When the story of Harish Rana captured the collective prayers of an entire nation, people paused, empathised, and watched the Supreme Court judgement unfold as it passed a historic decision allowing passive euthanasia for Rana, who was in a vegetative state for over 13 years
Oil prices rose above $110 (£82.78) a barrel after Iranian media reported an airstrike hitting a facility on the world's largest natural gas field. The Brent crude oil benchmark hit $112 a barrel in early Thursday trade in Asia, more than 5% higher than Tuesday's prices
US Vice President JD Vance and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will meet with oil industry leaders. The administration plans to announce measures to lower gas prices. These include releasing oil from emergency reserves and easing shipping regulations
Milk has long been a cornerstone of Indian diets, simple, familiar, and deeply rooted in tradition. But in urban India, that narrative is rapidly evolving. Today’s consumers are no longer satisfied with just a glass of milk; they are seeking products that align with their fast-paced lifestyles
The Karnataka High Court has granted bail to a 25-year-old woman from West Bengal who had been arrested in January for shouting “Jai Bangla” during a demolition drive in Bengaluru. On March 11, Justice S Rachaiah noted that Sarbanu Khatun was “instigated” to shout “Jai Bharath Mata Ki
Navratri is no longer just about simple fasting meals, it’s about celebrating tradition with flavour, variety, and a touch of indulgence. Across India, restaurants are reimagining vrat-friendly dining with thoughtfully curated menus that stay true to sattvik roots while elevating the overall
On March 14, the Narendra Modi government announced that it had decided to end Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act – nearly six months after his arrest. The Union home ministry is not known to have made such a concession for any detainee held
India’s environment ministry notified the new solid waste management rules of 2026 on January 27, superseding the 2016 rules. The new rules signal a shift towards a more systematic compliance architecture, with a clearer outline of duties for waste generators
ED files final prosecution complaint in Chhattisgarh liquor 'scam'; 59 more named as accused
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a final charge sheet in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. Fifty-nine more individuals are now accused, bringing the total to 81. The scam allegedly occurred between 2019 and 2022. Proceeds of crime are estimated to be around Rs 3,000 crore. Several prominent figures, including politicians and former officials, have been named.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a final prosecution complaint in the alleged liquor scam case in Chhattisgarh, naming 59 people, taking the total number of accused in the money laundering case to 81.
The final prosecution complaint was filed before the PMLA court here on Friday, complying with the Supreme Court's directions, the ED's counsel, Saurabh Kumar Pande, told PTI.
Earlier, 22 persons were named as accused in the case, and several of them were arrested. After completing the investigation related to those accused, prosecution complaints were filed against them in the past, he said.
The final prosecution complaint has now been filed against 59 more persons against whom investigation has been completed, Pande said.
The 59 include Soumya Chaurasia, the then deputy secretary at the Chief Minister's office, former IAS officer Niranjan Das, liquor licence holders, distributors and excise department officials, he said.
The prosecution's complaint summary runs into 315 pages, with documents of around 29,800 pages. The material includes direct evidence obtained through banking channels, documents showing attempts at money laundering, backdoor and purpose-driven entries, as well as digital evidence such as communication records, he said.
Pande said that the then commissioner of the state excise department, Niranjan Das, allegedly facilitated the smooth operation of the liquor scam and ensured no punitive action was taken anywhere, allowing it to continue unhindered.
The total proceeds of crime involved in the case are estimated to be around Rs 3,000 crore, he said.
According to the probe agency, the liquor "scam" in the state was orchestrated between 2019 and 2022, when the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government was in power in Chhattisgarh. The alleged scam resulted in a "massive loss" to the state exchequer and filled the pockets of the beneficiaries of a liquor syndicate, it said.
The ED arrested Congress MLA and former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma in January this year and Chaitanya Baghel, son of former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in July in connection with the alleged liquor scam.
The probe agency claimed Lakhma was the main recipient of proceeds of crime, while Chaitanya Baghel played a key role in handling nearly Rs 1,000 crore generated by the syndicate.
Businessman Anwar Dhebar (brother of Congress leader and former Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar), former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi and some others were arrested in the case in the past.
The state's Economic Offence Wing/ Anti-Corruption Bureau has also registered an FIR in the alleged scam, probing the corruption angle.
On December 22, the EOW/ACB had filed its seventh supplementary chargesheet in the multi-crore liquor scam against Chaitanya Baghel.
It stated that evidence indicates that Chaitanya Baghel managed the proceeds of crime at a higher level and received around Rs 200-250 crore as his share.
The ongoing investigation into the scam suggests the proceeds of crime generated from the alleged scam could exceed Rs 3,500 crore, the EOW/ACB had claimed.
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: Rs 4.5 Crore Assets Seized In MP Education Scam By Enforcement Directorate Enforcement Directorate summons Robin Uthappa Enforcement Directorate summons Robin Uthappa India, Canada agree on security, law enforcement work plan after thaw in relations Israel Says It Has ‘Renewed Enforcement’ Of Ceasefire After Airstrikes In… Canada’s law enforcement agencies launch task force to tackle menace of extortions Did Trump carry out largest US enforcement operation Trump's immigration enforcement record so far Immigration enforcement Trump Names Colin McDonald As Top Investigator For Fraud Enforcement
The sun shone brightly across Liverpool on Wednesday and, come the evening, Liverpool delivered one of their performances of the season. "It was almost the perfect game for us, but definitely our fans," said Arne Slot, after his side secured a first Champions League quarter-final since 2022 with a
4 hours ago
SC says 1947 Act repeal no bar to defining ‘industry’The Supreme Court ruled that the repeal of the Industrial Disputes Act won't change how "industry" is defined, impacting ongoing disputes in courts. Published on: Mar 19, 2026 7:46 AM IST By Abraham Thomas
5 hours ago
China has long braced for a Gulf oil supply shock - but the Iran war's disruption of a key global shipping route is now putting its resilience to the test. Energy shipments from the Middle East have been at a standstill following Iran's threats to attack vessels that pass through a critical trade
5 hours ago
The Income-tax Act, 2025 will come into force, replacing the Income-tax Act, 1961 that has been in place for over 60 years. Instead of tinkering with tax rates, the government has focused on rewriting the law in a clearer, more structured manner. Over time
5 hours ago
The Donald Trump-led US administration has taken the rare step of preparing a temporary waiver for the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act. This move comes as the United States grapples with a historic surge in fuel prices triggered by the escalating conflict between the US
4 hours ago
Players from the Iran women’s national football team have reportedly returned home after a dramatic and politically charged episode during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. According to Fars News Agency, the squad crossed back into Iran via the Bazargan border
5 hours ago
US Fed holds interest rate steady at 3.5-3.75% despite higher inflationUS Federal Reserve has guided for a single interest rate cut in 2026 as officials took stock of economic impact of Iran war on US economy. Updated on: Mar 18, 2026 11:39 PM IST Reuters Share via Copy link The US Federal Reserve
5 hours ago
Indian man wanted by FBI for defrauding victims in the US: What did Kalpeshkumar Rasikbhai Patel do?The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a hunt for an India national named Kalpeshkumar Rasikbhai Patel Published on: Mar 19, 2026 6:20 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link The Federal
4 hours ago
Kerala's UDF, led by Congress and IUML, will contest 95 and 27 seats respectively in the upcoming assembly polls. The alliance aims to leverage recent electoral successes and anti-incumbency against the ruling LDF. Nominations close March 23, with voting on April 9 and results on May 4.Kerala's UDF
4 hours ago
Sc tells courts to notify convicts before appointing an amicus curiaeThe Supreme Court mandates notification to convicts before appointing amicus curiae to ensure fairness in appeals and prevent claims of unfair hearings. Published on: Mar 19, 2026 7:50 AM IST By Utkarsh Anand
5 hours ago
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹33,660-crore scheme to establish 100 plug-and-play industrial parks nationwide, aiming to boost manufacturing and create 15 lakh direct jobs. Additionally, a ₹2,585-crore plan for small hydro power development and a national highway project in Uttar Pradesh
5 hours ago
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar fever continues as the next instalment in the franchise, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, was released on Wednesday evening. Many queued up to watch the film on the first day itself, including Allu Arjun, who then took to X to share his review of the film. Now
5 hours ago
The Delhi High Court has halted legal proceedings against Bina Modi, chairperson of Godfrey Phillips India, and others. This action follows a complaint by former executive director Samir Modi alleging assault. Samir Modi claims he was physically attacked by his mother's security officer
5 hours ago
La Liga champions Barcelona moved into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League with a commanding 7-2 win over Newcastle in the second leg of their Round of 16 at the Nou Camp on Wednesday. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha netted a brace each, while Lamine Yamal
4 hours ago
The hugely popular Labubu dolls will soon star in their own feature film, Chinese toy company Pop Mart and Sony Pictures have announced. A Labubu movie that will combine live action and computer-generated animation is in "early development", the two companies said in a statement
4 hours ago
Obstructing demolition at hotel: Ex-MP Rinku, former MLAs Angural, Beri among 24 bookedThe Jalandhar MC on Tuesday evening demolished a portion of the hotel owned by Chopra Hotels Private Limited, an entity associated with the Punjab Kesari group Published on: Mar 19
5 hours ago
Love Horoscope March 19, 2026: A thoughtful Gesture Could Brighten Your DayDaily Love Horoscope for Feb 1, 2026: Explore relationship insights and emotional guidance for all sun signs today. Published on: Mar 19, 2026 6:02 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Today
5 hours ago
Atanu Chakraborty resigns as HDFC Bank's part-time chairman due to ‘ethical concerns’Keki Mistry, who serves on the HDFC Bank board, is taking charge as interim part-time chairman immediately, for a period of three months. Updated on: Mar 19
4 hours ago
Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid reach Champions League quarter-finals Updated on: Mar 19, 2026 7:20 AM IST AFP Share via Copy link Barcelona's German coach Hans-Dieter Flick and players celebrate after the Champions League last 16 second leg match win vs Newcastle United
5 hours ago
The Artesh, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, is the conventional military of Iran, separate from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the IRGC focuses on safeguarding the ideological system, the Artesh is tasked with defending Iran’s territorial integrity and borders
4 hours ago
It was not long ago that fans and pundits were admiring the power of the Premier League. All six of its clubs competing in the Champions League reached the knockout stages of the competition for the first time. But across two legs of last-16 action
5 hours ago
Allu Arjun showers praise on Ranveer Singh, Aditya Dhar after watching Dhurandhar 2: ‘Patriotism with swag’Allu Arjun took to social media to share a review after watching the second part of Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, which is led by Ranveer Singh. Mar 19, 2026
5 hours ago
Prem Chopra recalls why he couldn't attend weddings, family functions without scaring female guests: Dad had to explain…Prem Chopra also said that Amitabh Bachchan's son-in-law Nikhil Nanda once got petrified and refused to enter his grandaunt's home for this reason. Mar 19, 2026
4 hours ago
Just a day after resigning from Congress, Assam Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi on Wednesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP president Dilip Saikia. The development came after Bordoloi on Tuesday tendered his
5 hours ago
The Union government directed airlines to allocate a minimum of 60% of the seats on every flight without selection charges to ensure fair access. Airlines are also required to seat passengers travelling on the same Passenger Name Record together “preferably in adjacent seats”
5 hours ago
Humour and science fiction may not seem obvious bedfellows but a history of cinema will tell you different. Think Spaceballs, Mars Attacks! and Everything Everwhere All At Once to name but a few. And now Ryan Gosling is hopping on board. The 45-year-old is both the lead actor and producer of
5 hours ago
Even as the 8th Pay Commission (8th CPC) has extended the deadline to submit responses to its 18-question document related to pay, allowances and other job-related conditions of central government employees, Indian Railways Technical Supervisors’ Association (IRTSA) wants more elements to be
5 hours ago
