T20I career Virat Kohli WC

Couldn’t Have Dreamt Of Better Day Than This: Kohli’s Message After Concluding T20I Career

After passing the baton to the next generation and bringing an end to his illustrious T20I career, Virat Kohli admitted that he couldn’t have dreamt of a better day than lifting the T20 World Cup trophy.

The second-highest T20I run-scorer with 4,188 runs and the highest run-getter in the history of the T20 World Cup, with 1292 runs, Kohli decided to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career in the shortest format of the game.

Kohli spent time chasing the shadows of his former self for the majority of the tournament. Before the final, Kohli’s statistics were in complete contrast to his tally for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

But in his final appearance in the Indian jersey in the shortest format of cricket against South Africa in the final of the marquee event, Kohli and the Indian team finally broke the 11-year ICC trophy hiatus.

“Couldn’t have dreamt of a better day than this. God is great and I bow my head in gratitude. We finally did it, jai hind,” Kohli captioned his post on Instagram.

The form is temporary, and class is permanent Kohli justified this saying by playing a match-saving knock.

He struck 50 off 48 deliveries, which is the second-slowest fifty for the Indian team in the T20 World Cup against a fierce Proteas bowling line-up.

But in the next 14 deliveries, he shifted through gears and struck 28 runs within a blink of an eye. He walked back with a score of 76 off 59 deliveries after Marco Jansen finally got the better of him towards the end of the first innings. His effortless play was recognized at the end, and he was adjudged the Player of the Match in his final T20I appearance for the Men in Blue.

For Kohli, it was an open secret that he was going to retire from the T20I after the conclusion of India’s successful World Cup campaign.

“This was my last T20 World Cup, this is exactly what we wanted to achieve. One day, you feel like you can’t get a run, and this happens, God is great. Just the occasion, now or never kind of situation. This was my last T20 game playing for India. We wanted to lift that cup. [if he is confirming if this was his last T20I] Yes I have, this was an open secret,” he said in the post-match presentation.

“Wasn’t something that I was not going to announce even if we had lost. Time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward and do wonders, as we have seen them do in the IPL. I have no doubts that they will keep the flag waving high and take this team further from here now. It’s been a long wait for us just waiting to win an ICC tournament. It’s not just me alone,” Kohli added.

Kohli’s match-winning knock took India closer to their dream by propelling them to a competitive total of 176/7. Despite a nervy defence, India managed to defend the total and clinch a 7-run win to lift their second T20 World Cup title. (ANI)

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T20 World Cup 2024 India Modi

Modi Congratulates Team India On T20 WC Win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Team India’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 and said that the Men in Blue have shown ‘excellent skill’ in the marquee event.

Men in Blue got hold of the prestigious T20 World Cup trophy for the second time, defeating South Africa by seven runs in Barbados.

PM Modi took to his official X account and said that he spoke to the Indian Cricket Team and congratulated them for their ‘exemplary success’ in the T20 WC.

“Spoke to the Indian Cricket Team and congratulated them on their exemplary success at the T20 World Cup. They have shown excellent skill and spirit throughout the tournament. Each player’s commitment is very motivating,” PM Modi wrote on X.

He also hailed India skipper Rohit Sharma’s ‘aggressive mindset, batting and captaincy’. PM Modi added that Rohit’s T20 career will be remembered fondly.

“Dear @ImRo45, You are excellence personified. Your aggressive mindset, batting and captaincy has given a new dimension to the Indian team. Your T20 career will be remembered fondly. Delighted to have spoken to you earlier today,” he added.

PM Modi lauded the India talisman batter Virat Kohli for his performance in the final match of the T20 World Cup 2024. He added that the T20 cricket will miss Kohli.

“Dear @imVkohli, Glad to have spoken to you. Like the innings in the Finals, you have anchored Indian batting splendidly. You’ve shone in all forms of the game. T20 Cricket will miss you but I am confident you’ll continue to motivate the new generation of players,” he added.

PM Modi praised departing head coach Rahul Dravid for an incredible coaching journey that shaped the success of Indian cricket.

“Rahul Dravid’s incredible coaching journey has shaped the success of Indian cricket. His unwavering dedication, strategic insights and nurturing the right talent have transformed the team. India is grateful to him for his contributions and for inspiring generations. We are happy to see him lift the World Cup. Happy to have congratulated him,” PM Modi added.

Recapping the final match of the tournament, India won the toss and opted to bat first. After being reduced to 34/3, a counter-attacking partnership between Virat (76) and Axar Patel (47 in 31 balls, with one four and four sixes) of 72 runs restored India’s position in the game. A 57-run stand between Virat and Shivam Dube (27 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) took India to 176/7 in their 20 overs.

Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26) were the top bowlers for SA. Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram took a wicket each.

In the run chase of 177 runs, Proteas was reduced to 12/2 and then a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six) brought back SA into the game. A half-century by Heinrich Klaasen (52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) threatened to take the game away from India. However, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20) and Hardik (3/20) made a fine comeback in death overs, keeping SA to 169/8 in their 20 overs.

Virat secured the ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance. Now, by securing their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013, India has ended their ICC trophy drought. (ANI)

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The Biden-Trump Debate

Why the Biden-Trump Debate Should Fill the World with Horror

After the disastrous performance by America’s President Joe Biden at his debate with his electoral rival, former President Donald Trump, the New York Times said in an editorial that “the greatest public service Mr. Biden can now perform is to announce that he will not continue to run for re-election”. The Times didn’t mince its words or what it thought of Biden’s suitability to run for a second term. Neither did millions of Americans who watched the debate.

Nearly universally, the reaction in the US to that near-surreal event has been of disbelief, anger, embarrassment and shame as they watched Biden, 81, dither, stutter, lose control of his sentences, whisper nonsense, forget words, and, in short, make a mess of an opportunity to demonstrate his ability to uphold the future of American democracy in the face of the threat it faces from a contender such as Trump.

Ironically, it was Biden who challenged Trump to the debate but, in the end, it was Trump who scored the points. During the debate, Trump may have lied brazenly (several post-debate fact checks have borne this out); accused his opponent falsely; and threatened him vindictively but in comparison to Biden’s performance, he astonishingly came out as the winner.

Yet, while Democrats in America are now grappling, quite belatedly, with the question of whether Biden can be persuaded to stand down in favour of a new candidate with only four months to go before the elections, his debate with Trump should send tremors of horror around the world.

Most Powerful Man in the World

The office of the US President holds significant importance on the world stage, and is often described as the most powerful elected position globally. The US President is the primary architect of US foreign policy, which has far-reaching implications for global affairs. As President, he can negotiate treaties, meet with foreign leaders, and shape international relations more effectively than any other nation in the world.

The US President is the commander-in-chief of the world’s most powerful armed forces and he can deploy troops, order military actions, including nuclear weapon deployment, and significantly influence global security dynamics.

His economic influence globally is immense. The US is the world’s largest economy with a GDP of around $26 trillion, it towers above the other large economies–China’s at $17 trillion; Japan’s at $4.2 trillion; and Germany’s at $ 4 trillion. US decisions on trade, sanctions, and economic policies can have a huge impact on global markets and economies.

The US remains a dominant force in global geopolitics, wielding significant economic, military, and cultural influence. Economically, as the world’s largest economy it is a major driver of global trade and financial markets. Its currency, the US dollar, continues to be the world’s primary reserve currency, giving the US considerable leverage in international finance.

ALSO READ: How Old is Too Old to Be a Head of State?

Militarily, the US maintains the most powerful and technologically advanced armed forces globally, with a network of alliances and bases spanning the globe. This military supremacy allows the US to project power and influence events far beyond its borders.

“If the US elects one of the two potentially incompetent
candidates that we saw on Thursday’s debate,
it could hasten the change in the world order.

Culturally and technologically, American soft power remains potent. US media, entertainment, and tech companies have a global reach, shaping narratives and influencing consumer behavior worldwide.

Neither Biden Nor Trump Make A Pretty Picture 

Last Thursday’s debate showed in whose hands this enormous power could vest–the incumbent President Biden or the former President Trump. Neither makes for a pretty picture. Biden, at 81 is clearly past his expiry date; and Trump, at 78, is no spring chicken. At the debate, it was clear that Biden had aged exponentially–he could barely finish sentences and when he did he rarely made sense. Trump can talk and he did but he too rarely made any sense and often lied. 

Unless something drastic happens, America is likely to be in the hands of either of these two men. That should spell horror for the rest of the world.

The US still dominates the current world order. In Europe, it is the leading force behind NATO, which is now faced with the threat of an aggressive Russia that has continued its war of aggression against Ukraine for well over two years. In the Middle East, where Israel and Hamas are locked in conflict, decisions made by the US have a huge bearing on the future.

Flux in the World Order

However, the current world order is in flux. The post-World War II liberal international order, largely shaped by the US and its allies, faces growing challenges. Rising powers, particularly China and to a lesser extent Russia, are increasingly assertive in reshaping global norms and institutions to better suit their interests.

If the US elects one of the two potentially incompetent candidates that we saw on Thursday’s debate, it could hasten the change in the world order. 

China’s economic rise and growing military capabilities pose the most significant challenge to US hegemony. Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and its efforts to establish alternative international institutions reflect its ambition to reshape the global order. 

Russia, while economically weaker, leverages its military strength, energy resources, and diplomatic influence to challenge US interests, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.

Other regional powers like India, Brazil, and Turkey are also seeking greater autonomy and influence in their respective spheres, contributing to a more complex and multipolar international system.

This shift is leading to increased competition and tension in various domains–from trade and technology to military and ideological spheres. The result is a more uncertain and potentially volatile global landscape, where the rules-based international order is under strain and great power competition is intensifying.

The moderators from CNN who organised Thursday’s debate did not focus much on the challenges that the world order faced and what the two candidates thought of that. Probably a good thing that they didn’t. One shudders to think what either Biden or Trump would have had to say. 

In fact, both candidates seemed most enthusiastic at the fag end of the debate when they bickered like elementary school kids over who had a better golf handicap. The world needs divine intervention. Amen!

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Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi Indian Army

Lt Gen Dwivedi To Take Over As Indian Army Chief Tomorrow

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi will tomorrow take over as the next chief of the Indian Army on Sunday succeeding Gen Manoj Pande on completion of his 26-month tenure.

Lt Gen Dwivedi would be the 30th Chief of the Army Staff and is taking over at a time when the force is undergoing major modernisation through indigenisation along with structural reforms.

Lt Gen Dwivedi has had a long tenure as the Northern Army Commander where he has had long exposure to the ongoing operations in the military standoff on the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

The Government appointed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2024.

Born on July 1, 1964, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was commissioned into the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984.

During his long and distinguished service spanning nearly 40 years, he has served in a variety of Command, Staff, Instructional and foreign appointments.

The Command appointments of Lt Gen Dwivedi include Command of 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Battalion 26 Sector Assam Rifles brigade, Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East) and 9 Corps.

In the rank of Lt Gen, the officer has tenanted important appointments including that of Director General Infantry.

An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, National Defence College and US Army War College, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has also undergone courses at the DSSC Wellington and Army War College, Mhow.

In addition, the officer was conferred a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ in the coveted NDC equivalent course at USAWC, Carlisle, USA.

The officer has an M. Phil in Defence and Management Studies and two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science. (ANI)

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T20 World Cup India South Africa

T20 WC Final: India Win Toss, Opt To Bat Against SA

India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat against South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup here at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, on Saturday.

On their way to the final, the Proteas recorded an authoritative nine-wicket win to end Afghanistan’s dream campaign, India defeated England by 68 runs and took revenge for their defeat in the semis of the 2022 edition.

Both teams have had a contrasting run in the tournament. The Rohit Sharma-led side has dominated each side that they have faced in the tournament, including heavyweights like Australia, Pakistan, and England.

While the Proteas have, on numerous occasions, escaped defeat by a narrow margin en route to the final Bangladesh and Nepal gave them a run for their money in the group stage. In their final game of the Super 8 against the co-hosts, the West Indies, they almost sealed their exit while chasing the revised target of 123. They lost a couple of wickets towards the end but Marco Jansen came to the rescue and sealed a three-wicket win.

After winning the toss, India skipper Rohit Sharma said, “We’re going to bat first, looks a good pitch. We’ve played one game here, and the scores have been really good. Just about understanding individual roles, I know it’s a big occasion, but it’s important to remain calm and play it like it’s another international game against a good team. South Africa have played some good cricket, but so have we. It’s going to be a really good game between two quality teams. Different individuals have stepped up at different times, and that’s what we’re looking forward to today as well. Same team.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram said during the time of the toss, “Would’ve batted first as well, looks dry. But we get first crack with the ball so hopefully, we can do well. At times, we haven’t been at our best, but we’ve still managed to win, and we take confidence from that. Perfect isn’t possible, but we want to be as close as possible to that. There’s absolutely no pressure on us, we’ve never been in a final and we just want to enjoy it and be at our best. Same team for us.”

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi. (ANI)

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Central Govt Employees

Three British-Era Laws Changed With Concept Of Speedy Justice: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the three laws of the British-era that were governing the Indian Judicial system have been changed on the concept of delivering speedy justice.

Shah was speaking at the MoU signing event between the Haryana government and the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar in Panchkula to build a centre of excellence in the state.

In his address, Amit Shah said that, in association with NFSU, work has been done to give a scientific base to the criminal justice system of Haryana today.

“Three laws of the British era were governing the Indian judicial system, they have been changed with the concept of speedy justice and justice to all. As a part of these changes, forensic team visits have now been made mandatory for offences carrying a sentence of seven years or more. This will increase the demand for forensic experts across the country, which the NFSU will cater to,” Shah said.

“Human resources have to be created to implement these new criminal laws. It was with this approach that the National Forensic Science University was taken forward and at the same time the framing of these new laws were also underway,” he added.

The Home Minister further mentioned that so far, campuses of this university have been opened in 9 states and work will be done to take this university to 16 states across the country.

“This would create trained manpower and help in speeding up the pace of solving crimes and improving the conviction rate,” Amit Shah said.

He said that this will not only result in trained human resources but will also be of great benefit in getting the new laws implemented at the grassroots level.

The Union Home Minister asserted that having a laboratory, university and training institute at the same campus itself will greatly simplify both the instructor and the trainee.

“If a training institute is planned to be opened here, then the Government of India will provide good arrangements for training in forensic science at its own expense. The Forensic Science University not only works to educate children and prepare trained manpower but also helps in strengthening the forensic infrastructure,” Shah added.

“This will help Police Sub Inspectors (PSIs), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSPs) and Superintendent of Police (SPs) level officers and judges of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. (ANI)

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Amitabh Bachchan Shraddha Kapoor Kalki 2898 AD

Shraddha Calls Amitabh Cinematic Universe After Watching ‘Kalki 2898 AD’

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been garnering widespread love and praise for his performance as Immortal ‘Ashwatthama’ in the recent release ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. Now actor Shraddha Kapoor has joined the list.

After watching the film, Shraddha could not stop herself from lauding Big B in her signature style.

The post read, “Kya North, Kya South, Kya East, Kya West…Saara Cinema Ek Taraf, AMITABH BACHCHAN Ek Taraf.”

She captioned the post, which read, “@amitabhbachchan apne aap mein hi ek cinematic universe hain.”

As soon as the post was shared, fans chimed in the comment section.

One of the users wrote, “He’s doing this at the age of 81, what an absolute legend.”

Another user commented, “Have you felt goosebumps while he said “Dronacharya ka Putra Ashwatthama”?”

‘Kalki 2898 AD’ saw a bumper opening.

As per the makers, the film raked in Rs 191.5 crore gross worldwide at the box office in all languages on its opening day.

Directed by Nag Ashwin, the post-apocalyptic film is inspired by Hindu scriptures and set in the year 2898 AD. Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan and Disha Patani are also part of the film.

The film is a mythology-inspired sci-fi extravaganza set in the future.

Before the release of the film on June 27, the makers organised a grand event in Mumbai.

During the event, Big B shared his working experience in the film and how he felt after listening to the script. He also appreciated the director of the film Nag Ashwin for coming up with such a great concept.

He said, “Nagi came and explained the idea of Kalki 2898 AD. After he left, I thought, what the hell is Nagi drinking? To think of something like this is absolutely outrageous. Some of the visuals that you have seen just now are unbelievable. To have somebody conceive a project that is so futuristic is amazing.”

“No matter what Nag Ashwin thought of, he actually got all the material and effects to match his vision. It has been an amazing experience working for Kalki 2898AD which I will never forget,” Big B added.

Actors Vijay Deverakonda, Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur have cameos in the film.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shraddha is coming back with ‘Stree 2’, which also stars RajKummar Rao and Aparshakti Khurana.

The film sequel directed by Amar Kaushik, will hit theatres on August 15, the Independence Day.

‘Stree’ was released in 2018 and was declared a blockbuster hit.

‘Oo Stree Kal Aana’, a phrase from the movie to date, has been repeatedly used in memes.

The film’s music also gained significant attention with tracks like ‘Milegi Milegi’ and ‘Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe’. (ANI)

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Ambani Radhika

Ahead Of Anant-Radhika’s Wedding, Mukesh, Nita To Organise Mass Wedding For Underprivileged

Preparations are in full swing for the wedding of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of industrialist Viren Merchant.

Mumbai is abuzz with excitement as Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are all set to tie the knot.

The Ambanis are planning to host another round of grand pre-wedding festivities.

As part of the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, Mukesh and Nita Ambani are set to organise a mass wedding for the underprivileged on July 2 at Swami Vivekanand Vidyamandir in Palghar.

Recently, the wedding invitation went viral offering a glimpse into the preparations for the high-profile event.

The event will take place at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.

On Monday, Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple to seek blessings and offered the first wedding invitation to Lord Shiva.

The wedding festivities are meticulously planned, adhering to traditional Hindu Vedic customs.

The main ceremonies will commence on Friday, July 12, with the auspicious Shubh Vivah, or wedding function and according to sources, guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the occasion by dressing in traditional Indian attire.

The celebrations will continue on Saturday, July 13, with Shubh Aashirwad.

The final event, Mangal Utsav or the wedding reception, is scheduled for Sunday, July 14.

For this grand occasion, guests have been asked to dress in ‘Indian chic.’

Radhika Merchant, daughter of Encore Healthcare CEO Viren Merchant and entrepreneur Shaila Merchant, is set to join the Ambani family, marking a union of two prominent industrialist families.

Earlier this year, the couple hosted a series of pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar, which saw a star-studded guest list from around the globe.

Business leaders, heads of state, and Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities graced the occasion, making it an event to remember.

Among the distinguished guests were Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and Ivanka Trump.

The highlight of the pre-wedding celebrations was an electrifying performance by pop sensation Rihanna, marking her debut performance in India.

The theme ‘A Walk on the Wildside’ with ‘jungle fever’ was a creative touch that left guests in awe, followed by ‘Mela Rouge,’ a celebration of South Asian culture.

The three-day extravaganza also featured the world-renowned illusionist David Blaine, who left guests spellbound with his incredible feats.

Bollywood stars and family members joined in the sangeet performances, with a special appearance by actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, captivating the audience. (ANI)

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Zakir Khan

Teaser Dropped Of Zakir’s New Show ‘Aapka Apna Zakir’

Comedian Zakir Khan is set to take over your screens with a new show ‘Aapka Apna Zakir’. The makers of the show dropped the teaser on Saturday.

Taking to Instagram, streaming platform Sony Entertainment treated fans

Sharing the video, they wrote, “Aap dekhenge. Hum dekhenge. Sab dekhenge. #AapkaApnaZakir, sirf #SonyEntertainmentTelevision par. Bohot hi jald.@zakirkhan_208.”

As soon as the teaser was uploaded, fans chimed in the comment section.

One of the users wrote, “Can’t waittttt.”

Another user commented, “Hum bhi dekhenge.”

Zakir’s captivating wit and undeniable charisma, the show promises to offer an enthralling experience that combines laughter, shaayari, and zindagi ke ‘nuskhe’ into one compelling package.

This distinctive offering promises to stand out with Zakir’s infectious humor and insightful anecdotes adding a special touch, providing a refreshing and delightful experience that will resonate with viewers of all ages.

In 2012, Zakir Khan rose to popularity by winning the title of ‘India’s Best Stand Up’ at the Comedy Central. He has released four hour-length standup specials so far including ‘Haq Se Single’, ‘Kaksha Gyarvi’, ‘Tathastu’ and ‘Mannpasand’ on OTT platforms.

Meanwhile, Zakir was recently seen in third season of ‘Chacha Vidhayak Hai Humare’.

Directed by Gaganjeet Singh and written by Zakir Khan & Gopal Datt.

The third part also stars Amruta Khanvilkar, Alka Amin, Vyom Sharmarma, Venus Singh, and Kumar Varun in pivotal roles. It is currently streaming on Amazon miniTV. (ANI)

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Arvind Kejriwal

Court Sends Kejriwal To Judicial Custody Till July 12

The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi on Saturday sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till July 12 in connection with the excise policy case.

The Vacation Judge Sunena Sharma sent Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till July 12, 2024.

Advocate DP Singh appeared for CBI while seeking direction to send Arvind Kejriwal into Judicial Custody and alleged that during the police custody remand, the accused Arvind Kejriwal been examined/ interrogated. However, he did not cooperate with the investigation and deliberately gave evasive replies contrary to the evidence on record.

On being confronted with the evidence, he did not give a proper and truthful explanation regarding the enhancement of the profit margin for wholesalers from 5 per cent to 12 per cent under the new Excise Policy of Delhi 2021-22, without any study or justification, said CBI.

He also could not explain as to why during the peak of 2nd wave of Covid, the Cabinet approval for a revised Excise Policy was obtained through circulation in hurried manner within 01 day, when the accused persons of the South Group were camping in Delhi and holding meetings with his close associate Vijay Nair.

He evaded the questions regarding the meetings of his associate Vijay Nair with various stakeholders of the liquor business in Delhi and demanded illegal gratification from them for favorable provisions in the upcoming Excise Policy, CBI added.

He also evaded questions regarding the transfer and utilization of ill-gotten money to the tune of Rs.44.54 crores in the Goa Assembly Elections by his party during 2021-22, said CBI.

In the light of aforesaid facts and circumstances, the further custodial interrogation of the accused Arvind Kejriwal is not required at this stage, said CBI.

CBI alleged that he was deliberately and intentionally evading the just and relevant questions related to the case. He, being a prominent politician and Chief Minister of Delhi, is a very influential person, as such, there are credible reasons to believe that, he may influence the witnesses and evidence already exposed before him during the custodial interrogation and also the potential witnesses, who are yet to be examined, tamper with the evidence to be further collected and may hamper the ongoing investigation, CBI added.

Earlier the Vacation Judge on June 26 had sent Arvind Kejriwal into 3 days Custodial Remand of CBI.

On Saturday, Kejriwal was produced by CBI at the end of their remand period. Sunita Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh, Dilip Pandey, Samantha Bharti, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Madan Lal were present in the courtroom.

On the last date of the hearing, Arvind Kejriwal himself addressed the court and said, “CBI is claiming that I have made a statement against Manish Sisodia which is completely false. Manish Sisodia Nirdosh hai, Aam Aadmi Party Nirdosh hai aur main bhi nirdosh hun. Iss Tarah ke statements hamme media me badnam Karne ke liye diye ja rahe hai.”

He also added that “CBI sources ke hawale se media me hamme badnam kar rahe rahe hai. Inka plan hai ki media front page ye chala de ki Kejriwal ne sara thikra Manish Sisodia pe daal diya.”

However, the Court said, “apki statement maine pad liya hai… apne aisa nahi bola hai.”

Appearing for CBI, DP Singh on the last date, submitted that there are certain dates…I got permission under the PC Act on 23rd April 2024 and since the election was on and then he was on interim bail, we refrained from investigating him. Vijay Nair a close confidant of CM, the media in charge of AAP is given the responsibility to coordinate.

CBI counsel further alleged that on May 25, 2021 policy was notified. Before this first attempt was made to meet the liquor baron. The policy wasn’t yet notified. But the process of finding suitors started?

K Kavitha and Magunta Reddy met together and again in March 2021 itself K Kavitha called Reddy and then met. Even though lockdown happened, these meetings started and on a private flight, a team from the South came to Delhi during prime COVID. Boinpally sends a report through Nair to Sisodia…C Arvind, the Secy of Sisodia, types the report and it was given in his camp office (CM), said CBI in court.

The GoM report was prepared by the South Group, the said report goes to the LG office. 4 chargesheets have been filed, 17 accused persons, we’re almost on the conclusion of the investigation, said CBI

Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari appeared for Arvind Kejriwal opposed the remand application moved by CBI and said CBI has filed four chargesheets till now and now arresting me and it still has to identify some persons through me. Is this a valid reason for arrest?

Kejriwal’s lawyer further added that, according to CBI I gave evasive replies during my examination/Interrogation in Tihar jail. The investigation officer of the case called it evasive because the only reply they want is my admission of guilt.

Chaudhri questions the timing of the arrest: They were waiting for the pronouncement of my bail order. They could’ve arrested me on June 2 when I surrendered. The materials must be perused by the Court before granting them (the CBI) the custody of Kejriwal.

On Tuesday CBI arrested the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Kejriwal after the Vacation Judge of the Delhi Court allowed CBI to examine/interrogate him in the courtroom so that the agency could proceed with his formal arrest.

The court also asked the CBI to place on record the material that they have for his arrest.

The Delhi High Court on recently stayed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail order passed by the trial court, saying that the trial court should have at least recorded its satisfaction with the fulfillment of twin conditions of section 45 of Prevention of the Money Laundering Act (PMLA) before passing the impugned order. (ANI)