The Central Bureau of Investigation has decided to close an alleged corruption case against Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel, which was registered in 2017. The case was initially filed after a directive from the Supreme Court, but a closure report has now been submitted to the special CBI court in Delhi. The investigating officer has been issued a notice and the matter is set to be heard on April 15, 2024.
CBI Closes Corruption Case against Praful Patel
Background
Praful Patel, a former Member of Parliament (MP) from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), served as the Union Minister of Civil Aviation from 2004 to 2011. In 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an alleged corruption case against him related to the acquisition of 111 aircraft by Air India Limited during his tenure.
The Supreme Court had directed the CBI to investigate the case after allegations surfaced that the deal was inflated by several thousand crores of rupees and that Patel had received kickbacks.
Closure Report
After a thorough investigation, the CBI has now decided to close the case against Patel. The agency has submitted a closure report to the special CBI court in Delhi, citing lack of evidence to support the allegations of corruption.
According to the investigating officer, the allegations against Patel were based on "unverified information" and "vague allegations." The officer also stated that there was no evidence to suggest that the former minister had received any illegal gratification in connection with the aircraft acquisition deal.
Court Hearing
The closure report has been issued a notice, and the matter is set to be heard on April 15, 2024, by the special CBI court.
FAQs
1. Who is Praful Patel? Praful Patel is a former NCP MP and Union Minister of Civil Aviation.
2. What was the nature of the corruption allegations against Patel? The allegations related to the inflated acquisition of 111 aircraft by Air India Limited.
3. Why did the Supreme Court direct CBI to investigate the case? The Supreme Court directed the investigation based on allegations of corruption and kickbacks in the deal.
4. What was the outcome of the CBI investigation? The CBI has submitted a closure report, citing lack of evidence to support the allegations.
5. What is the next step in the case? The closure report will be heard by the special CBI court on April 15, 2024.
In the aftermath of violent clashes during the Chevayur Service Cooperative Bank election, where Congress party members and CPM-backed rebel factions were involved, the Congress party has called for a hartal in Kozhikode district. The election which was meant to be a peaceful democratic exercise turned chaotic, with police intervention and accusations of irregularities. Congress MP M K Raghavan has accused CPM of supporting the rebel factions and criticized the authorities for turning a blind eye to the situation.
BJP spokesperson Sandeep Varier's defection to the Congress in the final phase of the campaigning for the Palakkad bypoll has come as a major blow to the BJP's State leadership. Varier, who hails from a significant electoral community in the Palakkad constituency, was reportedly one of the top choices for the party's candidate. However, he publicly expressed his displeasure over the candidate selection and garnered ire from the State leadership for his controversial social media posts. The Congress, on the other hand, saw Varier's defection as a political jackpot and welcomed him to their party, sensing a better chance at winning the bypoll.
As campaigning for the Maharashtra Assembly elections comes to an end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not hold back in criticizing the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress. He accused the Shiv Sena of giving its remote control to the Congress and challenged them to get the party to praise the late Balasaheb Thackeray. Modi also slammed the Congress for being desperate for power and highlighted the reduced number of terror attacks in India under his government.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has resigned following the release of a report exposing a cover-up of child abuse by John Smyth in the Church of England. Smyth was not brought to justice before his death in 2018, leading to increasing pressure on Welby. The resignation comes after private discussions with King Charles, who is the supreme governor of the Church of England.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, expressed his deepest condolences for the loss of innocent children in a devastating fire at a medical college in Uttar Pradesh. The District Magistrate confirmed that the fire, believed to be caused by an electrical short circuit, broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. President Droupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have also voiced their grief and directed officials to provide proper treatment to the injured infants.
After securing a historic win in Haryana, the BJP has shifted its focus and strategy for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. With a strong emphasis on reaching out to non-dominant communities and ensuring unity among its allies, the party aims to address anti-incumbency and secure a comeback after a disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha elections. The party's focus on issues of identity and tackling alliances with the opposition, along with appealing to the core Shiv Sena voter base, could prove to be advantageous in their endeavor for a successful campaign.
Vinh Dang, a 54-year-old from Oklahoma City, was arrested by Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police after being caught with 150 pounds of marijuana. He was released on bond the following day but could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. This incident highlights ongoing debates and conflicts surrounding marijuana legalization and enforcement in various states.
To commemorate Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary. The day holds significance as it celebrates the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters and aims to honor their legacy. On this occasion, popular social media handle "Modi Archive" highlighted Modi's personal and close interaction with the tribal communities and how these experiences have shaped his dedication towards their inclusive growth. From extensive travels to first-hand experiences, the handle reveals the Prime Minister's deep understanding and connection with tribal communities.
The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier remark about praying to God for a solution to the Ayodhya dispute. He clarified that his faith does not affect his ability to deliver justice to people of different religions. During a recent event in his village, the CJI stated that seeking guidance from divine powers is not the job of judges and called out those who misinterpreted his statement. Chandrachud reiterated that every person has their own way of finding peace and his personal faith does not interfere with his duties as a judge.
A 28-year-old man from Houston, Texas has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Anas Said was caught after new video footage surfaced showing his intention to join and carry out attacks for the designated foreign terrorist organization. Despite previously denying any involvement with ISIS, Said allegedly admitted to multiple connections and expressed desire to return to Lebanon if released from jail. The arrest was not without resistance, as Said threw his phone and tried to run from FBI agents during the arrest in West Houston.