Month: March 2023

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday issued a fresh summons to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao’s daughter and Bharat Rasthra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha to join its ongoing investigation in the Delhi excise policy case on March 20.

The federal agency issued the fresh summons as Kavitha refused to attend the ED interrogation on Thursday citing a pending petition in the Supreme Court.
Kavitha did not appear for the third round of ED questioning conveying to the probe agency that the matter is still pending before the apex court.

According to the sources, Kavitha has sent the necessary documents sought by the probe agency through her legal representative.

The ED had summoned her earlier this month to appear before it on Thursday in the Delhi excise scam, alleging that she was a key member of the south cartel.

The BRS leader had approached the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing claiming that as a woman, she cannot be summoned to the ED office, and the probe agency’s representatives must visit her instead.

On Wednesday the Supreme Court had agreed to hear her plea challenging the ED summons on March 24 but refused to grant her interim relief.

The Apex court has agreed to hear her petition on March 24, in the Delhi excise policy case. Kavitha approached the Supreme court, saying as per norms a woman cannot be summoned for questioning before ED in office and her questioning should take place at her residence.

The advocate for Kavitha said that a woman is now being summoned by ED for questioning and that it is “completely against the law”.

Kavitha’s lawyer mentioned the plea before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and sought an urgent hearing on her petitions. The court agreed to list it on March 24.

As per sources, Kavitha will be confronted with Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai, who was arrested on March 6 night in the case.

In its investigation, ED has come to know that Pillai is one of the key persons in the entire scam involving payments of huge kickbacks and the formation of the biggest cartel of the South Group.

South Group comprises Telangana MLC Kavitha, Sarath Reddy (promoter of Aurobindo Group), Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy (MP, Ongole), his son Raghav Magunta, and others. The South Group was being represented by Pillai, Abhishek Boinpalli and Butchi Babu, the federal agency investigation has revealed.

Pillai along with his associates was coordinating with various persons to execute the political understanding between the South Group and a leader of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Pillai has been an accomplice and was involved in the kickbacks from the South Group and the recoupment of the same from the businesses in Delhi, ED investigation reveals.

The ED had earlier said that the South Group gave kickbacks of Rs 100 crore to AAP leaders.

Pillai is learnt to be a partner of 32.5 per cent in Indo Spirits, which had got an L1 licence. Indo Spirits is a partnership firm of Arun (32.5 per cent), Prem Rahul (32.5 per cent) and Indospirit Distribution Limited (35 per cent), wherein Arun and Prem Rahul represented the benami investments of Kavitha and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy and his son Raghava Magunta.

Pillai is a partner in Indo Spirits. In this partnership firm, Pillai represented the interests of Kavitha.

Kavitha, who is a member of the Telangana Legislative Council, was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the same case in December last year.

ED, last year filed its first chargesheet in the case. The agency said it has so far undertaken nearly 200 search operations in this case after filing FIR after taking cognisance of a CBI case which was registered on the recommendation of the Delhi lieutenant governor.

The CBI inquiry was recommended on the findings of the Delhi chief secretary’s report filed in July showing prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009, and Delhi Excise Rules-2010, officials had said.

In October, the ED had raided nearly three dozen locations in Delhi and Punjab following the arrest of Sameer Mahendru, Managing Director of Delhi’s Jor Bagh-based liquor distributor Indospirit Group, in the case and arrested him later.

The CBI too filed its first charge sheet in the case early this week.

The ED and the CBI had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the Excise Policy, undue favours were extended to licence holders, the licence fee was waived or reduced and the L-1 licence was extended without the competent authority’s approval. The beneficiaries diverted “illegal” gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to evade detection.

As per the allegations, the Excise Department had decided to refund the Earnest Money Deposit of about Rs 30 crore to a successful tenderer against the set rules. Even though there was no enabling provision, a waiver on tendered licence fees was allowed from December 28, 2021, to January 27, 2022, due to COVID-19.

This allegedly caused a loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer, which has been instituted on a reference from the Union Home Ministry following a recommendation from Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. (ANI)

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Actor Sara Ali Khan, who is currently in vacation mode ditched her swanky car and enjoyed an auto ride in Punjab.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday Sara shared a video on her stories in which she could be seen sitting inside an auto-rickshaw.

In the video, Sara asked the auto driver, ” Kahan Ja rahein hain ji? (Where are we heading to?) to which the driver replied, “Punjab jaa rahein hain ji Punjab,” to which the ‘Love Aaj Kal’ actor said “Punjab mein to hain (We are in Punjab).”

In another video which she posted on her stories, Sara could be seen enjoying dhaba food in Chandigarh.

“Parantha, Dahi..Yummy! Missi roti, paneer it’s a blast,” Sara said in the video.

The ‘Atrangi Re’ actor is an avid social media user and she frequently shares her videos and photos on social media which get viral.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sara is all set to come up with a film titled ‘Gaslight’. Helmed by Pavan Kirpalani, ‘Gaslight’ also stars Vikrant Massey and Chitrangda Singh in the lead roles.

The film will stream exclusively on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar from March 31.

‘Gaslight’ has been a learning curve for Sara.

“The character and story is very distinctive from the ones I have played before. The film has given me an opportunity to expand my horizons in acting and introduce different shades of Sara to my fans. It is an interesting whodunit and will keep the audience at the edge of their seats till the end. It has been an exciting journey during the shoot. Gaslight also marks my second association with Disney+ Hotstar and I am looking forward to audience reactions once they watch it,” she had earlier said.

Sara also has Laxman Utekar’s upcoming untitled rom-com film opposite Vicky Kaushal and Homi Adajania’s next ‘Murder Mubarak’ in her kitty. (ANI)

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Veteran actor Sameer Khakhar passed away on Wednesday, at the age of 71.

The news of the actor’s demise was confirmed by his brother Ganesh. He informed that Sameer died due to multiple organ failure.
“He experienced some respiratory issues yesterday morning, we called the doctor home and he asked to get him admitted. So we took him to the hospital and he was admitted to the ICU. He then had multiple organ failures and today at 4.30 am he passed away,” Ganesh said.

After learning about the unfortunate event, several Bollywood celebs took to their social media handles and mourned the demise of the late actor.

Parineeti Chopra took to her Instagram account and shared a picture which she captioned, “An absolute legend and my favourite co-star. Your love, wisdom and humour made Hasee Toh Phasee and Meri Pyari Bindu my most special..Will never forget your laugh, your straight-faced jokes and most importantly, the invaluable life lessons. Goodbye Sameer Sir, will never forget you.”

Ayushmann Khurrana shared a picture in his stories and wrote, “RIP #SameerKhakhar JI.”

Director duo Raj and DK shared a long note and wrote, “Khopdi from Nukkad had made such an impact on us as kids! He was different and quirky. He was inebriated, but always spoke the truth. Then decades later we read his interview, where he mentioned how he longed to get back in front of the camera. And we jumped to get him to do a cameo in #Farzi. The original elan and improv was intact! With each take he tried to do something fun. Just the outtakes were so hilarious. We were lucky to have worked with this maverick actor, even if for one day! May his soul rest in peace! Always in our hearts #SameerKhakhar.”

Rajkummar Rao wrote, “Rest in peace sir.”

Actor Suzzane Bernet tweeted, “Hearing the sad news, all the memories of shooting for Sanskaar Laxmi show with Sameer come rushing back…Gentle,sweet soul. #sameerkhakhar.”

Sameer Khakhar’s career spanned nearly four decades. He rose to fame with his roles in TV shows ‘Nukkad’ and ‘Circus’. He was also featured in ‘Shrimaan Shrimati’, and ‘Adaalat’. He also played vital roles in films, including ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’, ‘Jai Ho’, ‘Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi’. More recently, he was seen in the Shahid Kapoor-starrer OTT series ‘Farzi’. (ANI)

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Actor Shilpa Shetty penned a heartfelt note post her mother Sunanda underwent surgery.

On Thursday, taking to Instagram, Shilpa dropped a picture of her mother from the hospital and shared a health update.
Sharing the picture, she wrote, “Seeing a parent undergo surgery is never easy for any child. But if there’s anything I want to emulate from my mom it’s her guts and her fighting spirit. The last few days have been a roller coaster. But my hero and my hero’s hero saved the day!. Please do keep Ma in your prayers till she makes a full recovery, my dearest #InstaFam Prayers work miracles.”

She also thanked the doctors and staff of the hospital for taking good care of her mother.

As soon as the news was uploaded on social media, netizens and members from the industry chimed in the comment section with speedy recovery messages.

Shilpa’s sister and actor Shamita Shetty wrote, “Our momie is the strongest. Love ya.”

Raveena Tandon wrote, “Wishing a speedy recovery.”

Dia Mirza wrote, “May she heal well. Love and good energy coming her way.”

One of the users wrote, “God bless her. Wish her a speedy recovery.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shilpa was seen in an action comedy film ‘Nikamma’ alongside Abhimanyu Dasani and Shirley Setia.

Shilpa is a part of Rohit’s OTT debut ‘Indian Police Force’, which also stars Sidharth Malhotra and Vivek Oberoi. The series will stream on the OTT platform Amazon Prime. (ANI)

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Actor Anushka Sharma who is gearing up for her upcoming movie on Thursday ditched her healthy diet and enjoyed a delicious croissant.

Taking to Instagram, Anushka dropped a couple of pictures of herself after enjoying a croissant.
In the first picture, she is seen wearing an abstract printed oversized t-shirt while making funny faces and showing fingers with chocolate on them.

She also shared a half-eaten croissant on a plate.

Sharing the pictures, she wrote, “Croissant high.”

As soon as the pictures were posted, the actor’s fans and industry friends chimed in the comment section.

One of the users wrote, “High on calorie too.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Anushka will be seen essaying the role of the legendary former India pacer Jhulan Goswami in the much-talked-about film ‘Chakda Xpress’.The final release date of the film is still awaited.

Directed by Prosit Roy, ‘Chakda Xpress’ is a sports biopic based on the life of former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami, which will stream exclusively on Netflix.

‘Chakda Xpress’ marks the comeback of Anushka after her last release ‘Zero’ in 2018 with Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif.

The movie will see the ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ actor portraying the role of a cricketer for the first time in her career.

Anushka’s brother Karnesh Sharma will be producing ‘Chakda Xpress’ with his home production company Clean Slate Filmz. (ANI)

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Russia on Thursday proposed to hold the first Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Games in the country.

The initiative was put forward by Russian Minister of Sports Oleg Matytsin in Delhi at the Meeting of Heads of Ministries in charge of the development of physical education and sports in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Member States.
The meeting brought together officials from sports ministries and agencies from Russia, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

“We discussed with my colleagues from Shanghai Organization countries the possibility to organise the first SCO games. We proposed Russia as the host country to organise these games. But We need of course , the regulations and we should ask Kazakhstan who will be chairing the meeting of the minister for next year and If all ministers will agree, because consensus is a main principle for the meeting. Then Russia will be ready to host the games,” said Oleg in a media interaction.

“Sports cooperation in the SCO region has rich potential and develops in the spirit of true partnership, mutual respect and absence of any form of discrimination,” he said.

“The Meeting of SCO Sports Ministers is held for the second time, and it becomes a platform for direct and open dialogue. Our common task is to ensure that athletes and major international competitions do not become the object of political games. This is possible only on condition of equality and respect among all participants. I propose to counteract these destructive trends and jointly form common legal and political mechanisms to protect the rights of athletes in the SCO region,” added the minister.

The Russian Sports Minister stressed that Russia’s experience of hosting major international sporting events will enable SCO athletes of any level and format to compete.

“We suggest considering the venue of the Russian Federation as a possible host country for the SCO Games in coordination with the SCO Chair country for the next calendar period,” said Oleg Matytsin.

The meeting participants discussed the possibility of establishing the Association of SCO Sports Organisations. The initiative was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO Summit in Samarkand.

“The Association may be focused on strengthening ties in development of Olympic, non-Olympic, Paralympic and national sports. The Association will promote sports events among the SCO member states. The Russian side has drafted Regulations for the Working Group, which is needed to deepen cooperation in sports within the SCO. This may be a standing body responsible, among other things, for the preparation and staging of sporting events such as the SCO Games,” the Minister added.

Oleg Matytsin also invited the delegations of the meeting’s participants to take part in the sports and official events held in Russia – the International University Sports Festival in Yekaterinburg in 2023, The Games of the Futur in Kazan in 2024, The Russia-Islamic World Forum in Kazan and Russia as a Sporting Power. (ANI)

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Opposition MPs protested outside Parliament by forming a human chain and demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani issue on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Congress workers also held a protest in the national capital over the Adani row and demand Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into it.
Earlier today Trinamool Congress MPs entered the Well of the Rajya Sabha with a black cloth tied around their mouths as they registered a unique protest which led to the adjournment in both Houses.

A similar protest was seen in Lok Sabha as well.

Opposition MPs have been protesting against the Government, demanding a JPC probe into the allegations against the Adani Group.

The party’s MPs in both Houses wore black cloth around their faces and entered the Well even before the Presiding officers arrived.

They kept pointing towards the Treasury benches and shouted “BJP Ministers and MPs are not allowing the opposition to speak. Not allowing the opposition to express themselves.”

The MPs said that the protest will be repeated at 2 pm.

Parliament was adjourned till 2 PM today. Congress and other opposition parties insisted on their demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Adani-Hindenburg row and the BJP members seeking an apology from Rahul Gandhi over his remarks made in London.

Earlier this morning leaders from like-minded opposition parties met in the chamber of Leader of Parliament in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge inside the Parliament building.

Leaders of the DMK, NCP, SP, RJD, BRS, CPM,CPI, SS, JDU, JMM, MDMK, AAP, VCK and IUML attended the meeting this morning.

On the ruckus caused by the opposition MPs in Parliament, Kharge told mediapersons, “It’s their conspiracy to not let the Parliament run and ignore our demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe in the Adani issue.

“They don’t want to discuss issues of unemployment and inflation. Earlier on numerous occasions, Modi Ji spoke against India abroad. There is no question of apologizing,” he added. (ANI)

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North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Thursday, hours before the leaders of South Korea and Japan meet to discuss the recalcitrant regime’s evolving threats and other shared challenges, Yonhap News Agency.

Notably, this is the third missile that has been launched this week. The last one took place on March 14.
Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that it had detected the launch from the Sunan area in Pyongyang at 7.10 am.

“While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance, our military is maintaining a full readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States,” the JCS said in a text message sent to reporters, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The latest launch also came amid the ongoing South Korea-US Freedom Shield (FS) exercise, which the North has decried as “preparations for a war of aggression” against it.

Earlier, on Tuesday, North Korea fired two “strategic cruise missiles” from a submarine in waters off its east coast over the weekend, state media said on Monday, reported Yonhap News Agency.

The missiles were fired from 8.24 Yongung in waters off Kyongpho Bay in the East Sea in an underwater launching drill held at dawn Sunday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The drill confirmed the reliability of the weapon system and examined the underwater-to-surface offensive operations of submarine units that constitute one of the other major forces of the DPRK nuclear deterrent,” the KCNA said.

“The missiles precisely hit preset targets in the East Sea after “traveling the 1,500 km-long eight-shaped flight orbits for 7,563 to 7,575 seconds,” the KCNA stated, adding, “The drill…verified the current operation posture of the nuclear war deterrence means in different spaces.”

Meanwhile, on Thursday, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol will visit Japan for a long-awaited summit with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

South Korean and Japanese leaders are set to meet in Tokyo, in the first official bilateral meeting between the two countries’ leaders in 12 years, The Japan Times reported.

A potential thaw in ties between these two key US allies could yield big dividends for the Biden administration and its Asia policy. (ANI)

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