Responding firmly, Puri clarified that he neither sought nor initiated meetings with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and that his limited interaction occurred only in an official and institutional context long before Epstein’s criminal activities became public knowledge.

“I did not seek the meeting. It was arranged through institutional channels. Selectively quoting emails without context is misleading,” the minister said, rejecting the allegations outright.

Facts Versus Political Narrative

According to Puri, his name appears only a handful of times among millions of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, which recently made public a massive archive related to Epstein’s investigations. The minister emphasized that mere references in large datasets cannot be equated with wrongdoing.

He also pointed out that during the period in question he had no association with the Bharatiya Janata Party, and was engaging internationally in a professional capacity, promoting India’s economic and technological prospects.

Puri categorically denied ever visiting Epstein’s island or travelling on any aircraft linked to him, adding that revelations about Epstein’s crimes surfaced years later. He further stated that once concerns arose regarding individuals connected through the International Peace Institute, he ended his association.

Government Hits Back at Opposition Strategy

Leaders within the ruling establishment have accused the Opposition of attempting to manufacture controversy after repeated failures to corner the government on governance and policy issues. Political observers say the episode reflects a broader pattern in which sensational allegations are raised without substantiated evidence, leading to repeated disruptions in Parliament.

Government supporters argue that instead of engaging in constructive debate on economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and India’s global positioning, sections of the Opposition are relying on personal attacks designed to generate media attention.

Parliament Disruptions Under Scrutiny

The latest row has also reignited criticism over frequent parliamentary logjams, with ruling party leaders accusing the Indian National Congress of prioritising political theatre over legislative responsibility.

Analysts note that repeated controversies based on selective interpretations risk diluting serious democratic debate and distracting from pressing national issues, including development initiatives and economic reforms.

Minister Stands Firm

Reiterating his position, Puri said his interactions were limited to discussions on India’s growth trajectory and outreach to global investors and technology leaders. “My public record is transparent. Attempts to create controversy out of nothing will not succeed,” he asserted.

As the political exchange intensifies, the government maintains that facts — not rhetoric — will ultimately prevail, while calling on the Opposition to engage in constructive and issue-based politics rather than what ruling leaders describe as “manufactured outrage.”

The post Opposition’s “Epstein Files” Attack Falls Flat as Hardeep Singh Puri Counters Allegations with Facts appeared first on Bharat Vigilante.

According to the CBI, the case was registered on February 3, 2026, following a complaint from a contractor holding Power of Attorney for a private company executing MES works. The complainant alleged that despite completion of contractual works and submission of completion certificates, payments were deliberately withheld by the accused officials to coerce payment of illegal gratification.

The accused officers allegedly demanded ₹6 lakh as undue advantage for releasing pending bills. After negotiations, the bribe amount was reportedly reduced to ₹2 lakh as the first instalment.

Acting swiftly on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap on February 5, 2026, and caught the Junior Engineer red-handed while accepting ₹2 lakh from the complainant. The bribe money was recovered from his office. Subsequently, the Assistant Garrison Engineer was also arrested for his alleged role in the conspiracy.

Searches conducted at the residential and office premises of both accused resulted in the recovery of incriminating documents and unexplained cash amounting to ₹1,88,500.

Both officials have been taken into custody, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the corruption network and identify any additional beneficiaries.

The arrests underline the CBI’s continued crackdown on corruption within government departments, particularly in cases involving public works and defence establishments.

The post CBI Arrests Two MES Officers in Pune for Taking ₹2 Lakh Bribe appeared first on Bharat Vigilante.

The case was originally registered on March 30, 2012 against D.P. Singh, then Branch Manager of Punjab & Sindh Bank, Deewan Public School branch, Meerut. The investigation revealed that Singh, in criminal conspiracy with 46 individuals, sanctioned and disbursed 24 housing loans and two Overdraft Against Property (ODP) loans amounting to approximately ₹3.63 crore using fake and fabricated identity and income documents of borrowers and guarantors. Renu Saxena was among the accused.

CBI investigations further established that Renu Saxena, along with her husband Bhudev Singh, executed a false sale deed in the fictitious name of “Maya Devi” for a property in Meerut. Using these forged documents, a housing loan of ₹14 lakh was fraudulently sanctioned on March 29, 2011.

The CBI filed a chargesheet on November 26, 2014 against D.P. Singh, Renu Saxena, and other accused. However, Saxena failed to appear before the court despite summons. Consequently, the competent court issued standing warrants against her on May 11, 2017, and declared her a Proclaimed Offender.

Following sustained efforts, CBI traced Saxena’s whereabouts in Meerut. Acting on specific inputs, a CBI team conducted a coordinated operation on February 6, 2026, and successfully apprehended her.

The accused was produced before the competent court and has been remanded to judicial custody.

The post CBI Arrests Proclaimed Offender Renu Saxena in ₹3.63 Crore Bank Fraud Case appeared first on Bharat Vigilante.

The operation led to the interception of three suspect vessels approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai, exposing an elaborate syndicate involved in the illegal transfer of large quantities of oil and oil-based cargo originating from conflict-ridden regions.

According to official sources, sustained rummaging of the vessels, corroboration of electronic data recovered onboard, verification of shipping documents, and detailed interrogation of crew members enabled ICG specialist boarding teams to reconstruct the complete chain of events and confirm the criminal modus operandi.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the smuggling network operated across multiple countries, employing a method where low-cost oil was transported by seagoing vessels and transferred mid-sea to motor tankers in international waters. This ship-to-ship transfer mechanism was used to evade maritime surveillance and avoid substantial duties payable to coastal states, including India.

The operation was triggered after ICG’s technology-enabled surveillance systems detected suspicious activity by a motor tanker within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Subsequent digital investigation and vessel movement pattern analysis identified two additional ships converging on the tanker, raising strong suspicion of illicit cargo transfer.

Following confirmation of digital evidence through physical boarding on February 5, all three vessels were apprehended. Investigators also found that the ships frequently changed their identities to avoid detection by maritime law enforcement agencies. Initial findings suggest that the vessel owners are based in foreign countries.

The apprehended vessels are likely to be escorted to Mumbai for further investigation and will subsequently be handed over to Indian Customs and other law enforcement agencies for appropriate legal action.

Officials said the successful operation highlights the growing capability of the Indian Coast Guard’s advanced digital surveillance architecture and expanding maritime presence. The bust once again reinforces India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and a steadfast enforcer of the international rules-based order at sea.

The post Indian Coast Guard Busts International Oil Smuggling Racket in Coordinated Sea-Air Operation off Mumbai appeared first on Bharat Vigilante.

But this episode highlights a deeper discomfort.

Yes, losing a World Cup spot hurts Bangladesh cricket. Yes, players deserve stability and clarity. Yet what feels equally troubling is the silence of prominent sporting voices on the wider social climate back home — especially reports of violence against minorities, including Hindus. When national figures speak only about cricket while avoiding tougher realities, it sends an unfortunate message about priorities.

Athletes may not be politicians. Many operate under institutional pressure and personal risk. Still, cricket in Bangladesh is more than a game — it is a national symbol, a platform with enormous reach. When captains and stars choose caution over conscience, a vacuum is created, quickly filled by cynicism and global scrutiny.

Calling for the protection of cricket is fair. But protecting a sport also means protecting the values that sustain it — inclusion, safety, and unity.

You cannot truly “save cricket” in isolation from society. The game reflects the country it represents. Until leaders — on and off the field — find the courage to acknowledge uncomfortable truths alongside sporting concerns, Bangladesh will keep losing more than matches. It will lose moral ground.

The post Saving Cricket Is Important — But So Is Speaking the Truth appeared first on Bharat Vigilante.

According to the government notification, the ban applies to all forms of smokeless tobacco and chewable nicotine products available in the market. The decision has been taken in view of growing concerns over oral cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other serious ailments linked to tobacco and nicotine consumption.

Officials said the measure aims to protect public health, particularly among youth and vulnerable populations, who are increasingly exposed to such products.

However, cigarettes and beedis have been kept outside the purview of the current ban, drawing mixed reactions from public health activists who have long advocated for a uniform prohibition on all tobacco products.

The state administration has directed district authorities, food safety officials, and law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce the ban. Violators may face penalties under relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and other applicable laws.

The Odisha government reiterated its commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare and promoting a tobacco-free society through awareness campaigns, stricter regulations, and coordinated enforcement.

Health department officials also urged citizens to cooperate with authorities and support the initiative, emphasising that reducing tobacco consumption remains critical to lowering the overall disease burden in the state.

The post Odisha Govt Imposes Complete Ban on All Chewable Tobacco & Nicotine Products appeared first on Bharat Vigilante.

An 18-year-old aspirant and a resident of Jehanabad, who was preparing for the medical entrance exam NEET, was found unconscious in the room of Shambhu Girls Hostel in Patna’s Chitragupt Nagar earlier this month. She was staying at the private hostel to take coaching for the examination. She died at a private hospital on January 11 after remaining in a coma for days.

During the investigation, traces of semen were found on her clothes. Police will obtain a DNA profile from the traces of semen detected in the forensic report, officials said, adding that it will be matched with the accused in custody.

A statement issued by the SSP office said, “The forensic report of the student’s clothes, which she wore at the time of hospitalisation, detected traces of semen in the leggings. These clothes were provided by the family members of the victim on January 10 and further police sent these clothes for forensic examination. Now, SIT, investigating the case, will obtain a DNA profile from the semen detected in the scientific report. It will also be matched with the DNA profile of the accused arrested in the and also with the suspects”.

n another development in the case, Patna Police late Saturday night suspended Hemant Jha, Additional Officer-in-Charge of Kadamkuan Police station and the Officer-in-Charge of Chitragupt Nagar police station, Sub-Inspector, Roshni Kumari, on charges of dereliction of duty in the case.

The girl’s family had alleged that she was sexually assaulted, accusing authorities of attempting a cover-up. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating the case.

The initial findings of the doctors had concluded that the death occurred because she had consumed a large number of sleeping pills, and that she was also suffering from typhoid. However, the post-mortem report of the girl concluded that ‘sexual violence can’t be ruled out’ as a reason behind the incident.

The post Semen Traces Found on Clothes of Patna NEET Aspirant; Two Police Officials Suspended appeared first on Bharat Vigilante.

The prolonged vacancy of this strategic post has raised serious concerns within the oil major, particularly at a time when Indian Oil is executing large-scale pipeline expansion projects critical to India’s energy security and fuel logistics.

According to the trade union leaders, the absence of a full-time Director (Pipelines) is adversely impacting decision-making and slowing down key infrastructure initiatives. They have described the situation as “deeply worrying” for an organisation of IOCL’s scale and national importance.

The letter written by trade union leaders is given below for the benefit of our viewers –

The post Expedite Appointment of Director (Pipelines) in IOCL: Trade Union Leaders Write to PM Modi appeared first on Bharat Vigilante.

According to the CBI, a case was registered on January 16, 2026, following a written complaint alleging that the accused demanded ₹2 lakh to facilitate the handover of an HPCL retail outlet to the complainant’s wife, who is the proprietor of the outlet.

The complainant expressed his inability to arrange the entire amount at once, after which the accused reportedly agreed to accept ₹1 lakh as part payment on January 17, 2026, while insisting that the remaining amount be paid after completion of the work.

Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap on January 17, 2026, and caught the accused red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount of ₹1 lakh. The accused was subsequently arrested.

Further investigation in the matter is continuing.

The post CBI Arrests HPCL Sales Officer for Accepting ₹1 Lakh Bribe appeared first on Bharat Vigilante.

NTPC Limited is in news again, though not for good reasons this time too. NTPC Limited and its MDO – BGR Infra and Mining Private Limited, is excavating coal from Keredari Village in Hazaribagh District of Jharkhand. One Meena Devi, wife of Amresh Prajapati, resident of Keredari Village, has alleged that officials of BGR Infra and Mining Limited, on May 15, last, came to her house, assaulted her and razed her house to the ground. She further says that they were neither earlier informed of this action, not were paid any compensation by the MDO or NTPC Limited. And since then, her family is staying in a tent nearby.

She has further alleged that a week later, on May, 22, 2024, NTPC’s AGM Subhash Prasad Gupta came there with his colleagues, Mukesh Kumar Sahu and Rohit Pal. They were accompanied by employees of BGR Infra and Mining Limited namely Neeraj Singh, Subodh Prajapati, Ravi Rana and others. She has alleged that she was beaten to the extent that she fainted.

Residents of the village sat on a dharna to protest against the actions of NTPC Limited and its MDO – BGR Infra and Mining Private Limited. The protest was huge and mining activity was stopped in the vicinity for some days.

Some months back, this project was started with much fanfare and was welcomed by local residents too. Deputy Collector of Hazaribagh, Ms. Nancy Sahay was the chief guest on the occasion but probably unkept promises and high-handed attitude of NTPC officials along with the management of BGR Infra and Mining Private Limited, has brought the situation to this level. Though excavation work has started again, an uneasy calm prevails.

The aggrieved woman has filed a police complaint against NTPC Limited. A copy of the complaint is given below for the benefit of the viewers of www.indianpsu.com –

Meanwhile, officials of NTPC Limited have also filed a cross complaint against 17 persons including the Meena Devi and her husband, Amresh Prajapati.

Officials of NTPC Limited are seen openly siding with their MDO and calling the locals extortionists. In the video below, AGM of NTPC, Subhash Prasad Gupta, is seen making such allegations. But what is more intriguing is that NTPC Limited has finds no mention of “extortion” against the locals in its F.I.R. filed some hours after their official levelled such accusations !

Here, It is noteworthy to mention that NTPC Limited on 1st February, 2023, awarding the single highest awarded value contract of Rs. 20,400 Crore (approx.) for Kerendari Coal Block on BGR Mining & Infra. Limited, Hyderabad, for production of 139.74 Million Tonnes of Coal in a period of 25 years.

ww.indianpsu.com called Deputy Collector Hazaribagh Ms. Nancy Sahay to ask her whether the family whose house was bulldozed, had got any compensation for displacement, but the call went unanswered. WhatsApp messages and email sent to her on May 24, 2024, also did not elicit any response whatsoever. Same was the fate of the email sent to the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand. Two more reminder emails met the same fate.

www.indianpsu.com also sent three emails to CMD of NTPC, Corporate Communications Head of NTPC and to officials of M/s BGR Infra and Mining Private Limited, asking the same question, to get their versions, but we received no answers.

Serious questions are being raised on the Hazaribagh district administration and Jharkhand state government as to how did they allow NTPC Limited and its MDOs to start mining of coal without fulfilling the pre-conditions of rehabilitation-displacement and acquisition along with environmental and forest clearance? NTPC Limited and its MDOs start excavation of coal arbitrarily. Another vivid example of such neglect is NTPC’s Pakri Barwadih Project where the the ‘Most Critically Endangered’ ethnic group among the eight ‘primitive tribes’ of Jharkhand, Birhors, who constitute only about 0.01 percent of the total tribal population of India, live. In the recent past, two Birhor tribals have died unnatural deaths but blasts and mining continues unabated. The basic question here is whether the Maharatna PSUs and their partner private companies should meet the conditions and then start mining or should the rules and conditions are meant to be followed after starting mining? Coal is indeed important for power generation and other activity but is it more important than human life and dignity ? And are India and Bharat two different entities ???

The writer of this article is Vivek Avasthi, senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of www.indianpsu.com

The post NTPC MDO BGR Infra & Mining Accused Of Bulldozing House In Jharkhand Without Giving Compensation To Family appeared first on Bharat Vigilante.