM is being implemented through 3 Mini Missions. Under Mini Mission-I, the thrust is being given on production & productivity improvement of various crops through pollination assisted by the adoption of scientific beekeeping. Mini Mission-II concentrates on post-harvest management of beekeeping/beehive products, including collection, processing, storage, marketing, value addition, etc., with a thrust to develop requisite infrastructural facilities for these activities, while Mini Mission-III focuses on research & technology generation for different regions, the statement added.

–IANS

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Vice President CP Radhakrishnan calls libraries temples of learning, empowerment

New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday described libraries as temples of learning, calling them spaces that nurture critical thinking and empower individuals and communities.

Addressing the International Conference on ‘Libraries Empowering Communities – Global Perspectives’ through a video message, Radhakrishnan said that in today’s digital age, libraries serve as knowledge hubs that enable people to access authentic information and counter misinformation.

He observed that while technology offers easy access to information, libraries cultivate depth, reflection, and meaningful dialogue in society.

The Conference was organised by the P. N. Panicker Foundation at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram.

The event marks the 80th year of the organised library movement in Kerala, inspired by the vision of P. N. Panicker, revered as the Pioneer of India’s Library and Literacy Movement.

In his message, the Vice-President commended the P. N. Panicker Foundation for its sustained contribution to promoting reading culture, digital literacy, and community empowerment through knowledge dissemination.

He noted that the Foundation’s motto — “Vayichu Valaruka” (Read and Grow) — continues to guide the society towards enlightenment and inclusion.

The Vice-President said that Shri Adi Shankaracharya travelled across Bharat to awaken spiritual awareness and unify diverse thoughts.

He noted that countless other sages and thinkers have enriched our civilisation with their wisdom, compassion, and vision.

Reflecting on India’s ancient civilizational ethos, the Vice President observed that the country’s tradition of learning — from the Epics to modern libraries — continues to inspire the nation’s pursuit of wisdom and social progress.

The Vice-President lauded Kerala’s exceptional legacy in education and literacy. He paid rich tributes to P. N. Panicker, whose vision transformed libraries into vibrant community centres that brought books and learning closer to every citizen.

Concluding his message, the Vice-President said that libraries are dynamic spaces of learning, inclusion, and innovation. He emphasised the need to strengthen the network of public and community libraries across the nation by empowering people through the power of knowledge.

The International Conference on November 2 and 3 at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, brings together experts, policymakers, library professionals, academicians, and digital innovators to deliberate on the evolving role of libraries in the knowledge society.

The conference celebrates the enduring legacy of Kerala’s library movement and explores strategies to enhance community participation, digital access, and sustainable knowledge ecosystems.

–IANS

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TN political parties to move Supreme Court if Election Commission fails to halt SIR drive

Chennai, Nov 2 (IANS) Tamil Nadu’s political parties on Sunday warned that they would jointly approach the Supreme Court if the Election Commission of India (ECI) fails to suspend the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which they allege could lead to mass voter deletions.

The resolution was adopted at an all-party meeting convened by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin at a hotel in T. Nagar.

The meeting, attended by leaders of over 40 parties, demanded that the Election Commission immediately stop the ongoing SIR process in Tamil Nadu and other states until clear guidelines and sufficient time for verification are ensured.

Invitations had been sent to around 60 parties, though more than 20, including Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor Vijay, the PMK, and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), boycotted the meeting.

Chief Minister Stalin said the meeting was held to protect democracy and people’s voting rights.

Referring to the Bihar example, where Assembly elections are due on November 6 and 11, he alleged that the Election Commission’s special voter-list revision there led to the deletion of lakhs of names, mainly from the minority and marginalised communities.

“What happened in Bihar should not be repeated in Tamil Nadu. The people’s right to vote must never be tampered with,” he declared.

While acknowledging that updating electoral rolls was necessary for fair elections, Stalin said the timing and method of the SIR exercise were deeply questionable.

“Carrying out a full-scale revision just months before the polls is a deliberate move to erase genuine voters under the pretext of cleansing the list,” he said.

The all-party resolution demanded that the Election Commission correct errors in its notification, ensure adherence to Supreme Court guidelines, and conduct voter-list revisions in a transparent manner only after the 2026 Assembly elections.

The meeting underscored that the SIR exercise, in its present form, posed a serious threat to the democratic process.

“If the Commission proceeds without addressing these concerns, we will be left with no choice but to seek judicial intervention,” the resolution stated.

–IANS

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‘Pinnacle of jungle raj’: Congress slams Bihar govt over Mokama murder case

New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Reacting to the arrest of JD-U candidate from Bihar’s Mokama, Anant Singh, in the murder of Jan Suraaj Party worker Dularchand Yadav, Congress on Sunday slammed the NDA government, calling the incident the “pinnacle of jungle raj.”

Congress leader Udit Raj on Sunday weighed in on the murder of Jan Suraaj Party worker Dularchand Yadav, offering insights into the local political dynamics in Mokama Assembly constituency

Speaking to IANS, Raj said, “Dular Chand Yadav was supporting the RJD, while Piyush Priyadarshi belongs to the Dhanuk community. In Mokama, the Bhumihar population is dominant and influential; both sides, RJD and JD(U), have strong Bhumihar candidates. The Dhanuk and backward communities, whose votes are crucial, have become aware and are determined to contest this time. Dular Chand Yadav had tried to get a ticket from the RJD but didn’t succeed, so it’s possible his strategy was to join the Jan Suraaj Party and campaign for them…”

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput also reacted sharply to the arrest of JD(U) candidate Anant Kumar Singh in connection with Yadav’s killing, accusing the NDA of lawlessness in the state.

He said, “This is the pinnacle of jungle raj, the NDA should at least apologise to the country and to Bihar. Now, the NDA must explain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tell us whose ‘jungle raj’ is this? Tell us, Nitish Kumar, whose ‘jungle raj’ is this? All across Bihar, there are murders, abductions, loot and dacoities; bodies are being found openly, bullets are being fired in the open. Dularchand Yadav was dragged and killed, and then his body was even run over by a vehicle…”

The case has drawn significant attention in Bihar’s political circles.

According to Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma, Anant Singh, the JD-U’s Mokama candidate, was arrested in connection with the killing of 75-year-old Dularchand Yadav, a local strongman and former RJD leader.

Police said the incident took place on October 30 near Khushhal Chak in Mokama. Jan Suraaj candidate Piyush Priyadarshi, also known as Lallu Mukhiya, was campaigning with his supporters, accompanied by Yadav.

Around the same time, Anant Singh and his supporters were reportedly passing through the same area. A heated argument broke out between the groups, escalating into stone pelting and violence, during which Yadav was killed.

The arrest comes just days before polling in Bihar. The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections will be held on November 6, followed by the second phase on November 11. Counting of votes is scheduled for November 14.

–IANS

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PM Modi called to ask about her well-being, offered help: Folk artist Teejan Bai’s family shares experience

New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) During his day-long visit to Chhattisgarh on the state’s 25th Foundation Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a touching moment amid grand inaugurations to personally enquire about the health of Padma Vibhushan folk artist Teejan Bai.

The legendary Pandwani singer, credited with bringing India’s folk storytelling tradition to the global stage, has faced recent health challenges, prompting the Prime Minister’s outreach.

Teejan Bai’s family shared their experience of the phone call, with her daughter-in-law Venu Deshmukh saying, “The Prime Minister said he wanted to meet, but due to certain reasons, he could not come. Today, he is in Chhattisgarh and called to know about her well-being. He also said, ‘If there is any work that I can do for you, please let me know.’”

The family described the call as deeply emotional and a gesture of heartfelt concern.

During the conversation, which lasted around 1 minute and 18 seconds, PM Modi inquired about Teejan Bai’s health and assured that all possible help would be provided.

Venu Deshmukh informed the Prime Minister that Teejan Bai is currently unable to eat solid food and is being given soup to maintain her nutrition. The call prompted an emotional response from the family.

Meanwhile, Durg District Collector Abhishek Singh and the SDM visited Teejan Bai’s residence in Ganiyari to check on her health. During their visit, her daughter-in-law also made a special request, highlighting the family’s financial difficulties and appealing for a government job for a family member to ensure their livelihood.

Teejan Bai, 73, is internationally acclaimed for her Pandwani performances and has played a pivotal role in bringing Chhattisgarh’s folk heritage to prominence. In recent times, she has faced personal and financial struggles, including the loss of her sons and delays in pension disbursements. The state government has provided Rs 5 lakh in assistance and arranged specialized home-care equipment, including a motorized bed, bed-table, and wheelchair, to ease her daily life.

Prime Minister Modi’s personal outreach, alongside ongoing governmental support, reflects the administration’s recognition of India’s cultural icons and the importance of preserving their legacy even amidst developmental celebrations.

–IANS

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