As the investigation into YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra’s alleged espionage for Pakistan proceeds, her fresh links with Bangladesh seem to have emerged, thereby bringing her under greater suspicion and scrutiny of the agencies.
The YouTuber has been accused of spying for Pakistan and also charged with sharing secret and strategic information with the enemy nation. She is said to be in touch with multiple Pakistani agents, including some of the operatives of ISI, Pakistan’s intelligence agency. While Haryana Police probes the alleged collusion of the YouTuber with the agents in pushing a Pakistani narrative and using her social media presence to influence gullible locals here, the officials stumbled upon a crucial piece of information, which shows that the YouTuber was planning a visit to Bangladesh soon.
It has access to Jyoti’s visa form application, which shows that the next destination on her itinerary was Bangladesh. An undated Bangladesh visa application form shows her name inscribed on the form, in which she filled up her ‘temporary address’ as the one in Uttara, Dhaka. The visa application form is, though undated, the probe team believes that her visit was intended to align and position with Bangladeshi operatives in the garb of the video shoot.
The ‘spy’ video blogger was also grilled by National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials on Tuesday over alleged links with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIO). Officials with knowledge of the investigation disclosed that her recent foreign trips to Pakistan, China and other nations are being closely examined. Many reports said that the Haryana YouTuber remained remorseless during the interrogation and insisted that she was being targeted for her free speech.
She has been accused of sharing sensitive military information with Pakistani intelligence operatives, raising concerns about security breaches, particularly in the backdrop of ghastly Pahalgam attacks. Her proposed visit to Bangladesh, after the regime change there, raises fresh security concerns.
-IANS
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The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently ruled that granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to a Christian amounts to a constitutional violation. As a result, the court disqualified AIADMK member V. Amutha Rani from her position as chairperson of the Theroor town panchayat in Kanniyakumari district. The post was reserved for candidates from the SC community.
Justice L. Victoria Gowri delivered the judgment in response to a petition filed by DMK ward member V. Iyyappan, who had contested the same post. According to the court, although Amutha Rani was born into the Hindu Pallar community—recognized as an SC group—she married a Christian man from the Backward Class category in 2005 under the Indian Christian Marriage Act. This law permits marriage solely between individuals who identify as Christians.
The judge rejected Rani’s argument that she had neither been baptized nor formally converted to Christianity. The court held that by choosing to marry under the Indian Christian Marriage Act, Rani had effectively adopted Christianity, thereby renouncing her original religion.
As per the Tamil Nadu Government Servants (Conditions of Service) Act, 2016, individuals practicing religions other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism are not eligible for Scheduled Caste status. Given that the panchayat chairperson is a public office, this legal restriction applies to Rani as well. Consequently, the court ruled that she could not claim to be a Hindu or avail the benefits reserved for Scheduled Castes in public appointments.
Bangladesh’s Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman Masud on Monday stated that the Awami League will not be able to participate the General Elections. The Muhammad Yunus-led administration had issued an official notification on 12 May, banning the Awami League party and its affiliated bodies from conducting activities online and elsewhere.
According to the Election Commissioner, the acceptability of conducting election without the participation of Awami League cannot be stated. Masud made the comment while addressing a workshop titled ‘Review of Voters Lists for the upcoming General Elections’ at the Regional Public Administration Training Centre (RPATC) in Rajshahi. The Election Commission, it was detailed, is working to conduct elections in June 2026.
Akhter Ahmad, Secretary in the Election Commission and officials from Rajshahi Election Commission, Law Enforcement officials were also present at the workshop. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday had expressed concerns that their December election deadline may quietly pass away as the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is showing no indication of launching preparations for the polls. Some senior BNP leaders stated that nine months after the Yunus-led interim government came to power, there is still no talk about holding elections in the country.
Additionally, many controversial moves, such as allowing human corridors to Rakhine and outsourcing port operations, have raised serious doubts about the government’s true intentions. The leaders further mentioned that the party rank and file is exerting pressure to take to the streets in order to put pressure on the interim government to announce a clear election roadmap and hold elections this year. Local media reported that a BNP leader, wishing to remain anonymous, said the party fears that the ban on activities of the Awami League, increasing contradictions among the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are leading to unnecessary street protests, which might further complicate the political scenario in the coming days.
Further, the BNP suspects that the recent ban on the activities of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, Awami League, and the subsequent suspension of the party’s registration by the Election Commission are part of a larger conspiracy by local and international actors to prolong the power of the interim government.
“Every now and then, new issues are brought forward, reforms are dragged out, and the overall situation is kept in a state of flux. It appears to be part of a larger conspiracy to defer elections indefinitely,” a member of the BNP Standing Committee told UNB on condition of anonymity. “Our youth rally will be held on 28 May with a massive showdown in Dhaka. From that rally, the BNP will send out a strong message to the government not to unnecessarily delay the election,” said another BNP leader
-IANS
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In a startling twist to the ongoing probe into Haryana-based YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra’s alleged espionage activities, a viral image has surfaced showing her with a man who was recently caught on camera carrying a cake into the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi—just two days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Jyoti, a travel vlogger from Hisar, is currently under a five-day police remand after being arrested on charges of sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence. The video that has raised alarms features a bearded man in a brown pathani suit entering the High Commission with a cake. When approached by reporters asking about the gesture, the man refused to comment and quickly walked past the media.
Just after Pahalgam terror attack, a man was spotted delivering cake to Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.
This individual is now believed to have appeared in an earlier video with Malhotra, reportedly filmed during a social gathering she attended in Pakistan. According to media reports, she met him at a party while visiting the country.
Investigations have further revealed that Jyoti Malhotra visited Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in January 2025—just three months before the April terror attack. This detail has raised serious questions among security experts.
Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP Shesh Paul Vaid commented on the matter via social media, suggesting the timing was too coincidental to ignore. “Is it just a coincidence that YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, allegedly honey-trapped by Danish, a suspected ISI agent at the Pakistan High Commission, was in Pahalgam shortly before the attack?” he posted.
He also highlighted that Indian intelligence agencies routinely monitor individuals with frequent contact with adversarial nations such as Pakistan, China, and, more recently, Bangladesh.
According to the FIR filed in the case, Malhotra was in regular communication with Pakistani handlers through encrypted social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat. This reportedly occurred during a recent military standoff between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.
While officials note that she had no direct access to classified military information, she is accused of sharing data that could endanger national security. Investigators claim she was involved in passing on operational and strategic insights to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Malhotra, who commands a significant online presence with 377,000 YouTube subscribers and over 130,000 Instagram followers, is now at the center of a high-profile case involving cross-border intelligence operations and national security.
As Pakistan intensifies its mass deportation of Afghan refugees, India has stepped in with humanitarian aid for thousands of affected families, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to supporting the Afghan people in times of crisis.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced that the Government of India has delivered essential food aid to around 5,000 Afghan families who were recently expelled from Pakistan. The aid package, consisting of 11 different food items, was distributed through the Kabul office of the Directorate of Refugees to families deemed most in need.
India’s assistance was formally acknowledged in a public message from Maulvi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban-appointed Minister for Refugees and Repatriation. The message, delivered by Zakirullah Zakir, head of the Prime Minister’s Office’s Coordination Department, was read during an official aid distribution ceremony in Kabul. Abdul Kabir expressed gratitude to both the Government and people of India for their continued support and called on other countries and humanitarian organisations to step up their aid for displaced Afghans.
“India’s help has come at a time when our people are facing extreme hardship,” he said. “We welcome all returnees and assure them of their safety and dignity under the general amnesty declared in the country,” he added. Kalim al-Rahman Fani, Deputy Minister of Finance and Administration, also acknowledged that returnees face numerous challenges, despite the Islamic Emirate’s efforts to provide housing and services.
He noted that 58 new townships are being planned across 31 provinces to accommodate the influx. Since April, Pakistan has expelled hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants, citing national security concerns and ties between the Taliban and India, allegations that remain unproven and have not been addressed by the Taliban.
Amid these regional tensions, India’s quiet but consistent humanitarian outreach stands in contrast to Islamabad’s crackdown, drawing attention to New Delhi’s people-centric approach to diplomacy in the region. India has long maintained that its assistance to Afghanistan is driven by humanitarian concerns and a desire to ensure regional stability. This latest initiative signals New Delhi’s continued engagement with the Afghan people, even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties with the Taliban administration.
-IANS
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The Supreme Court of India recently declined to intervene in the case of a Sri Lankan Tamil national who is currently detained, stating that India cannot act as a shelter for refugees from across the globe.
During the hearing, Justice Dipankar Datta, who led the bench alongside Justice K Vinod Chandran, remarked that with a population of 140 crore, India cannot accommodate people from every country seeking refuge. “Is India to host refugees from all over the world? We are struggling with 140 crore. This is not a Dharmshala that we can entertain foreign nationals from all over,” he said, questioning whether the country should bear the responsibility of hosting global refugees.
The court was reviewing an appeal challenging a Madras High Court order that directed the petitioner—a Sri Lankan Tamil—to leave India immediately after serving a seven-year sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the man, who had entered India on a visa, feared for his life if returned to Sri Lanka. He further stated that the petitioner had been in detention for nearly three years with no steps taken toward deportation, and that his wife and children reside in India.
In response, Justice Datta asked what legal grounds the petitioner had to seek permanent residence in India, pointing out that the right to settle in India under Article 19 of the Constitution is reserved for citizens. He also clarified that there was no breach of Article 21 since the man’s liberty was curtailed in accordance with due legal procedure.
When the counsel emphasized that returning to Sri Lanka posed a serious threat to the petitioner’s safety, the judge remarked, “He can seek refuge in another country.”
This stance aligns with the Court’s earlier decision where it refused to halt the deportation of Rohingya refugees.
The petitioner had been arrested in 2015 by the Q Branch along with two others on suspicion of being members of the LTTE. In 2018, a trial court convicted him under Section 10 of the UAPA and sentenced him to 10 years in prison. The Madras High Court later reduced the sentence to 7 years in 2022 but ordered that he be deported after completing his term, and held in a refugee camp in the interim.
The petitioner contended that his past as an LTTE fighter had led to his name being blacklisted in Sri Lanka, making him vulnerable to arrest and torture if returned. He also cited his wife’s poor health and his son’s congenital heart condition as reasons to remain in India.
A delegation from India has met with the monitoring team of the United Nations (UN) Security Council’s panel that sanctions terrorists and provided it with evidence of The Resistance Front (TRF) carrying out the massacre in Pahalgam, according to sources. Pressing India’s case for imposing sanctions on the front organisation of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the delegation from India shared documentary evidence with the monitors, the sources said on 19 May 2025.
The Council’s panel is known as the 1267 Committee after the resolution calling for action against the Islamic State or Da’esh and Al-Qaida, and groups and people associated with them. Its monitoring team of experts reports on terrorism and terrorists, and makes recommendations for additions to the terrorist list and for imposing sanctions.
The sanctions include freezing their assets and imposing travel bans on those associated with the groups. The 1267 Committee listed the LeT as an international terrorist organisation in 2005 and sanctioned three groups associated with it, including Pasba-e-Kashmir and Jamaat-ud-Dawa. The LeT operates under several names in attempts to evade sanctions, and the list includes 27 names under which it operates.
It has sanctioned about a dozen individuals associated with LeT, including its leader, Hafeez Mohammed Saeed. A source said that India had already reported the TRF’s terrorist activities to the UN and the delegation in the meeting with the monitoring team “reinforced that with documentary evidence.” India’s UN mission did not respond to requests for information about the delegation’s push for declaring the TRF an international terrorist organisation.
The media relations staff of the Council’s current President, Greece, did not respond either on the monitoring team’s meeting. As Council President, Greece heads the 1267 Committee as it does not have a chair because Pakistan wants to head it, and some other members oppose it. They had earlier listed an informal meeting of the 1267 Committee on the day’s programme.
The delegation from India, which included intelligence officials, met last week with the top UN counter-terrorism officials for a wide-ranging discussion on cooperation in fighting terrorism in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov of the Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and Assistant Secretary-General Natalia Gherman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) discussed with the Indian team cooperation, “particularly in support of implementing key Security Council counter-terrorism resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy,” the UNOCT said.
-IANS
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In the immediate aftermath of Operation Sindoor and the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian security agencies arrested six individuals, including a well-known YouTuber from Haryana, Jyoti Malhotra, on allegations of having links with Pakistan’s intelligence services. According to investigators, Malhotra had developed a close association with a staff member at the Pakistani embassy, through whom she is suspected of sharing confidential information related to India. She is currently under thorough investigation by the authorities.
Meanwhile, another prominent content creator, Madan Gowri from Tamil Nadu, who has over 8 million subscribers on YouTube, has come under scrutiny with netizens that around six years ago, Gauri posted a video featuring a conversation with Pakistani citizens, aiming to highlight cross-border sentiments. He also shared posts on his X account stating that most Pakistani citizens admire India and are against hostility. He later released a YouTube video asking Pakistani people about their views on India.
In the current climate of heightened vigilance, some social media users have alleged that Madan Gowri, like Jyoti Malhotra, has Peddled pro-Pakistan propaganda through his social media channels. These allegations have led to growing demands online for an inquiry by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Furthermore, Gowri has been criticized for expressing biased opinions in issues related to the partition of India, with accusations that his content may encourage regional division between South and North India. These claims have fueled calls for legal action, with social media users urging authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and even consider his arrest if necessary.
Madan Gowri Simping For Pakistan
Upon closer examination, it appears that Madan Gowri may have used misleading, clickbait titles for some of his YouTube videos suggesting he visited Pakistan, when in reality, he had only traveled to Nepal. However, the controversy surrounding him goes beyond just misleading content.
Critics have accused him of interacting with Pakistani male and female both from Karachi and promoting a sympathetic narrative towards Pakistani citizens, portraying them as friendly and peace-loving people.
In the same video, Madan Gowri asks the woman, “Are there Hindus in Pakistan?” to which she replies with a smile, “Yes, of course. I’ve met Hindus in Pakistan, studied with them, and hung out with them. They’re there.” He then asks, “So, there are temples in Pakistan?” and she responds, “There are temples though not as common as in India, but there are temples.” Madan Gowri follows up with another question: “So there are temples, they perform pooja, and do everything normally?” The woman answers, “Yeah, I mean yeah. I would hope so.” He then asks, “Are there temples in Karachi?” and she replies, “Yes. There is.” Based on this exchange, Madan Gowri appears to conclude implicitly that Hindus are safe in Pakistan and do not face persecution.
Madan Gowri then takes on the role of a peace advocate, promoting the narrative that ordinary Pakistani citizens desire peace, and that the real issues stem from governments and political agendas on both sides. However, he appears reluctant to acknowledge that Pakistan’s long-standing support for terrorism is a major obstacle to peace. Instead, he seems deeply fixated on the idea that Pakistanis are loving and peace-seeking people, often emphasizing that he shares those same sentiments.
In the video, Madan Gowri explains that he wanted to hear the opinions of ordinary Pakistani citizens on the ongoing issues between India and Pakistan — and he says he “loved” the response he received. One Pakistani woman responds “If it is between the civilians, or is it between governments and politicians? Because, I mean, you’re an Indian and I’m a Pakistani, and I don’t really feel any hatred toward you.” Madan Gowri interjects and says, “I don’t feel any hatred toward you too.” She continues, “I don’t think that’s (hate) there. Maybe there’s a sense of competition — may be cricket — that ignites the sense of patriotism, but besides that, I don’t see any reason for us to hate each other.”
In another part of the video, Madan Gowri interviews a Pakistani man who reflects on the time before the Partition of India. The man says, “We have been the same people throughout history. I feel that, for some xyz reasons, most people are not even aware of why they are fighting, but they are fighting nonetheless. I just hope that things become okay, and we can return to how we were before. When I listen to my grandmother’s stories, she tells me how her neighbors were her friends and describes her neighborhood.” Madan Gowri intervened and asked, “Are you talking about India and Pakistan before independence?” The Pakistani replied, “Yes, before partition, everyone lived like a family. My family has visited their old neighbors, and it feels like there is no difference. It’s all in our heads; we just need to stop it.” Madan Gowri responded, “Good, I hope that day comes when Pakistanis and Indians…” but the Pakistani interjected, “We are one strong region. I believe that everyone, both geographically and as people, shares a strong sense of community, family, and togetherness. Everyone around us feels a bit scared of us.” Madan Gowri concluded, “They can’t let the two countries come together.”
This portraying has drawn sharp criticism, especially in light of Pakistan’s own admission of past support for terrorism. In a recent interview with a British news outlet, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif acknowledged that the country had backed terrorist organizations for nearly three decades.
🚨 URBAN NAXAL MADAN GOWRI 🚨
5 வருடம் முன்பு பாகிஸ்தான் சென்று அங்கே இருக்கும் இந்துக்கள் Safe எனவும் தீவிரவாத தாக்குதல்களை Whitewash செய்த முதல் யூடியூபர் தான் இந்த கேடுகெட்ட @madan3.
Madan Gowri Shares Selfie With Pakistani Cricket Fans
Adding to the controversy, another incident that drew criticism involved Madan Gowri posing for a photo with Pakistani cricket fans. In one of his older social media posts during ICC World Cup 2023, he wrote, “No hate, only love 🇮🇳❤️🇵🇰 South is different bro.. #Pakistan #India.” The post was seen by many as an attempt to stir up division between North and South India while also misleadingly implying that people from South India generally support Pakistan. The post, now being widely circulated online, was deemed by several users as tone-deaf and inappropriate, especially considering the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
Madan Gowri’s 12-Minute Whitewash Of Pahalgam Hindu Massacre
In his Pahalgam video titled “PAHALGAM Issue EXPLAINED | Tamil | MG Squad”, Madan Gowri manages to talk for over 12 minutes about the murder of 28 civilians—without ever once naming the Islamic terrorist ideology behind the attack.
No mention of radical Islam. No mention of the Jihadist motive—despite survivors confirming the attackers asked people’s religion before opening fire. No mention of the terror organization that was behind the attacks, or its clear Pakistan-backed objective to “cleanse” Kashmir of non-Muslims. Not even the word “Muslim” or “Islamic” crosses his lips.
Instead, Gowri delivers a lecture on “unity” and “not dividing people”. That’s right: after an Islamist attack that explicitly targeted people based on their faith, he tells the victims not to be divided. That’s the equivalent of standing at the site of a lynching and telling the family of the dead to stay “calm and secular.”
Congress leader and spokesperson Pawan Khera intended to criticize External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on social media platform X, but ended up targeting a BJP worker from Kerala—S. Jayashankar—mistaking him for the minister. The confusion came after Jayashankar criticized the Congress for the list of MPs it nominated to represent India in a diplomatic outreach programme countering Pakistan’s terrorism narrative.
On 17 May 2025, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh posted on X that, “Yesterday morning, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju spoke with the Congress President and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The INC was asked to submit names of 4 MPs for the delegations to be sent abroad to explain India’s stance on terrorism from Pakistan. By noon yesterday May 16th, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha wrote to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs giving the following names on behalf of the INC.
Shri Anand Sharma, former Union Cabinet Minister
Shri Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha
Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, Rajya Sabha MP
Shri Raja Brar, Lok Sabha MP”
Yesterday morning, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju spoke with the Congress President and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The INC was asked to submit names of 4 MPs for the delegations to be sent abroad to explain India's stance on terrorism from…
Soon after, BJP karyakarta S. Jayashankar responded with a scathing post, stating, “Thanks for letting the nation know that you guys basically omitted your 2 best speakers in Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor for people like Gaurav Gogoi who is known to have close ties with Pakistan and Syed Nassar Hussain whose victory resulted in “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans. Throughout the history, Congress has always favored Pakistan over India. Hence this list doesn’t come as a surprise.”
Thanks for letting the nation know that you guys basically omitted your 2 best speakers in Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor for people like Gaurav Gogoi who is known to have close ties with Pakistan and Syed Nassar Hussain whose victory resulted in "Pakistan Zindabad" slogans.… https://t.co/F4bR6fD524
However, the post was wrongly attributed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar by Pawan Khera, who reacted with a blistering critique, “Ladies & gentlemen, this is your External Affairs Minister. Sitting on the debris of India’s failed foreign policy, he indulges in baseless character assassination of two bright young MPs. His own fabled closeness to America has only raised eyebrows—not India’s interests…”
Jayashankar, the BJP worker, hit back at the Congress leader in a now-deleted post with a mocking reply, “Dear @Pawankhera, The fact that you are not able to differentiate between a gray tick and blue tick shows how seriously we have to take your statements. And regarding your MPs, whatever I have stated is based on facts. So instead of indulging in character assassination it will be better if you can counter me on facts and also explain why your party prefers appeasement over merit.“
Dear @Pawankhera, The fact that you are not able to differentiate between a gray tick and blue tick shows how seriously we have to take your statements.
The entire episode triggered widespread ridicule on social media, with netizens mocking Khera for his blunder and highlighting the Congress party’s repeated social media missteps.
— Indhavaainko (இந்தாவாய்ங்கோ) 👊 (@indhavaainko) May 18, 2025
Ladies & gentlemen, this is Chairman of Media & Publicity Dept of @INCIndia, alleged Tapasvi @Pawankhera who doesn't know the handle of External Affairs Minister.
Oh dear @Pawankhera , This is the Pro Max of silly things you do. You are not even able to read properly & jumped to spew your usual venom.🤦🏽♂️ He is “Jai Shankar” I know it is difficult for u people to say, chant or read but that’s how u have to. pic.twitter.com/kxmWZxOpBj
Why did you delete this? You’re not able to differentiate between a grey tick and a blue tick and you expect people to take your party statements seriously? 😂 pic.twitter.com/Syou0cil0K
A major political bomb has been dropped on the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, following recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to a ₹1,000 crore liquor scam involving the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The probe has reportedly exposed a large-scale corruption network involving individuals allegedly connected to the DMK’s first family.
At the heart of the scandal are two individuals—Ratheesh and Aakash Bhaskaran—who are believed to have close ties to Deputy Chief Minister and DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin. Suspected WhatsApp conversations between Ratheesh and TASMAC Managing Director S. Visakan have raised serious questions about possible corruption and political influence in the functioning of the state-run liquor corporation.
Adding another layer to the controversy, a budding Kollywood film producer, who is reportedly related to the DMK’s first family and is working on a ₹400–₹500 crore film project featuring major stars, was also brought under the ED’s scanner. He was questioned over two days during the raids, further intensifying the political fallout from the ongoing investigation.
Who is Ratheesh?
Ratheesh, a longtime associate of Udhayanidhi Stalin, is reportedly considered a central figure in the DMK leader’s inner circle and is described by Enforcement Directorate (ED) sources as a behind-the-scenes power broker with significant influence.
During its months-long investigation into the alleged ₹1,000 crore TASMAC liquor scam, the ED reportedly discovered printed WhatsApp chat screenshots near the residence of the TASMAC Managing Director (MD) in Chennai. These communications appear to show Ratheesh issuing direct instructions to the MD.
The messages allegedly included detailed guidance on selecting liquor brands, such as ‘Erica Platinum XO Brandy French’ and ‘Erica VSOP Premium XO Brandy’, along with directives related to tender management processes. One particularly notable exchange involved Ratheesh sending the TASMAC MD a photo of the MD with Udhayanidhi Stalin, suggesting his deep access and authority within influential circles.
The revelations have sparked a political storm in Tamil Nadu, with the opposition AIADMK demanding answers. They referred to Ratheesh as “Who_Is_That_Brother?”—a nickname kept and called for the DMK leadership to clarify his role and connections in the alleged scam.
Meanwhile, Ratheesh has reportedly gone untraceable, with ED officials unable to locate him at his registered address in Chennai, adding to the mounting suspicions surrounding his involvement.
டாஸ்மாக் MD வீட்டின் அருகே கிழிந்த நிலையில் டாஸ்மாக் நிறுவனம் தொடர்பாக முக்கிய விவரங்கள் குறித்த வாட்சப் Chat Screenshots கிடைத்ததாகவும், இவை துணை முதல்வர் உதயநிதியின் நண்பர் ரத்தீஷிடம் பேசியது எனவும் செய்திகள் வருகின்றன.
— AIADMK – -SayYesToWomenSafety&AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) May 16, 2025
Who is Aakash Bhaskaran?
Much like Ratheesh, film producer Aakash Bhaskaran has also come under the radar of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The young producer, who heads Dawn Pictures, is reportedly being scrutinized for simultaneously financing multiple big-budget films, with an estimated combined value between ₹400 and ₹550 crore.
A native of Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Aakash comes from a business background—his father is the owner of a jewellery store. After completing his education, Aakash began his journey in the film industry by working as an assistant director under filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. It is noteworthy to mention that Vignesh Shivn had directed the Chess Olympiad promotional video featuring MK Stalin.
In 2024, Aakash Bhaskaran married Dharaneeswari, daughter of CK Ranganathan, the chairman and managing director of Cavinkare Pvt Ltd. Dharaneeswari’s mother, Thenmozhi, is the granddaughter of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, linking Aakash to the powerful DMK political family. He is also said to have close ties with Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
His high-profile wedding in 2024 was attended by several notable figures from both the film industry and the DMK, including Cheif Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
Aakash has recently gained attention for producing high-value projects featuring leading Tamil stars such as Dhanush, Silambarasan TR, and Sivakarthikeyan, all under the Dawn Pictures banner. His rapid rise and simultaneous funding of several mega-budget films have raised questions that are now part of the ED’s ongoing investigation.
— AdmirerOfAnna – SayYesToWomenSafety&AIADMK (@Dilleepan) May 17, 2025
The ED’s probe has reportedly uncovered irregularities in TASMAC’s tendering processes, undeclared cash dealings, and a covert liquor trade allegedly worth ₹1,000 crore. Since the beginning of the year, the investigation has resulted in raids targeting TASMAC personnel, distilleries, and various corporate offices. In April, TASMAC MD S. Visakan and other top officials were summoned by the ED for questioning.
In response, the DMK has firmly rejected the allegations. Earlier this year, Minister V. Senthil Balaji stated that all TASMAC operations, including purchases and tenders, are conducted with full transparency. He accused opposition parties—including the BJP—of exaggerating the issue for political advantage.
The BJP has also taken a strong stance on the matter. Former state party chief K. Annamalai led a protest in March, during which several BJP leaders were detained by police.
TASMAC, which oversees the sale of liquor throughout Tamil Nadu, remains one of the state’s largest sources of revenue. However, it has frequently been a flashpoint in political debates, with both current and previous administrations facing accusations of using the organization to channel funds into electoral campaigns and party expenses.
