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India Eyes Series Victory Against England at Chepauk

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India’s T20 squad, which put on an impressive performance in the opening match, will look to carry that momentum into the second game of the five-match series against England, set for Saturday in Chepauk. India lead the series 1-0 after a dominant seven-wicket victory at Eden Gardens.

While the win in Kolkata was commanding, all eyes will be on Mohammed Shami’s fitness ahead of the next match. The 34-year-old pacer, who was expected to feature in the first game, was sidelined as the management opted for a more cautious approach in evaluating his readiness. Shami’s inclusion in the squad for the second game will depend on further assessments, though his presence could boost the bowling attack.

Arshdeep and Chakravarthy Shine in Kolkata
In Shami’s absence, pacer Arshdeep Singh and spinner Varun Chakravarthy delivered superb performances in Kolkata, making vital contributions to India’s win. Arshdeep’s new-ball spells and Varun’s tight middle-overs bowling rattled the English lineup, and their form will be crucial as India moves to a spin-friendly Chepauk pitch.

Chepauk: A Spin-Friendly Challenge
While Eden Gardens offered help to both pacers and spinners, Chepauk’s pitch is traditionally more supportive of spinners. India boasts a formidable spin attack with Varun, vice-captain Axar Patel, and Ravi Bishnoi, providing the hosts with excellent variety in their bowling attack.

For England, much will depend on the performance of experienced spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone. England will need better contributions from them to challenge India’s top-order, especially after their struggle in the opening game.

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma’s Solid Opening Partnership
The opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma has been in excellent form, with both players providing India with solid starts. In the first match, Abhishek was the star with a brilliant knock, while Samson continues to impress with his recent run of form. Their right-hand, left-hand combination adds a strategic edge, and the duo will aim to give India a flying start again on the tricky Chepauk pitch.

Suryakumar Yadav Eyeing a Return to Form
Despite India’s dominant performances in recent series, Suryakumar Yadav, the team’s captain, will be looking to rediscover his best form. After a lean patch post the T20 World Cup final last year, Suryakumar has only managed two fifties in his last 11 innings. His latest outing in Kolkata ended with a duck, and he’ll be eager to make a strong statement in the upcoming game.

Team Combinations for Both Sides
India is unlikely to make significant changes to their lineup, with Shami’s inclusion dependent on his fitness. If Shami is fit to play, Nitish Kumar Reddy could make way for the seasoned pacer.

For England, the focus will be on strengthening their spin attack, with young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed potentially making his way into the XI, especially with Chepauk’s favorable conditions for spinners.

Squads (from):
India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vc), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk).
England: Jos Buttler (C), Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Jamie Smith (wk), Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

Match Details:
The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM at Chepauk Stadium.

Uttar Pradesh to Host Dazzling Drone Show at Maha Kumbh

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is preparing to host a spectacular drone show at the Maha Kumbh, offering a mesmerizing blend of modern technology and India’s rich cultural heritage. The event, scheduled for January 24, 25, and 26, will take place in Sector-7 of the Maha Kumbh Nagar.

The show promises to be a visual feast, with drones soaring into the sky in perfect synchronization, forming intricate patterns and captivating visuals. The light displays will highlight various aspects of Indian culture, spirituality, and the profound significance of the Maha Kumbh, offering an unforgettable experience for both devotees and tourists.

The drone show will also mark a special celebration on Republic Day, with unique arrangements made for the occasion. During a rehearsal held on Thursday evening in Sector 7, the drones demonstrated their remarkable coordination, building excitement for the upcoming performances.


Event Highlights:

  • Dates: January 24, 25, and 26
  • Location: Sector-7, Maha Kumbh Nagar, Prayagraj
  • Theme: A fusion of technology, light, and music showcasing Indian culture and spirituality
  • Special Feature: Republic Day celebration with a synchronized drone light show

Security and Coordination:

To ensure the smooth execution of the event, stringent security arrangements have been put in place. During the rehearsal, local administration, police, and Tourism Department officials conducted a review of the security and technical arrangements at the venue. Their collaborative efforts aim to ensure that the show runs seamlessly and safely, providing an enjoyable experience for all attendees.


Quote Section:

  • Tourism Department Official: “The drone show is a perfect fusion of technology and tradition. It will provide a unique and immersive experience that reflects the spiritual and cultural essence of the Maha Kumbh.”
  • Local Police Official: “We are working closely with all departments to ensure the security and safety of both the participants and spectators. The event will be a memorable highlight of the Kumbh Mela.”

12 Naxalites Identified in Chhattisgarh Encounter, Bounties Totaling Rs 3.13 Crore

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: Twelve of the 16 Naxalites killed in a recent encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district have been identified as key members of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), with a cumulative bounty of Rs 3.13 crore on their heads. The operation also saw the death of a central committee member, a significant figure in the outlawed movement.

The encounter took place in a forest area under the Mainpur police station limits along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. The three-day operation involved security forces from the Gariaband district police unit (E-30), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), its elite unit CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), and the Odisha police’s Special Operations Group (SOG). The operation concluded on Wednesday.

Key Figures:
Chalpathi, alias Jairam, a central committee member of the Maoists, was one of the prominent figures killed in the operation. He had a collective bounty of Rs 90 lakh across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. This marks the first time a member of the central committee, the main governing body of the proscribed group, has been eliminated in Chhattisgarh.

Other Identified Cadres:
Other key Maoists killed include:

  • Jairam alias Guddu (50), member of the Odisha state committee and secretary of the Dhamtari-Gariaband-Nuapada (DGN) division, and Satyam Gavde (43), chief of the DGN division. Both had a reward of Rs 65 lakh each across three states.
  • Alok alias Munna, a divisional committee member, and Mannu, a member of the military company in Maad area, carried bounties of Rs 18 lakh and Rs 14 lakh, respectively.
  • Shankar, Kalmu Deve alias Kalla, Manju, and Rinki, Maoist area committee members, had a collective reward of Rs 13 lakh each.

Additionally, three other deceased cadres have been identified as Sukhram, a party member, and Rame Oyam (28) and Jaini (24), both members of the Mainpur Local Guerrilla Squad (LGS). Each of them carried a bounty of Rs 3 lakh.

Ongoing Efforts:
Efforts are underway to identify four other deceased cadres. The operation led to the recovery of at least 17 automatic firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and one Self-Loading Rifle (SLR). More than two dozen improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the Naxalites were neutralized by the security forces.

Annual Toll:
This year alone, at least 42 Naxalites have been killed in separate encounters across Chhattisgarh. In 2024, a total of 219 Naxalites were neutralized by security forces in the state.


Quote Section:

  • Amresh Mishra, IG Raipur Range: “The encounter dealt a significant blow to the Naxal movement in Chhattisgarh, as several high-value targets were eliminated. We continue our efforts to safeguard the region from Naxal activities.”
  • Security Official: “The operation was a joint effort by multiple security agencies, and we are continuing to neutralize any remaining threats in the area.”

Kejriwal Accuses Police of Allowing Attack on His Car, Blames Amit Shah

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Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today made serious allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that the police allowed opposition supporters to attack his car during a public meeting in Hari Nagar, West Delhi.

In a post on X, Kejriwal accused Amit Shah of using the Delhi Police as his “personal army” to attack his campaign. “Today in Hari Nagar, the police allowed the opposition candidate’s men to enter my public meeting and then attacked my car. All this is happening on Amit Shah’s orders,” Kejriwal alleged.

Kejriwal further expressed concerns about the Election Commission’s inaction, stating, “Big questions are being raised on the Election Commission as the national president of a national party and its leaders are being constantly attacked, and yet the Election Commission is unable to take any effective action.”

This accusation comes amidst the ongoing Delhi Assembly elections, where Kejriwal has been actively campaigning for AAP candidates from Hari Nagar, Rajouri Garden, and Madipur. Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has previously made similar allegations of attacks during his campaign events.


Police Response:

The Delhi Police swiftly denied the allegations. A spokesperson stated, “No attack was attempted on Kejriwal in Hari Nagar. A police team was accompanying him during the public meeting. The police will investigate the matter as he has made a post on social media.”

An anonymous officer confirmed that the police were present with Kejriwal throughout the event and that the situation would be further looked into.


Security Concerns:

In a related development, Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, announced that Punjab Police personnel assigned to Kejriwal’s security had been withdrawn. “Following directions from Delhi Police and the Election Commission, we withdrew the component of Punjab Police in the security of Kejriwal ji,” Yadav said.

Despite this, Kejriwal continues to enjoy Z-plus security provided by the Delhi Police, which includes around 60 personnel, consisting of personal security officers, escorts, armed guards, and frisking staff.


Political Reactions:

The BJP has yet to issue a formal response to Kejriwal’s allegations. The dispute between AAP and BJP leaders has escalated, with similar accusations from Kejriwal about attacks during the campaigning process for the Delhi Assembly elections.


Quote Section:

  • Arvind Kejriwal: “Amit Shah has made the Delhi Police a personal army of the BJP, and this attack is just another example of the harassment we are facing in this election campaign.”
  • Delhi Police Spokesperson: “The police were present with Kejriwal during the public meeting. There was no attack, and the matter is under investigation.”
  • Gaurav Yadav, Punjab DGP: “Punjab Police personnel have been withdrawn from Kejriwal’s security as per the instructions of Delhi Police and the Election Commission.”

Mysterious Illness in Badhaal: Six Ailing, 300 Quarantined as Investigation Continues

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A mysterious illness continues to claim lives in Badhaal village of Kotranka Sub-Division, Rajouri, with six people currently receiving treatment for similar symptoms. The illness, which has already resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals, including 13 children, has prompted urgent quarantine measures and protests by concerned locals.

As of today, another minor girl from Badhaal village, Saima Akhtar (11), was transferred to the GMC Rajouri with symptoms similar to those of the deceased. Her condition is reportedly stable. Three other patients, including one in PGI Chandigarh and two in GMC Jammu, are also under treatment, with health officials continuing their efforts to pinpoint the cause of the illness.

In total, around 300 individuals who came into contact with the affected families have been quarantined in various facilities in Rajouri, including the Nursing College and GMC Rajouri. The precautionary measure was put in place to prevent the spread of the mysterious illness, which is suspected to involve brain damage and nervous system impairment. Toxicology tests have confirmed the presence of neurotoxins, though bacterial or viral infections have been ruled out.

Protests and Concerns:
Protests erupted today at Gujjar Mandi, Rajouri, as residents demanded that the critically ill children be airlifted to PGI Chandigarh for specialized care. Protesters alleged that the response from GMC Jammu had been inadequate, with many accusing the medical facility of poor management and delayed actions. “The situation should not be politicized. We are fighting for lives here, not for political gains,” said one protester. The local MLA, Javaid Iqbal Choudhary, has called for a medical emergency to be declared in the area to better contain the spread of the illness.

Medical Response:
Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of GMC Jammu, confirmed that the condition of one of the patients, Nazia Kouser (16), is critical, and she is currently on ventilator support. However, the health team remains optimistic about the treatment being provided to all affected individuals. Meanwhile, authorities at GMC Jammu claimed that arrangements were made for the immediate transfer of patients to PGI Chandigarh, but the latter reportedly could not accommodate the patients due to a lack of available beds. Instead, the children were transferred to SMGS Hospital, Jammu, where their conditions are being monitored closely.


Precautionary Measures:

In response to the growing health crisis, the district administration has enacted several precautionary measures. Badhaal village has been declared a containment zone, with strict prohibitory orders in place. The homes of the affected families have been sealed to prevent any further exposure, and a central team is investigating the cause of the mysterious deaths.

About 230 samples have been sent for testing, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the possibility of criminal elements, such as deliberate poisoning, being involved. A strict quarantine protocol has been implemented, and all those who had close contact with the affected families are being monitored and provided with food and shelter in designated quarantine centres.

Quarantine Facilities:
The quarantine facilities at the Nursing College in Rajouri have been secured with fencing and surveillance cameras to ensure the safety and well-being of the relocated individuals. All incoming individuals are thoroughly screened before being admitted to the centres. Additionally, provisions have been made for the daily needs of those in quarantine, including food and medical care.


Key Developments:

  • 17 Dead: A total of 17 people, including 13 children, have died due to the mysterious illness in Badhaal village.
  • 6 Ailing: Six individuals are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals, with one on ventilator support.
  • 300 Quarantined: Approximately 300 individuals have been relocated to quarantine centres for observation.
  • Containment Zone: Badhaal village has been declared a containment zone, and public gatherings are prohibited.
  • Investigation Underway: Over 230 samples have been sent for testing, and a Special Investigation Team is probing the cause of death.

In Focus:

“Government Response and Public Outcry”
Residents of Rajouri have expressed frustration over the handling of the situation, with many questioning the preparedness of local healthcare facilities. Protesters at Gujjar Mandi have demanded immediate attention from the central government and a more effective response to the growing health crisis.

“Community Efforts Amidst the Crisis”
Despite the chaos, local authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to contain the illness. The Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, has been actively overseeing the quarantine measures and has visited the centres to ensure that proper care is being provided.


Quote Section:

  • “We are not asking for politics to be played with this issue. We are asking for lives to be saved.” – Protester at Gujjar Mandi
  • “We are providing the best possible care to all patients. We are in constant touch with PGI Chandigarh for further consultations.” – Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal, GMC Jammu
  • “The administration is taking all necessary steps to manage the situation and prevent the spread of the illness.” – Deputy Commissioner Rajouri

“Amit Shah Claims Completion of Major Ideological Tasks, Promises Continuation in Third Term”

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Ahmedabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his address at the inauguration of the Hindu Spiritual & Service Fair at Gujarat University grounds, declared that “almost all” pending ideological tasks of the Modi government have been completed, including the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of the Ram Temple, and the abolition of triple talaq.

Amit Shah spoke confidently about the success of the Modi Government in implementing these long-pending tasks and reaffirmed the commitment to continue working on these goals during its third term. “The works that were left unfinished for 70 years have now been addressed,” Shah stated.

Shah emphasized the significance of actions like the abrogation of Article 370, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, and the ongoing efforts in implementing a Uniform Civil Code across India. He praised the ongoing work for the betterment of society by Hindu temples and organizations, which have often worked quietly without public recognition.

Notable Points:

  • Shah reiterates Modi Government’s commitment to ideological tasks.
  • The Hindu Adhyatmik Seva Mela showcases the contributions of Hindu organizations.
  • Shah highlights India’s global reputation with Yoga and the G20 Summit.

“Uttarakhand Takes the Lead with Uniform Civil Code, More States to Follow”
Uttarakhand has introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with Shah expressing that other states will soon adopt it as well.

“350 Stolen Idols Recovered from Across the World”
Shah proudly highlighted the recovery of nearly 350 idols, showcasing India’s cultural heritage and diplomatic success.

“Maha Kumbh: An Unmatched Display of Unity and Spiritual Harmony”
Shah shared his awe of the Maha Kumbh, a gathering of 40 crore devotees, with ambassadors from various countries requesting invitations to the event.


“Hindu Adhyatmik Seva Mela: Serving Society Beyond Boundaries”
A spotlight on the various Hindu organizations showcased at the Seva Mela, dedicated to serving communities across India.

“Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar’s Legacy Celebrated at the Event”
Remembering the 18th-century ruler of Indore, her efforts in restoring temples and promoting the preservation of India’s heritage.


“The Modi Government’s 10-Year Milestones: A Legacy in the Making”
A detailed infographic showcasing the major achievements of the Modi Government under leadership by Amit Shah in the last decade.


  • “Hindu organizations have long served society without recognition. Today, we recognize their monumental contribution.” – Amit Shah
  • “The Maha Kumbh is a living testament to India’s spiritual unity.” – Amit Shah

Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Modi and Kejriwal’s Governance, Promises Sheila Dikshit’s “Real Development Model” for Delhi

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In the run-up to Delhi’s Assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a strong critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing them of promoting a “false propaganda and PR model” for governance. Gandhi emphasized that Delhi deserved the “real development model” that had been championed by former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

Sharing a video montage on his Facebook page, Gandhi highlighted pressing issues such as inflation, unemployment, pollution, and corruption. “Bad construction, dirt, inflation, unemployment, pollution, and corruption – the truth of Delhi is in front of the public,” he stated in his post.

The Congress leader went on to say, “Delhi now wants the same real development model of Sheila Dikshit ji, not the false propaganda and PR model of Modi and Kejriwal.” His comments were made ahead of the Assembly elections in Delhi, where his party is seeking to regain a foothold in the capital.


Gandhi’s Absence from Public Meetings

Gandhi, who has been unwell, could not address a public meeting in the Sadar Bazar Assembly constituency on Wednesday. Instead, a message from him was read out to the rally attendees, where he appealed to the people of Delhi to support the Congress in the upcoming elections.

Due to his health issues, Gandhi also missed attending the ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ rally in Belagavi, Karnataka, earlier this week. He had also been unable to hold a political program in the New Delhi constituency earlier this month.


Gandhi’s Criticism of Modi and Kejriwal

Earlier in the campaign, Gandhi had launched a blistering attack on both Modi and Kejriwal, claiming there was little difference between the two leaders. He argued that both Modi and Kejriwal were not committed to ensuring that backward communities, Dalits, tribals, and minorities received their due share.

In his first public meeting targeting Kejriwal for the Delhi Assembly polls, Gandhi accused the AAP leader of following the “Modi strategy of propaganda and false promises.” He highlighted the growing challenges of pollution, corruption, and inflation in Delhi under Kejriwal’s leadership.


Congress Promises a Caste Survey

During his campaign, Gandhi also promised to conduct a caste survey in Delhi if the Congress were to form the government. He lauded the work done under the leadership of Sheila Dikshit, emphasizing the positive impact of her administration on the city.

Gandhi claimed that neither Kejriwal nor the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could match Congress’ track record of governance in Delhi.

D Gukesh Becomes Highest-Ranked Indian Chess Player, Surpassing Arjun Erigaisi

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Continuing his meteoric rise in the world of chess, 18-year-old D Gukesh has dethroned his compatriot Arjun Erigaisi to become the highest-ranked Indian player, achieving a career-high fourth spot in the latest FIDE rankings released on Thursday.

Gukesh’s impressive feat came after he secured his second victory in the prestigious Tata Steel Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, where he triumphed over Germany’s Vincent Keymer. With this victory, Gukesh now holds 2784 rating points, while Erigaisi, who had been the highest-ranked Indian for an extended period, has slipped to fifth place with 2779.5 rating points.


Magnus Carlsen Leads the World

Despite Gukesh’s rise, Norway’s Magnus Carlsen remains the undisputed world No. 1, with a commanding 2832.5 points. The top three is rounded out by the United States’ Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, who is second with 2802 points, and Fabiano Caruana, also from the United States, who sits third with 2798 points.


Gukesh’s Rise to the Top

Gukesh’s ascent to the top ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. The young prodigy clinched the world championship title in December 2024 in Singapore, defeating China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling encounter. Following his historic win, Gukesh took a brief break from competitive chess to attend functions and celebrations back home in India, opting to skip the World Rapid and Blitz Championship held in New York.

Since his return to competitive play, Gukesh has continued his sensational form in Wijk Aan Zee. He has yet to lose a game in the ongoing tournament, with two victories and three draws under his belt, and with eight rounds still remaining, his path to further success looks promising.


Rising Star’s Continued Dominance

Gukesh’s performance in the Tata Steel Tournament highlights not only his technical brilliance but also his consistency at the highest level of competitive chess. His rapid rise has made waves globally, with many eyes now on the young Indian prodigy as he continues to challenge the world’s best.

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal Disappoint in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Match Against Jammu & Kashmir

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It was a highly anticipated return to domestic cricket for India captain Rohit Sharma and his Test opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, but both were dismissed cheaply on the opening day of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

The star duo, playing together for the first time for defending champions Mumbai, failed to make an impact as they were both dismissed for low scores—Rohit for 3 and Jaiswal for 4. The early wickets dampened the mood, with Mumbai’s top order faltering at the BKC Ground.


Jaiswal’s Early Exit

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s innings was cut short by J&K’s right-arm pacer Auqib Nabi, who made excellent use of the fresh wicket conditions. Nabi’s delivery trapped Jaiswal in front of the stumps, sending him back to the dressing room with just 4 runs to his name.


Rohit’s Disappointing Dismissal

The fall of India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, was a particularly disappointing moment for Mumbai fans. After a solid start, Rohit tried to force the ball to the onside but ended up with a leading edge. The ball was safely caught by Jammu and Kashmir skipper Paras Dogra at mid-off, leaving Rohit with just 3 runs.

Interestingly, Dogra took to the field wearing the No. 9 jersey, typically worn by Yudhvir Singh, leading to a brief moment of confusion among spectators.


Mumbai’s Struggles Continue

The early wickets of both Rohit and Jaiswal seemed to set the tone for the rest of the innings, as Mumbai continued to lose key wickets. Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane, the next to come in, was unable to resist the pressure for long and was dismissed for 12 by Umar, another of J&K’s pacers.


Low Turnout at the Stadium

Despite the presence of high-profile players like Rohit and Jaiswal, the turnout at the stadium was low, and many spectators in the nearby office buildings who had gathered to watch the cricket returned to work soon after Rohit’s departure.


Jaiswal and Rohit Return to Action

Jaiswal was the first to walk out to the field after Rahane won the toss and elected to bat. Rohit, on the other hand, followed shortly thereafter, only for both batsmen to be dismissed quickly, much to the disappointment of their fans.


What’s Next for Mumbai?

With both opening batsmen back in the pavilion, Mumbai will now look to their middle order to recover and build a competitive total. The match continues to unfold at the BKC Ground, and Mumbai will need a strong comeback to challenge Jammu and Kashmir.

ED RAIDS MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN TORRES INVESTMENT FRAUD CASE

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday initiated a series of raids in connection with the Torres investment fraud, with searches conducted at multiple locations in Mumbai and Jaipur. Officials say these raids are linked to the money laundering activities tied to the duping of thousands of investors in a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme.

Around 10 to 12 locations have been targeted by the ED, as part of its ongoing investigation following a criminal complaint filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The complaint was based on a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in relation to the case.


Fraud Amounts to Over Rs 57 Crore

More than 3,700 investors have filed complaints with the Mumbai police, alleging they were cheated out of their hard-earned money in the fraudulent scheme. According to officials, the total fraud amount has crossed over Rs 57 crore.

The Torres jewellery company, which is accused of orchestrating the scam, reportedly lured investors with promises of high-value rewards such as cars, flats, gift cards, and hampers. These promises were part of a deceptive Ponzi scheme designed to entice individuals to invest large sums.


The Scheme Behind the Scam

The fraud came to light earlier this month when hundreds of angry investors gathered at the Torres jewellery store located in the Torres Vastu Centre building in Dadar (West), Mumbai. Investors were in disbelief as the company stopped making the promised payments.

Officials suggest that the company, which was marketed as an investment opportunity, operated through a combination of Ponzi and MLM tactics, leading investors to believe they would receive returns through continued recruitment.


Arrests Made in Connection with the Scam

Three senior executives of the company have been arrested so far. These include Tazagul Xasatov, a national from Uzbekistan, Valentina Ganesh Kumar, a Russian national, and Sarvesh Surve, an Indian. These arrests follow the uncovering of the fraudulent practices linked to the Torres brand.

Investigators are now focused on finding the mastermind behind the Torres scheme—the person who launched the jewellery company, Platinum Hern, which owns the Torres brand. The initial funds for the fraudulent activities are believed to have originated from this source.


Court Criticizes Police for Slow Response

In a related development, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s response to the case. A division bench consisting of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale observed that the police had failed to take timely action, citing “dereliction of duty” in handling the case.

“Nobody has acted with alacrity,” said the bench, highlighting the need for faster intervention in such financial crimes.


Next Steps
The ED and Mumbai Police are intensifying their efforts to track down the key figures behind the scam, as investigations continue. Authorities are particularly focused on tracing the origins of the initial investment funds and identifying the masterminds behind the deceptive marketing schemes.