New Delhi, Aug 30: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Rahul Vijay, a Senior Manager with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), on charges of embezzling public funds worth nearly Rs 232 crore, a statement from the agency said on Saturday.

The case was registered following a complaint from AAI, which alleged that Vijay, during his posting at Dehradun Airport, masterminded a systematic scheme of fraud by manipulating both official and electronic records.

The CBI investigated the case on the basis of the complaint of the AAI. According to the CBI, between 2019-20 and 2022-23, the accused created duplicate and fictitious assets, and inflated the value of existing ones — sometimes by simply adding zeros to the entries — to evade scrutiny.

Through these manipulations, about Rs 232 crore was allegedly diverted into his personal bank accounts. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Vijay subsequently transferred large portions of the misappropriated money into trading accounts, using them for speculative transactions and siphoning public funds for personal gain.

It has been alleged that Vijay, who was the authorised signatory in AAI’s official bank accounts with the State Bank of India, created three different user IDs to facilitate a clandestine transfer of funds.

According to the CBI, Vijay transferred money to a contractor of the AAl, and for the same work, he transferred money to his own account by inflating the figures. On August 28, CBI teams carried out searches at his official and residential premises in Jaipur.

The raids led to the recovery of incriminating documents, including records related to immovable properties, valuable securities, and other assets suspected to be linked to the fraud. Vijay has since been arrested, and officials said further investigation is underway to trace the money trail and identify possible collusion.

IANS

New Delhi, Aug 30:  Abubacker Siddique who operated as a lone wolf was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh police recently. The police termed him as a big fish, with advanced bomb making skills. During his questioning, he had told the police that he was operating alone and was inspired by the preachings of Zakir Naik, a wanted criminal in India, currently living in Malaysia.

The agencies have been on the look out for Naik for several years now. Naik, however, remains free in Malaysia and has no restrictions. He had even travelled to Pakistan recently where he was given a rousing welcome. Naik may not have dedicated terror modules or may not plan strikes.

However, he remains an institution by himself and his speeches and radical school of thought continues to inspire many to either indulge in violence or take the terror path. Naik had managed to flee India in 2016.

He is wanted in India for cases relating to money laundering and inciting extremism through his hate speeches. Naik is unwelcome in many countries since his speeches manage to incite the youth into taking extreme paths.

Over the years, India has made several requests to Malaysia to have him extradited, but the country has refused to entertain the plea. In 2019, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohammad had said that his country had the right not to extradite Naik, if he would not be accorded justice in India.

The Abubacker Siddique case is a grim reminder that Naik remaining in the open continues to pose a security risk for India. His influence is not just limited to India, but to other countries as well.

The 2016 Dhaka cafe attack which claimed 22 lives had a Naik link to it. Although he was not involved in the planning, the attackers had said that it was his speeches that inspired them to carry out the strikes.

The Indian agencies say that Naik could be considered to be more dangerous than any terror group. It is his speeches, which makes him lethal. His speeches and messages that reach millions of people online is what is causing a worry for security agencies.

While the Malaysian government has refused to extradite him, India would have hoped that the ban that was imposed on Naik in 2019 would have continued. However in February, Malaysian minister, Saifuddin Nasution Islamil said that there are no ban orders on him from giving public speeches.

While Naik had openly declared his support for the Al-Qaeda, he is not officially part of any terror group. He functions on his own, but manages to get the message through. The Indian agencies say that he is the most dangerous preachers in the world.

His messages are rabid and he has very good convincing skills which make him even more dangerous. Moreover unlike other rabid preachers who deliver their speeches either in Urdu or Arabic, Naik does so in English.

This has ensured that he has a much wider reach and hence more people especially the youth follow him blindly. Naik’s ability to radicalise people through his hate speeches was recognised by Pakistan.

He was given a red carpet welcome in Pakistan, despite objections by India. The Pakistan trip was equivalent to a state visit and during the same, he met with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. Indian officials say that Naik has managed to play it smart.

Unlike outfits such as the Islamic State, he does not give open calls to carry out attacks. In fact he never speaks about attacks. However his style of operation is extremely dangerous as he manages to put out his message, which eventually ends up radicalising the youth.

Be it the case of Abubacker Siddique or the Dhaka Cafe attackers, Naik has had no direct role to play in it. However the attackers themselves had said that they were inspired by his speeches. In such an event it is very hard to pin him down and Naik manages to get away with free speech. However it is the same speech that would have done the damage.

IANS

Noida, Aug 30: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday inaugurated the Raphe mPhibr Drone Manufacturing Unit and Defence Equipment and Engine Test Facility in Sector-81, Noida.

Speaking at the event, CM Yogi said the establishment of state-of-the-art facilities for drones, aircraft engines, and aerospace testing marked a major achievement for India’s defence sector in the face of evolving global challenges.

“India has been facing challenges since 1947, and Operation Sindoor has demonstrated the nation’s power in this new era of warfare. If you have strength, the world bows before you. When Shastra (epics) and Sastra (weapons) go hand in hand, peace prevails,” he said.

The Chief Minister cited the examples of Maharana Pratap’s valour and the symbolism of the lion as strength and authority. Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to national defence, he said nine ordnance factories were operational in the state, while 12,500 acres of land had been allocated for the Defence Corridor spread across Agra, Aligarh, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, and Kanpur.

He added that a BrahMos missile unit set up in Lucknow had already proven its capabilities during Operation Sindoor. Congratulating the new unit, Yogi assured that the state government was committed to the security of the country and to supporting defence manufacturing.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the facility as a milestone in India’s scientific and defence innovation. “This unit is dedicated to the nation and represents a revolution in defence technology. The company that began in 2017 with just 10 people now has more than 3,600 scientists and engineers,” he said.

Claiming that the drones produced at the facility cannot be detected by defence systems in the US or China, Singh called it India’s most innovative aircraft manufacturing hub. “This technology will instil fear in the enemy,” he added.

He also noted that Uttar Pradesh, once considered difficult for industrial investment due to poor law and order, had now become the first choice of investors under Yogi Adityanath’s leadership.

Drawing on global examples, Singh pointed out that drones have become central to modern warfare, as seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Recalling the Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998, he said India had always forged ahead despite opposition.

The Defence Minister further said that within just 14 months, equipment developed by this company in collaboration with DRDO had been successfully deployed in Operation Sindoor — a feat made possible by a blend of determination, science, and the courage of India’s armed forces.

IANS

Bengaluru, Aug 30: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Saturday, described the signature campaign initiated by retired Supreme Court judges against Union Home Minister Amit Shah as “inappropriate”.

Speaking at a gathering in Bengaluru on the topic “Parliamentary System in the Largest Democracy in the World”, Union Minister Rijiju criticised the Congress and other opposition parties. He said that the signature campaign — launched in the backdrop of the Vice-President’s election — was “unconstitutional” and “inappropriate”.

He emphasised that the election of the Vice-President is a purely political matter and said that the retired judges’ actions have sent a concerning message: that even during their tenure, they may have been ideologically biased. “A few retired judges wrote a letter against Amit Shah and started this campaign.

They should not have interfered in the Vice-President’s election process, which is strictly political,” Rijiju reiterated. He also named the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and senior Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, condemning their use of derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his family. “Such developments are not in the interest of the nation,” he stressed.

“We represent a party that is democratic in nature and treats opposition leaders with respect. It is inappropriate for the Opposition to use derogatory language against the Prime Minister and his mother,” Union Minister Rijiju added. He asserted that the BJP and NDA allies always contest elections on democratic principles.

In contrast, he accused the Congress of blaming the Election Commission of India (ECI) whenever they lose elections. “What’s the point of blaming the ECI when the people are simply not voting for the Congress?” he asked. Unon Minister Rijiju also took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, noting, “Rahul Gandhi has lost three parliamentary elections and is now venting his anger on the country, the people, and the Constitution.

If the people aren’t voting for you, how is that our fault?” Commenting on a proposed law that seeks to remove a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister from office in case of a 30-day imprisonment, he described it as “fair and justified”. “If you haven’t committed a crime, you will be granted bail. Why the fear? Only those with something to hide are opposing this law,” he remarked.

He also said, “The Congress has ruled the country for 60 years. Given the current language and conduct of its leaders, people will never vote them back to power.” During his address, Union Minister Rijiju also spoke at length about the uniqueness of India’s parliamentary system. He highlighted its differences from the Westminster model and stressed the importance of understanding the Constitution and its spirit.

He said that India’s Constitutional system is a unique blend of Legislative, Executive, and judicial functions, where Members of Parliament can also hold Ministerial positions. In contrast, he added that the US system does not allow Senators or Congressmen to become Ministers — Secretaries are appointed separately and are answerable to House committees.

Union Minister Rijiju noted that Indian MPs have a dual responsibility: they serve as lawmakers and also act as problem-solvers for their constituents, who frequently approach them with personal concerns and requests for help.

He acknowledged that the high expectations and constant demands from constituents can be overwhelming and require a careful balance with legislative duties. He lamented the declining standard of discussions in Parliament, attributing it to changing times and shifting priorities. Union Minister Rijiju emphasised the value of honesty and integrity in public life, citing his own approach to politics and governance as an example.

He also criticised the media’s current focus on sensationalism and controversy, rather than substantive issues and constructive journalism. He concluded by underscoring the importance of the Constitution and the need to ensure justice for the common people — not only through courts but also through alternative means.

IANS

Raipur, Aug 30: In another chilling case of violence, Maoists have killed another ‘Shikshadoot’ identified as Kallu Tati in strike-torn Bastar division of Chhattisgarh. ‘Shikshadoots’ are local education volunteers in Chhattisgarh.

The latest victim, Tati, is the ninth ‘Shikshadoot’ victim of Maoists in the recent past. He was brutally murdered, marking yet another grim chapter in a series of killings that have sown widespread panic among communities striving to rebuild education in remote, conflict-ridden areas.

The incident occurred on Friday evening at around 9 p.m. when Tati, a dedicated Shikshadoot posted at Nendra school in the highly Naxal-affected Gangalore region, was returning home after a day of teaching children. Ambushed en route, he was kidnapped by Maoists and executed later that night.

His body was callously discarded, discovered by locals the following day, police officials said. A total of six ‘Shikshadoots’ in Bijapur and three in Sukma have been killed so far in Chhattisgarh. Tati, a resident of nearby Todka village, had been instrumental in educating young minds in one of Bastar’s most vulnerable zones, where access to formal schooling remains precarious due to ongoing Maoist activities.

This murder comes on the heels of a similar attack in neighbouring Sukma district, underscoring a disturbing pattern. ‘Shikshadoots’, often young locals stepping up to fill educational voids, have become prime targets for Maoists seeking to disrupt government initiatives aimed at normalising life in these interiors.

Authorities report that since the gradual reopening of schools previously shuttered by insurgent activities, a total of nine ‘Shikshadoots’ have fallen victim to such targeted killings. Of these, five occurred in Bijapur, while four were in Sukma, highlighting the districts as hotspots of this renewed aggression.

The roots of this conflict trace back to the ‘Salwa Judum’ era, a controversial anti-Naxalite campaign in the mid-2000s that polarised the region. During their peak dominance, Maoists systematically demolished school buildings in controlled territories, forcing many institutions to relocate. As security forces regained ground and the situation stabilised somewhat, the Chhattisgarh government prioritised reviving education by reopening these facilities.

In areas lacking permanent teachers, community-driven Shikshadoots emerged as lifelines, imparting basic literacy and fostering hope amid adversity. However, this progress has provoked backlash from Maoists, who view these educators as symbols of state infiltration.

“The killings are an attempt to instil fear and derail development,” said police sources in Bijapur, speaking on condition of anonymity. Locals, already grappling with the crossfire between security forces and insurgents, now live in heightened dread. Villages like Nendra and Todka, nestled in dense forests, have seen school attendance plummet as parents weigh the risks of sending children to class. The recent spate of murders has prompted calls for enhanced protection for Shikshadoots.

Advocacy groups urge the government to deploy more security personnel around schools and provide these volunteers with better support, including insurance and training in conflict zones. Meanwhile, security operations against Maoists have intensified, with raids yielding arms caches but failing to curb the targeted assassinations.

IANS

New Delhi, Aug 30:  As allegations fly thick and fast over India extending a financial lifeline to Russia and becoming a laundering hub, the reality is that by purchasing Russian energy, New Delhi has prevented a global crisis by keeping global markets stable and inflation under control for itself and for the world.

Russia supplies nearly 10 per cent of world oil. If India stopped buying, crude could hit $200 a barrel. By keeping oil flowing, India stabilised markets and helped global citizens. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and others have already praised India’s role towards this.

India is not using US dollars from trade to buy Russian oil as purchases are routed through traders in third countries and settled in currencies like AED. At no point did the US government ask India to stop buying. India’s trade is fully legitimate and within G7 and EU price-cap rules. There is no black market either.

Russian oil is not sanctioned like Iranian or Venezuelan oil. It is sold under a price-cap system designed by the West to prevent profiteering. If the US wanted to ban Russian oil, it would have sanctioned it. It did not because it needs Russian oil in the market. India also cut fuel prices for its citizens even as global oil spiked to $137 a barrel. State-run oil firms took losses of Rs 21,000 crore, while government taxed exports to prevent profiteering.

India’s imports prevented a global spike and cushioned inflation for everyone. The country has been the world’s 4th-largest refiner for decades. Refining crude and exporting fuels is how the global system works. After banning Russian crude, Europe itself relied on Indian diesel and jet fuel. That is stabilisation, not laundering.

Moreover, about 70 per cent of refined fuels stay in India to meet domestic demand. One Reliance refinery is export-focused since 2006, long before this war. Exports of refined fuels have actually declined as domestic use has risen. Crude and products are fungible, they follow market flows. The trade deficit argument is hollow too.

The US runs far larger deficits with China, the EU and Mexico. India’s $50 billion deficit is small in comparison. Meanwhile India buys billions in US aircraft, LNG, defence equipment and technology. Is India freeloading on US defence? The answer is no as India is co-producing jet engines with GE, buying MQ-9 drones, and deepening QUAD and Indo-Pacific defence ties.

India is the only major power actively countering China militarily in Asia. That is a direct strategic gain for the US. Peace cannot come from scapegoating. India has called for diplomacy at the UN. Meanwhile Europe still buys Russian gas and the US still imports Russian uranium. India acted responsibly, followed global frameworks, and prevented prices from spiralling. The truth is: India did not bankroll Russia. Scapegoating India may serve politics, but it does not serve facts.

IANS