India

Mumbai, Jan 24 (IANS) After coordinated search operations at 13 locations in Mumbai and Jaipur, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized Rs 21.75 crore worth assets of a jewellery company that floated fraudulent investment schemes offering weekly returns of up to 9 per cent, an official said on Friday.

The Mumbai Zonal Office conducted the search operations against Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The company was offering fraudulent investment schemes under the brand name Torres Jewellery.

The ED scrutinised multiple bank accounts of the accused company and found that Rs 13.78 crore were received in the accounts of Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd from various dummy entities linked to Lallan Singh and these funds were used to set up business operations of Torres Jewellery in Mumbai.

During the search operations, various incriminating documents and digital evidence were seized.

Bank accounts with Rs 21.75 crore, associated with Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd (Torres Jewellery) and its affiliates, were frozen, said an official.

The ED initiated investigation in the case on the basis of FIR registered by APMC Police Station, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, against Directors and associates of Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd.

The FIR alleged that Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd, its directors, members, and managers lured investors with promises of high returns ranging from 2 per cent to 9 per cent weekly on investments in gold, silver, diamond jewellery, and gemstones.

The schemes also offered bonuses for recruiting new investors, creating a referral system to attract more victims, the ED said.

The federal agency said that Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd marketed synthetic moissanite stones as high-value investments comparable to diamonds.

"These stones were sold at inflated prices while misleading investors about their future appreciation. The company organised seminars, advertised on social media platforms, and conducted unlicensed lucky draws to entice customers with luxury rewards, including cars and expensive mobile phones," said the ED.

Three more FIRs were registered against directors and associates of Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd across Mumbai and Thane including FIR registered at Shivaji Park Police Station, FIR registered at Rabodi Police Station, while FIR registered at Navghar Police Station wherein the directors and associates, including Sarvesh Ashok Surve, Victoria Kovalenko, Taufiq Riyaz alias John Carter (CEO), Olena Stoin, and others were made accused.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar called on visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in New Delhi on Friday, ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for Saturday.

"Pleased to call on President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia at the start of his State Visit to India. Value his guidance and positive sentiments for the development of our multifaceted bilateral ties," the EAM posted on X after the meeting.

This is Prabowo's first visit to India in his capacity as Indonesian President, after assuming office in October 2024 and he will also be the Chief Guest for India's 76th Republic Day celebrations on Sunday.

"President Prabowo's participation as Chief Guest in India's 76th Republic Day will be a fitting celebration of our cherished friendship," asserted EAM Jaishankar.

The Indonesian President arrived in New Delhi late Thursday evening and was welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita at the airport.

In his departure statement, Prabowo said that India is a "very important friendly country" for Indonesia, one which has supported Indonesia the most in its struggle for independence.

"We were still fighting the war of independence until '49 and they were sending medical aid, financial aid and so on, supporting our struggle for independence. So for us India is a very important friend and partner," he said.

Interestingly, Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950.

This time, Indonesia has also sent a 352-member contingent of troops from the Indonesian National Armed Forces, consisting of defile troops and a drum band.

President Soekarno highlighted that the Indonesian contingent is placed third in the defile after the opening troops and veterans.

"If I'm not mistaken, we got a place of honour," he said.

During his visit, Prabowo will hold bilateral talks with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House on Saturday and will also be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will also meet President Droupadi Murmu.

"The agreements, the exchange of MoUs cover several areas including health, cultural programme exchange, security issues, maritime safety, and technology and digital development. I will also meet with industry figures, entrepreneurs from India who want to invest in Indonesia," he said.

Also accompanying the visiting President on India visit is Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

"India and Indonesia share warm and friendly ties spanning over millenia. As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, Indonesia is an important pillar in India’s Act East Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement, earlier this week.

From India, President Prabowo is scheduled to head to Malaysia for a State visit.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) Questioning the 'Z-plus' security provided to Bibhav Kumar, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Friday levelled serious allegations against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, claiming that she believes that he orchestrated the assault on her by his aide last year.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Maliwal expressed shock and dismay over the protection being afforded to Bibhav Kumar, a man she claims brutally assaulted her in Kejriwal’s official residence. According to Maliwal, Kejriwal’s protection of a "mere goon," and his repeated promotion of him only point to a deeper conspiracy.

She said, "It has been heard that the same goon, Bibhav Kumar, who mercilessly dragged me and beat me in Arvind Kejriwal's drawing room, has been given Z-plus security by the Punjab government. After all these months, I believe from my heart that Arvind Kejriwal got me beaten up. If it wasn’t so, why would he protect this man so much and promote him repeatedly?"

Maliwal’s comments followed a revelation that Kumar, despite being labeled a "goon" by the Supreme Court, has been given significant political clout.

She claimed that after being restricted by the court from holding important positions, Kumar was appointed as Chief Advisor to the Punjab Chief Minister and enjoys a salary higher than Cabinet ministers.

Maliwal described Punjab government granting Z-plus security to Kumar as an excessive provision usually reserved for high-ranking officials.

"What has this goon done to deserve Z-plus security?" Maliwal asked.

"Seventy police commandos, government vehicles, fire brigade, and ambulances — all will follow him. This disrupts traffic and creates chaos. It is unimaginable for someone like him to be given such importance. And yet, Arvind Kejriwal has not only protected him but also ensured he gets everything he wants," she said.

Maliwal further alleged Kejriwal’s interference in her personal and professional life and claimed that he forced senior Member of Parliament ND Gupta to vacate a government bungalow in Lutyens’ Delhi, which was then illegally occupied by Kumar for months.

"This is what Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ looks like," she said sarcastically.

Asserting that she was fighting this battle alone, Maliwal slammed Kejriwal, calling him a hypocrite who masks his true nature.

"Arvind Kejriwal is a very big Ravan in a country of sadhus. Despite all the efforts to break me, intimidate me, and force me into submission, I will not lose courage. I will fight for the truth till the end," she professed.

Maliwal, who has worked alongside Kejriwal since 2006, reflected on the years they spent together fighting for common causes. She recalled that Kejriwal himself had written in his book 'Swaraj' that two people were central to his journey — one being Manish Sisodia and the other, Swati Maliwal.

"A woman who has struggled with you since 2006 is beaten up and instead of standing by her, you support the goon who assaulted her," she said.

She also condemned Kejriwal’s stance on women’s issues, questioning how he could call himself a supporter of women’s rights while protecting someone who harmed her.

"How can someone who claims to respect women, protect the very man who hurt me?" she asked.

Maliwal vowed to continue her fight for justice and said, "I am not afraid. I will keep fighting, even if I am alone in this."

--IANS

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Kolkata, Jan 24 (IANS) The personnel of Manikchak Police Station in Malda district of West Bengal on Friday have arrested a civic volunteer attached to the same police station on charges of raping a woman who had been sick for quite some time.

As per a complaint filed by the victim’s parents, as the condition of the woman suddenly became serious on Thursday evening, her family members sought the help of the accused civic volunteer, also staying in the same locality, for assistance.

The accused, as per the complaint, claiming to be an expert in “spiritual healing”, asked the victim’s mother to collect water from a nearby river.

When the victim's mother stepped out of the home to collect water, the accused, finding the house empty, allegedly raped the victim.

The victim's parents alleged that the victim became unconscious after the sexual assault on her. In the meantime, the accused civic volunteer also escaped.

On late Thursday night, the victim regained consciousness and narrated the entire ordeal she went through to family members.

Accordingly, the family members informed the local Manikchak Police station of the entire incident, following which the accused civic volunteer was arrested on the same afternoon.

"The civic volunteers are supposed to protect and help the common people. So we sought help from the accused. But he took advantage of that and committed such a heinous crime. We want the strictest punishment for him,” the victim’s mother told the media on Friday after the arrest.

Earlier this week, Sanjay Roy, an erstwhile civic volunteer attached to Kolkata Police, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court in Kolkata in connection with the ghastly rape and murder of a junior woman doctor of the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata within the hospital premises in August last year.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu will address the nation on Saturday (January 25) on the eve of Republic Day.

The address will be broadcast from 7 p.m. on the entire national network of Akashvani and telecast over all channels of Doordarshan in Hindi followed by the English version, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement.

Broadcast of the address in Hindi and English on Doordarshan will be followed by broadcast in regional languages by regional channels of Doordarshan.

Akashvani will broadcast regional language versions from 9.30 p.m. onwards on its respective regional networks.

This year’s chief guest on Republic Day is Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, which will mark a significant milestone in the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia. President Subianto has already arrived in India.

This will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad.

The theme of the Republic Day this year is ‘Swarnim Bharat -- Virasat aur Vikas' (Golden India – Heritage and Development), reflecting India's rich cultural heritage and its ongoing journey of progress.

The highlight of the celebrations will be the annual Republic Day Parade to be held at the Kartavya Path in the national capital, showcasing India's military strength.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has invited more than 600 Panchayat leaders as special guests to witness the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path.

Though India gained Independence on August 15, 1947, it did not have a Constitution of its own. A Constituent Assembly led by Babasaheb B.R. Ambedkar drafted a new Constitution replacing the Government of India Act of the British government which came into force on January 26, 1950.

In last year’s address, the President paid tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar and other members of the Constituent Assembly who drafted the Constitution of India.

She had also hailed the Narendra Modi government's initiatives like 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and Digital India in her address.

--IANS

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Malegaon (Maharashtra), Jan 24 (IANS) Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday took a dig at the former Union minister and NCP-SP president Sharad Pawar, saying that just doing marketing is not adequate to become leader, and groundwork is also necessary.

"Pawar Saheb, you were Agriculture Minister for 10 years. At that time, you had the cooperative sector. What did you do for the sugar factories and the cooperative movement in Maharashtra? What have you done for farmers?” he asked.

HM Shah said this while speaking at a cooperative conference. He listed out a slew of works done by the BJP-led government at the Centre for the cooperative sector.

"Our government has done the work of reducing the tax of Rs 46,000 crore on cooperative sugar factories in Maharashtra. The government has given loans to cooperative sugar mills. Besides, these mills have become revenue-earning ventures due to the ethanol blending initiative. The computerisation of primary agricultural cooperative societies has been done on a large scale.

He clarified that he has not come here to speak about politics, but he said Sharad Pawar should give an account of the work he did during his 10-year ministership.

"It is not adequate to become a leader by doing marketing, but it is necessary to work on the ground

"Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the slogan of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan, Narendra Modi gave the slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and Jai Vigyan. If the cooperatives are run by applying science, they will certainly benefit," the Minister of Co-operation said.

He said that due to the soil testing initiative undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, the farmers have benefitted as they were earlier doing the traditional farming.

HM Shah also referred to the state of the art soil testing laboratory inaugurated in Malegaon saying that the farmers should take its advantage.

The Union Minister also asked the promoter of the laboratory to work on organic farming assuring the Central assistance for the same.

HM Shah's dig at Sharad Pawar comes days after he had recently claimed that Maharashtra's grand victory of BJP-led MahaYuti has brought the country's politics back on track as it has buried the politics of betrayal of Sharad Pawar.

"Sharad Pawar had rebelled in 1978. The people of Maharashtra have taught him a lesson for the politics of betrayal that he had practiced at that time," he said.

However, Sharad Pawar replied to HM Shah's criticism saying that none of his predecessors were deported from their respective states or faced externment.

"The dignity of the Home Minister's post should be maintained. Till now many legendary leaders, who held the home ministry, passed away," he commented.

--IANS

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Itanagar, Jan 24 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday said that China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river poses significant risks to the water security, ecology, and livelihoods of millions of people downstream in his state, Assam, and in the neighbouring nation of Bangladesh.

"The potential disruptions of water flow, flooding, and ecosystem degradation could have far-reaching consequences on us,” he said.

The Chief Minister viewed China’s refusal to enter binding international water treaties and its selective sharing of hydrological data has raised concerns in the region and suggested an urgent need for cooperative governance of shared water resources in Asia.

Speaking at the inaugural function of a seminar titled ‘Environment and Security’ here at the Dorjee Khandu Auditorium Hall of the state Assembly, Khandu drew attention of all stakeholders towards the Chinese plan to construct the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which enters Arunachal Pradesh as Siang and becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam before flowing into Bangladesh.

He pointed out that the dam would allow China to control the timing and volume of water flowing downstream, which could have devastating effects during periods of low flow or drought.

The mighty Siang or the Brahmaputra river would dry-up during winters disrupting life in the Siang belt and the plains of Assam, Khandu cautioned.

Conversely, according to Khandu, sudden releases of water from the dam could cause severe flooding downstream, particularly during monsoon seasons, displacing communities, destroying crops, and damaging infrastructure.

Furthermore, the dam would alter the sediment flow, affecting agricultural lands that rely on the river’s natural replenishment of nutrients, he said.

Highlighting that all major rivers of India originate from the Tibetan Plateau, Khandu was of the opinion that the Chinese government’s rampant exploitation of Tibet’s natural resources pose a serious threat to the very existence of these river systems, upon which millions of Indians depend for survival.

“Tibet is often referred to as the 'Water Tower of Asia', supplying water to over a billion people in the region. Its environmental health is critical not only to China and India but to much of Asia. Therefore, India, given its direct dependency on Tibet's rivers and climate patterns, has a significant role to play in global environmental conservation efforts," Khandu said.

Appreciating the Tibet Support Group of Arunachal Pradesh and the Core Group for Tibetan Cause for organising the seminar in Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu hoped that the discussions that would unfold here will play a vital role in finding solutions to mitigate the alarming environmental situation in Tibet, which poses significant risks to the entire region.

Khandu went on to elaborate on the relationship of India with Tibet, especially in the context of Buddhism that dates back to the 8th century, when the Nalanda school of Buddhism was at its peak.

"Buddhism, since centuries, has been the connecting bond between India and Tibet, transcending to our state. Nalanda became the epicentre for the study of Buddhist philosophy, logic, ethics, and meditation, and its influence spread far and wide, including to Tibet, where it played a key role in shaping Tibetan Buddhism,” he said.

The seminar, attended by several prominent personalities including Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, focused on the environmental situation in Tibet and its relation to India’s security.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Friday disposed of a plea filed by several BJP legislators seeking a direction to the Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker to call for a special sitting for the tabling of the CAG reports.

A bench of Justice Sachin Datta declined to accept the prayer to issue a direction to the Speaker for summoning a special session of the Legislative Assembly.

It said, “The power to reconvene sitting/s of the Legislative Assembly after it has been adjourned sine die without prorogation, is the sole prerogative of the Speaker of the Assembly. It is not permissible for this Court (Delhi HC) to issue directions with regard thereto.” However, the Justice Datta-led Bench directed that once the Legislative Assembly is constituted and summoned pursuant to upcoming elections, requisite steps will be taken by the Delhi government for laying the CAG Reports, as expeditiously as possible.

It said, “The term of the current Legislative Assembly is about to expire and elections for the purpose of electing the next Legislative Assembly, are barely a few days away. In such a situation, it would be impracticable to hold a special sitting of the Assembly. This is also on account of the fact that once the CAG reports are tabled in the House, they have to be examined and scrutinised by the PAC, as contemplated under Rule 192 of the Rules of Procedure. Given that the Legislative Assembly is at the fag end of its current term, the examination and scrutiny by the PAC will now take place only after the newly elected Assembly (pursuant to the upcoming elections) is re-convened.”

In its judgment, the Delhi High Court reprimanded the city government over “remiss in forwarding the CAG Reports to the Lieutenant Governor as mandated under Article 151(2) of the Constitution of India”.

“It is quite evident that there has been an inordinate delay on the part of the Government of NCT of Delhi in taking requisite steps for laying the CAG Reports before the Legislative Assembly. The sequence of events and the timelines reveal a disdainful disregard by the Government of NCT of Delhi of its constitutional obligation,” added the Delhi HC.

The much-delayed CAG reports purportedly talk about the alleged lapses of the city government related to the now-withdrawn excise policy, anti-pollution drive and other matters of state finances that may cause embarrassment to the AAP-led government just before the Assembly polls.

Earlier on December 24 last year, a bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula had issued notice in the matter and asked the Delhi government, Assembly Speaker and other respondents to file their reply by January 9. Justice Narula-led Bench also took note of the submission that Chief Minister Atishi, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, has forwarded to the Speaker the CAG reports approved by the Lt. Governor (L-G).

The latest plea filed by BJP MLAs Vijender Gupta, Mohan Singh Bisht, Om Prakash Sharma, Ajay Kumar Mahawar, Abhay Verma, Anil Bajpai and Jitender Mahajan said that a special sitting of the Delhi Legislative Assembly was not called by the Speaker despite a statement made before the Delhi High Court in an earlier round of litigation.

“This is a clear violation of the statement/undertaking given by the Senior Counsel on behalf of the GNCTD before this Hon'ble Court for which the petitioners reserve their rights to move contempt of court if advised," it said.

Earlier on December 16, the Delhi HC disposed of BJP legislators' plea seeking direction to the city government to forward CAG reports to the Lt. Governor (L-G) after it was told that L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the 14 CAG reports forwarded by Chief Minister Atishi.

It noted that CM Atishi, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, will forward within 2-3 days these approved reports to the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, who in turn, will promptly take a call on holding a special session for laying down the CAG reports. The petition had said that the CAG is a "constitutional watchdog" created with the objective of providing independent and credible assurance to the public, the legislature and the executive that the public funds are being collected and used effectively and efficiently.

--IANS

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Mysuru (Karnataka), Jan 24 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy lashed out at the Karnataka government, saying, “On one hand, the government claims to empower women by giving them Rs 2,000 under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. On the other hand, it has given a free hand to microfinance companies, which are ruining their lives."

Answering questions from the media during a programme in K.R. Nagar, Kumaraswamy said, “Karnataka was once a model for good governance, but now they are out to destroy it.”

Criticising the government, he added, “Those fighting for power have done nothing for the people. A month ago, the menace of microfinance began in Chamarajanagar, forcing people to leave their villages. Despite the problem persisting for so long and media reports highlighting the issue, the government has taken no action against anyone. Why?”

“Rural women, especially farmers and poor women, are the primary victims of microfinance companies. Many of them are abandoning their homes and villages. Who is responsible for this?” Kumaraswamy questioned.

“Microfinance companies have mushroomed in the state like weeds and are operating illegally without regulation. Back in 2018, when I formed the government with the Congress party, I implemented the Debt Relief Act. The Bill was passed in the legislative session, approved by the Governor, and I personally went to Delhi to secure the President’s assent. What happened to that after the subsequent governments took over?” he asked in frustration.

Targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah he slammed, “You claim to have achieved power equivalent to late CM D. Devaraj Urs, who implemented land reforms in the state. Not just for these five years, even for the next five years, you may remain in power. But tell us, what good have you done for the people?”

He added, “At that time, the Kerala government had formed a commission to address this issue of harassment by microfinancing companies. I had this information and planned to study it personally. I sent a delegation led by my then Cooperative Minister, Bandeppa Kashempur, to Kerala to study the situation. Using that as a basis, I implemented the Debt Relief Act here. What happened to it after that?” Kumaraswamy questioned.

“The CM has called for a meeting tomorrow. What will you do in the meeting? How many lives have been lost? How many people have abandoned their homes and villages? What relief will you provide them?” Kumaraswamy questioned.

“The officials are powerless to take any action. I spoke to the Mandya Deputy Commissioner. In this district alone, there are 60 microfinance companies. Out of these, only 14-15 companies are licenced, while the rest are operating illegally, troubling the people,” Kumaraswamy revealed.

“The people gave Congress power, hoping for the betterment of the state. But ever since they came to power, they have been working to destabilise Opposition parties,” the Minister alleged.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Jan 24 (IANS) Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday called for unified efforts to combat the drug menace, particularly in Punjab.

Addressing a gathering here, the Governor expressed concern with regard to the escalating drug abuse problem.

The Anti-Drug Programme, organised by the National Commission for Women, focused on raising awareness and fostering a collaborative approach to effectively combat this societal threat.

The Governor said while drug abuse is a nationwide issue, Punjab faces a disproportionately grave risk, making it a matter of immense concern.

“Drug abuse is wreaking havoc on the lives and families. In Punjab, the severity of this issue calls for immediate and united efforts. It is time for religious, social organizations, and educational institutions to come together to address this crisis,” said the Governor.

The event was organised to discuss actionable strategies for curbing the drug scourge. Participants included representatives from social organisations, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders.

Various case studies were shared, showcasing successful rehabilitation stories and initiatives to spread awareness in rural and urban areas.

Governor Kataria also underscored the vital role of women in this mission. He said: "Women play a critical role as the backbone of society. Their influence as mothers, sisters, and community leaders can inspire significant change. Their contributions in guiding families and spreading awareness cannot be overlooked."

He exhorted communities to act immediately, expressing confidence that consistent and dedicated efforts will undoubtedly yield results. Quoting his belief in action, he said: "Kam shuru karo, parinam jaroor aayega” (Start the work, and results will surely follow).

Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson, National Commission for Women, shared her insights on combating drug abuse, while special guest Meenakshi Negi provided perspectives on the issue.

The event concluded with participants pledging to intensify efforts to create a drug-free society.

The Governor also reaffirmed the administration's commitment to providing resources for rehabilitation programmes, awareness campaigns, and enforcement measures.

--IANS

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