Month: April 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of the transshipment facility previously extended to Bangladesh, citing logistical challenges and congestion at Indian ports and airports.

Addressing the weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The Transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at our airports and ports. Logistical delays and higher costs were hindering our own exports and creating backlogs.”

“The facility, therefore, has been withdrawn with effect from April 8, 2025. To clarify, these measures do not impact Bangladesh exports to Nepal or Bhutan transiting through Indian territory,” the MEA spokesperson added.

Notably, a 13-member delegation from Bangladesh visited India from July 9 to 12, 2024, to explore the possibilities of transhipment of Bangladeshi Exim cargo through Indian ports located on the East Coast. The delegation was led by S M Mostafa Kamal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh, and included representatives from other key Bangladeshi ministries and ports.

Earlier, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, in a release, said that Agenda no. 6 in the agreed minutes of SSLT was moved by the Indian side to facilitate Bangladesh’s Exim cargo through Indian Ports on the East Coast using the Coastal Shipping Agreement and Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) Agreement between India and Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi delegation had identified several bottlenecks in Exim trade using Indian ports. In response, the Indian side agreed to provide comprehensive data analysis and comparisons and demonstrated the benefits for Bangladeshi exporters and importers in using Indian ports over existing transhipment ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Port Klang.

During the press briefing, MEA spokesperson Jaiswal also raised broader concerns regarding bilateral relations with Bangladesh, particularly the treatment of minorities and issues surrounding the Teesta Water Treaty.

Speaking on the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, Jaiswal emphasised the need for urgent and firm action. “We have conveyed our concerns regarding the treatment of minorities, the kind of violence that has happened against them…These violence and atrocities against minorities cannot be wished away…We hope that the Bangladesh government will take strong action against those responsible for these atrocities,” he said.

Regarding the Teesta Water Treaty, Jaiswal reiterated India’s commitment to dialogue, stressing that such discussions must be based on mutual consent and a conducive environment.

“There are 54 rivers shared between India and Bangladesh. To discuss all relevant water issues, we have a mechanism, a bilateral mechanism, called the Joint Rivers Commission. We are ready to discuss all issues provided that they are mutually agreed upon and provided that the overall environment is conducive for the same,” he said.

Earlier on April 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday and reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.

PM Modi underlined India’s concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the Bangladesh government would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them, according to an MEA release.

In a press release, the MEA stated, “Prime Minister reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. Enunciating India’s people-centric approach to the relationship, the Prime Minister highlighted that cooperation between the two countries has brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries. He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism.” (ANI)

In a retaliatory move, China on Wednesday announced it will increase its tariff on US goods from 34 per cent to 84 per cent starting April 10, Al Jazeera reported.

The decision comes after the United States increased tariffs on China to a whopping 104 per cent, following US President Donald Trump’s threat of “additional 50 per cent tariffs” on Beijing starting Wednesday.

Trump had announced an additional 50 per cent tariff on China after Beijing announced 34 per cent tariff on the United States in tit-for-tat response.

Trump had said if China did not withdraw its 34 per cent increase in 24 hours, the United States would impose additional tariffs and all talks with China concerning their requested meetings will be terminated.

The 50-point rise in tariff by China mirrors the additional 50 per cent tariff introduced by the US.

Beijing announced the tariffs after the White House on Tuesday (local time) announced the imposition of a 104 per cent tariff on China starting Wednesday, marking a significant escalation amid the tariff tension which have shaken the markets.

During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised that it was a “mistake” for China to retaliate against the US, asserting that when America is challenged, the response is forceful and unyielding.

“It was a mistake for China to retaliate. When America is punched, He punches back harder. That’s why there will be 104 per cent tariffs going into effect on China tonight… If China reaches out to make a deal, he will be incredibly gracious,” Leavitt declared.

Leavitt stated that the new tariffs come as part of an ongoing effort by the Trump administration to address what it deems unfair trade practices that have led to job losses and economic strain on American workers. She sharply criticised China’s trade policies, accusing the nation of exacerbating economic issues for American workers.

“President Trump made it very clear that the era of American economic surrender is over. President Trump is no longer going to allow American workers and companies to be ripped off at the hands of foolish trade practices that shift away millions of high-paying jobs and hollow out communities across the country,” the White House Press Secretary said.

“Countries like China, who have chosen to retaliate and try to double down on their mistreatment of American workers, are making a mistake. President Trump has a spine of steel, and he will not break, and America will not break under his leadership,” she added.

Leavitt further stated that there was no consideration made by President Trump on either “extension or delay” of the tariffs but that he “is willing to pick up the phone and talk.”She noted that “since the Liberation Day announcement, nearly 70 countries have already reached out to the president to begin a negotiation.”

She also mentioned that Trump has directed his trade team to have “tailor-made trade deals with each and every country that calls up this administration to strike a deal.”Leavitt also discussed the broader strategy behind the tariffs, explaining that the tariffs were focused not only on monetary tariffs imposed by other nations on US goods but also on non-monetary barriers that hinder American trade.

“The reciprocal tariff rates that were implemented by country were focused on the monetary tariff that those countries have imposed on the US but also the non-monetary tariff barriers,” she added.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump threatened an additional 50 per cent hike in tariffs on China following Beijing’s 34 per cent retaliatory tariff hike after Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs during Liberation Day on April 2.

China decried the US tariffs imposed on the country as “groundless” and called them a unilateral bullying practice, as per a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce. (ANI)

Iconic Bollywood on-screen couple Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol will soon be immortalised in bronze, as their classic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) becomes the first Indian film to be honoured at London’s celebrated Scenes in the Square movie trail in Leicester Square.

According to Yash Raj Films, the Heart of London Business Alliance has announced a new statue will be joining the exciting ‘Scenes in the Square’ movie trail in Leicester Square, with historic blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) erected statue in London.

This will mark the start of 30-year celebrations of DDLJ, one of the most loved blockbuster Hindi films of all time, the timeless and multi-award-winning rom-com which also marked the directorial debut of Aditya Chopra.

The bronze statue will depict the two Bollywood megastars, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, in an iconic DDLJ pose. Set to be unveiled in Spring this year, the latest announcement signifies how the film is loved by the over five million strong British South Asian community as per YRF.

DDLJ follows two non-resident Indians, Raj and Simran, and their star-crossed love story across Europe and India, beginning on a train from King’s Cross Station.

The location couldn’t be more fitting, with Leicester Square featuring in DDLJ in a scene when Raj and Simran first cross paths, unknown to one another, before setting off on their memorable European adventure.

The scene on which a statue will be erected features Raj(Shah Rukh Khan) in front of the Vue Cinema and Simran (Kajol) walking past the Odeon Leicester Square.

As per YRF, the new statue will be positioned along the eastern terrace outside the Odeon Cinema to honour this scene.

With this, the DDLJ stars Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol join the who’s who of international cinema at Scenes in the Square, alongside ten other film icons from the past 100 years.

DDLJ will be next to iconic film characters like Harry Potter, Laurel & Hardy, Bugs Bunny, Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins, Mr. Bean, Paddington and DC Super-Heroes Batman and Wonder Woman.

Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive at Heart of London Business Alliance, expressed his happiness at including Shah Rukh and Kajol’s statues in the trail alongside other renowned artists from international cinema.

He called it a “fitting tribute to Bollywood’s global popularity and a celebration of London’s rich diversity.”

“It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to add to our trail Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, who are such titans of international cinema. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is one of the most successful and important Bollywood films of all time, and we’re excited by the prospect of bringing to the trail the first film that actually features Leicester Square as a location. The statue is a fitting tribute to the global popularity of Bollywood and a celebration of London’s rich diversity. We’re in no doubt it will attract fans from all around the world to Leicester Square, the home of film and entertainment,” said Mark Williams, as quoted by YRF press note.

Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, is thrilled that DDLJ has become the first Indian film to be represented in the ‘Scenes of Square’.

“When Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) was released 30 years ago, the film became a defining moment for Indian cinema and changed the face of the industry, capturing the hearts of everyone who saw it all over the globe. We’re thrilled to be the first Indian film to be represented in ‘Scenes in the Square’. It also marks 30 years of DDLJ, a film that has spread love and joy globally and shows the cultural impact it has had in the UK.”

He continued, “We are honoured that our superstars and our film are being recognised on the world stage alongside the Hollywood elite, from Gene Kelly to Laurel & Hardy to Harry Potter. This statue will be a great way to express the international appeal of Indian movies and build bridges amongst communities through cinema.”

DDLJ was released in 1995. Apart from the lead actors, the film also starred Amrish Puri and Anupam Kher in the lead roles. (ANI)

In a major development, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Tuesday approved India’s largest-ever fighter jet deal, clearing the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft for the Indian Navy. The deal, worth over Rs 63,000 crore, will be executed under a government-to-government agreement with France, government sources told ANI.

The contract will include 22 single-seater and four twin-seater Rafale Marine jets. It also comprises a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and indigenous manufacturing components under offset obligations.

Deliveries of the Rafale M jets are expected to begin approximately five years after the deal is signed. These fighters will be deployed on INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, and will complement the Navy’s existing MiG-29K fleet.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates 36 Rafale jets at its bases in Ambala and Hashimara.

The new Rafale Marine deal will also help enhance the IAF’s capabilities, including upgrading its “buddy-buddy” aerial refuelling system. This feature will enable around 10 IAF Rafale aircraft to refuel others mid-air, thus extending their operational range.

Defence sources told ANI earlier that the deal will likely include ground-based equipment and software upgrades for the IAF fleet. Additionally, the Navy will need to install specialised equipment on its aircraft carriers to support the operations of the 4.5-generation Rafale jets.

While the MiG-29Ks will continue to operate from INS Vikramaditya, the induction of the Rafale Marine jets is expected to boost the Navy’s airpower significantly.

Looking ahead, the Indian Navy is also planning to induct indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets, which are under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The upcoming twin-engine deck-based fighter aircraft is likely to be the naval counterpart of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) being developed for the Indian Air Force by the Aeronautical Development Agency. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday expressed concerns about radicalizing tendencies, attacks on minorities, and inflammatory rhetoric in Bangladesh, stating that India has been open about sharing these concerns.

Speaking at the CNN News 18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, he said, “No country wishes Bangladesh well more than us. That’s almost in our DNA,” highlighting the unique historical and cultural ties between the two nations

Jaishankar also commented on the meeting between Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing India’s long-standing friendship with Bangladesh.

“We have concerns about the rhetoric which is coming out of the people in Bangladesh, we have concerns about the radicalising tendencies we see, we have concerns about the attacks on minorities. I think we were very open about sharing those concerns. As a country, no country wishes Bangladesh well more than us. That’s almost in our DNA,” he said.

He stressed the need for Bangladesh to hold elections soon, citing the importance of democratic traditions and the renewal of mandates through electoral processes.

“As a well-wisher, as a friend, I think we hope that they go the right way and do the right things, and as a country with a democratic tradition, democracies require elections; that’s how mandates are given and mandates are renewed. So, we hope they go down that path,” he said.

Jaishankar emphasised the unique people-to-people connection between India and Bangladesh, rooted in historical ties and cultural exchange.

“The main message from our side, which came out at the first meeting, is that our relationship with Bangladesh, for historical reasons, is a unique relationship. It is a fundamental people-to-people connection, much more so than any other relationship I can think of. That’s something we need to recognise. So, it is not necessarily one of the government of the day,” he said.

Earlier on April 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday and reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.

PM Modi underlined India’s concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the Bangladesh government would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them, according to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release.

In a press release, the MEA stated, “Prime Minister reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. Enunciating India’s people-centric approach to the relationship, the Prime Minister highlighted that cooperation between the two countries has brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries. He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism.” (ANI)

In a symbolic gesture of humility and reverence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Navkar Mahamantra program on Wednesday without wearing footwear and chose to sit among the public instead of occupying the dais.

The Prime Minister’s gesture was seen as a mark of deep respect for the Jain spiritual tradition and the sanctity of the Navkar Mantra, which holds central significance in Jainism.

By walking barefoot and refraining from taking the designated seat on stage, PM Modi aimed to reflect the core Jain principles of humility and equality.

The Navkar Mahamantra, also known as the Namokar Mantra, is a universal prayer revered in Jainism and recited for inner peace, spiritual upliftment, and non-violence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday participated in the Navkar Mahamantra Divas and reflected on the profound spiritual impact of the Navkar Mahamantra, describing it as a guiding force that connects the individual to society and termed it as a ‘centre of faith.’

Calling the Navkar Mahamantra the “centre of our faith” and the “fundamental note of our life,” PM Modi emphasised that its value transcends spiritual boundaries.

Speaking at the Navkar Mahamantra Divas event at Vigyan Bhawan, PM Modi also underscored the broader spiritual and national relevance of the Jain chant.

“The philosophy of the Navkar Mahamantra connects with the vision of a developed India. I have said from the Red Fort that a developed India means progress as well as heritage. An India that will not stop, an India that will not pause. One that will touch heights, but will not be severed from its roots,” he stated.

Highlighting the richness of Jain’s contributions to India’s intellectual and spiritual traditions, the Prime Minister described Jain’s literature as the “backbone of India’s intellectual grandeur.”

The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s decision to grant Prakrit and Pali classical language status, two ancient Indian languages deeply intertwined with Jain and Buddhist traditions.

“That is why we have granted Classical Language status to Prakrit and Pali,” he said, underlining the cultural and scholarly significance of these languages.

Linking spirituality with national progress, the Prime Minister said, “A developed India means progress as well as heritage–an India that will not stop, that will not pause, that will touch great heights without being severed from its roots.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navkar Mahamantra Divas at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital, marking a significant spiritual and cultural event dedicated to the revered Jain chant.

Participating in the event alongside members of the Jain community and spiritual leaders, the Prime Minister led the collective chanting of the Navkar Mahamantra and described the moment as spiritually energising and unifying.

The event was organised to celebrate the timeless teachings of Jain philosophy and to promote the values of inner peace, self-realisation, and harmony.

The Navkar Mahamantra Divas were observed at various locations in India, but the central ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan.

Religious scholars, Jain monks, dignitaries, and hundreds of followers came together to recite the ancient mantra venerated by the five supreme beings: Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus.

The event also highlighted the Jain philosophy’s emphasis on nonviolence, truth, self-discipline, and inner transformation.PM Modi reiterated the importance of embracing such values in today’s world to foster harmony and brotherhood across communities.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister invited citizens to join in chanting the Navkar Mahamantra at 8:27 AM, describing it as a collective step toward peace, strength, and unity. (ANI)

Mumbai Police on Wednesday said that any decision on taking custody of the 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana will depend on the specific grounds outlined in the extradition order once he is brought to India.

According to reports, Rana is being extradited from the United States in connection with a conspiracy case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2009 related to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

According to the Mumbai Crime Branch, a case of criminal conspiracy against Rana was originally lodged by the NIA in Delhi following the deadly November 2008 attacks in which over 160 people were killed.

The ongoing extradition process pertains to that case. However, officials clarified that it is yet to be determined whether Mumbai Police can seek his custody for any local investigation linked to the attacks.

“Only after examining the grounds of extradition will it be clear whether custody can be sought by the Mumbai Crime Branch in this matter,” sources said.

Sources added that the Mumbai Police has not received any formal communication so far regarding Rana’s transfer to the city for questioning or judicial proceedings.

Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and providing material support to the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday welcomed the US Supreme Court’s decision to extradite Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, to India.

Speaking at the News 18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, he said, “There’s nothing really new that I can say on the Tahawwur Rana issue. Obviously, we welcome the decision of the American legal process.”

The comments came as the United States (US) Supreme Court rejected the plea of Tahawwur Rana- accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks- seeking a stay on his extradition to India.

“The application for stay addressed to The Chief Justice and referred to the Court is denied,” the US SC order dated Monday, April 7, 2025, stated.

On April 7, the Supreme Court of the United States rejected Tahawwur Rana’s plea to stay his extradition to India. Rana filed an emergency application with Chief Justice Roberts on March 20, 2025, seeking a stay on his extradition.

“The application for stay addressed to The Chief Justice and referred to the Court is denied,” the US SC order dated Monday, April 7, 2025, stated.

Earlier, US Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan had denied a similar plea in March. His request was circulated among the Supreme Court justices for a conference held on April 4, as per the court’s official website.

In his earlier application, Rana argued that he would not survive long enough to be tried in India due to various reasons.

Rana highlighted his deteriorating health. He suffers from a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm at immediate risk of rupture, Parkinson’s disease with cognitive decline, and a mass suggestive of bladder cancer. He asserts that he cannot be sent into a “hornet’s nest”, where he will be targeted due to national, religious, and cultural animosity. (ANI)

China has released a white paper criticising the US for imposing tariffs on over USD 500 billion worth of Chinese exports since 2018, calling it a form of “unilateralism and protectionism” that undermines global trade cooperation.

China’s State Council Information Office on Wednesday released a white paper titled “China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-US Economic and Trade Relations.” The paper alleged that friction in trade between the US and China has significantly impeded normal economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, as reported by Xinhua.

According to Xinhua, yhe Chinese government issued the document to clarify the facts about China-US economic and trade relations and elaborate the position of the Chinese side on relevant issues, according to the white paper.

This comes after the White House announced on Tuesday (local time) the imposition of a 104 per cent tariff on China starting Wednesday, marking a significant escalation amid the tariff tension that has shaken the markets.

During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised that it was a “mistake” for China to retaliate against the US, asserting that when America is challenged, the response is forceful and unyielding.

“It was a mistake for China to retaliate. When America is punched, He punches back harder. That’s why there will be 104 per cent tariffs going into effect on China tonight… If China reaches out to make a deal, he will be incredibly gracious,” Leavitt declared.

Leabvitt stated that the new tariffs are part of the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to address what it deems unfair trade practices that have led to job losses and economic strain on American workers.

The paper asserted that these measures will have severe consequences for bilateral economic and trade relations between the two nations.

The white paper came as rising unilateralism and protectionism in the United States have significantly impeded normal economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, Xinhua reported.

It said that the US has imposed tariffs on Chinese exports worth over USD 500 billion since 2018, with average tariffs on Chinese goods now standing at 42.1%, significantly higher than pre-trade war levels.

Mentioning the recently levied US comprehensive additional tariffs on Chinese products, including tariffs citing the fentanyl issue as the pretext, “reciprocal tariffs,” and an additional 50 percent on existing tariffs, the White Paper said that these measures — revealing the isolationist and coercive nature of US conduct — run counter to the principles of the market economy and multilateralism, and will have serious repercussions for the economic and trade relations between the two countries.

China has taken countermeasures to defend its national interests, including imposing tariffs on USD 23.6 billion worth of US exports, such as coal, crude oil, and passenger vehicles.

Xinhua said that the white paper mentioned that in response to America’s moves, China has taken “forceful countermeasures to defend its national interests, and has remained committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, with multiple rounds of consultations with the U.S. side to stabilize bilateral economic and trade relations.”

The trade war has led to a decline in US export volumes to China, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports dropping by 59.8% and car shipments falling by 33% since 2021.

The white paper underscored that the Chinese side has always maintained that China-US economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature.

The white paper emphasizes the need for both countries to respect each other’s core interests and find solutions to trade disputes through dialogue and consultation.

The White Paper, as cited by Xinhua, noted, “As two major countries at different stages of development with distinct economic systems, it is natural for China and the United States to have differences and frictions in their economic and trade cooperation. It is crucial to respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, and find proper solutions to resolve the issues through dialogue and consultation”. (ANI)

Madhya Pradesh Minister Prahlad Patel demanded strict action and stressed that there should be no politics days after police arrested a man accused of performing surgeries and allegedly causing the deaths of at least seven patients at the Mission Hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh.

“That institution (missionary hospital) has been controversial since past… This is a serious case and that place has had ongoing controversies and this is why strict investigation should ensue… There should be no politics in the matter, and the focus should be on relieving the victims and punishing the culprits,” Patel told ANI a day earlier.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said his government will take strict action into the case.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the State government would not make any delay in taking action against such cases and instructed that if there is any other such case in the State, the health department should take strict action against them.

“In the incident, which came to light in Damoh, our government is taking strict action. Our government does not make any delay in taking action against such cases. Our government has built its own credibility. I have instructed that if there is any other such case, the health department should take strict action against them,” Chief Minister Yadav told reporters.

An FIR has been registered against a person who reportedly posed as a doctor at Mission Hospital in Damoh district. He is accused of performing surgeries and allegedly causing the deaths of at least seven patients.

One of the victims’ relatives, Jitendra Singh Rajput, recounted that he took his father to the hospital after he experienced chest pain, and doctors recommended surgery.

“My name is Jitendra Singh Rajput. I took my father to the hospital as he was experiencing chest pain. The doctors said it was a heart attack and that he needed to be operated on. I told them I did not have money, and they said the Ayushman card could be used,” he said.

“He underwent the surgery and when I met him, he told me he wasn’t feeling well….. They said it would be fine. Later, they put him on a ventilator

When asked about the postmortem of his father, he said it was not conducted as the hospital staff advised to not to do it. “The postmortem did not take place because the hospital staff said he had died of a heart attack and there was no need for it… We didn’t file any complaint,” Jitendra added.

On the fake doctor case, Damoh Superintendent of Police Shrut Kirti Somavanshi earlier said, “Accused doctor N John Camm has been arrested from Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) by our team. He is being brought to Damoh”.

Earlier, CSP (Damoh) Abhishek Tiwari told ANI, “An FIR has been registered at Kotwali Police Station against the accused, who went by the name of Dr. N. John of Mission Hospital, for fraud and presenting fake documents. We received a report from the CMHO, Health Department, that the accused allegedly performed fake surgeries, including angiography and angioplasty. His medical documents were found to be suspicious, which were examined by a team of doctors. Based on their findings, the FIR was lodged.”

“The doctor was practicing medicine without registration in Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, his registration with Andhra Pradesh was not found on the official website. Several other irregularities came to light, raising further doubts about his medical practice,” the CSP added. (ANI)