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Top Maoist Commander Manish Yadav Killed In Jharkhand Encounter

Maoist Odisha

CPI (Maoist) commander Manish Yadav, carrying a bounty of Rs 5 lakh, was killed in an encounter with police and security forces in the forests of Latehar district, Jharkhand, officials said on Monday.

Another top Maoist, Kundan Kharwar, who carried a reward of Rs 10 lakh, was arrested during the operation. The encounter took place in the Dauna and Karamkhar forest area under the Netarhat police station limits and lasted from late Sunday night to early Monday morning. According to Latehar SP Kumar Gaurav, police had received intelligence inputs about the movement of armed Maoist squads in the region.

Acting on this, a joint team of district police and security personnel launched a search operation late Sunday night. As the team advanced, Maoists opened fire. Security forces retaliated, leading to a fierce gun battle that continued intermittently for nearly three hours. After the firing ceased, the body of a slain Naxalite was recovered, later identified as Manish Yadav.

During the combing operation, Kundan Kharwar, another senior Maoist with a Rs 10 lakh bounty, was apprehended. Several weapons were also seized from the encounter site. Police said the Maoist group had gathered in the forest to plan a major attack. This marks the second major success for Latehar Police in their ongoing anti-Maoist operations within the past three days.

On May 24, in an encounter in the Ichwar forest, two Maoists — Pappu Lohara (Rs 10 lakh bounty) and Prabhat Lohara (Rs 5 lakh bounty) — were gunned down, and another injured rebel was captured. These militants were reportedly affiliated with the banned outfit Jharkhand Sangharsh Mukti Morcha. Earlier, on April 21, eight Maoists, including commander Prayag Manjhi — who carried a reward of Rs 1 crore — were killed in an encounter with police and security forces in the Lugu Hills of Bokaro district.

–IANS

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Leftist Rag The Wire’s Founder Siddharth Varadarajan’s ₹8.33 Cr Lavish Delhi Property Purchase Raises Eyebrows

Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of The Wire, and his wife, academic Nandini Sundar, have found themselves once again at the center of a storm. The couple has allegedly acquired a luxury top-floor apartment with a terrace in New Delhi’s elite Nizamuddin East for a staggering ₹8.33 crore.

This isn’t their first high-end address either. The couple already resides in an upscale residence on Lodhi Road, a stone’s throw from Lutyens’ Delhi—one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the capital. The revelation has left many questioning the source of such affluence, given the couple’s professional backgrounds Varadarajan is the editor of a “non-profit” media outlet, and Sundar is a salaried professor at a public university.

What raises eyebrows further is the common understanding within Delhi’s real estate circles—that only about 50% of property transactions are accounted for in white money. If that holds true in this case, it suggests the ₹8.33 crore deal may have involved a significant cash component. Naturally, this raises the question, where is the money coming from? How does a public university professor—drawing a regular salary—and the editor of a so-called “non-profit, crowdfunded” media platform manage to acquire not one, but two high-end properties in the elite zones of Lutyens’ Delhi?

Are we really expected to believe that such luxury is funded solely through personal savings, academic grants, or speaking honorariums? Or is there a hidden financial network operating behind the scenes? Shouldn’t those who constantly question others about transparency be held to the same standards themselves?

Who’s backing them financially? Could it be institutions like the Ford Foundation or individuals like George Soros?

Adding fuel to the fire, news reports from March 2024 claimed that Varadarajan, a U.S. citizen, purchased the 50 crore property in Nizamuddin East—reportedly a four-floor home with contemporary architecture—possibly alongside his brother, Tunku Varadarajan, though his involvement remains unclear.

When approached by BestMediaInfo for comment on the high-value transaction, Varadarajan declined, stating it was a “personal matter.

The irony hasn’t gone unnoticed. As critics on social media point out, it’s difficult to reconcile the couple’s vocal support for social justice and anti-elitism with their residence in some of the most exclusive and inaccessible parts of New Delhi. The optics have prompted pointed commentary: Is this the new face of activism—revolution from a rooftop terrace?

The public debate continues, with questions being raised not just about wealth and property, but about the credibility and consistency of those who claim to speak for the marginalized.

Why The Wire’s Founder Varadarajan’s Purchase Of High-Profile Land In Delhi Is Under Scrutiny

The Wire often finds itself under both public and institutional scrutiny due to its editorial decisions and questions surrounding its journalistic credibility.

Despite clear advisories from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, veteran journalist Karan Thapar hosted a live discussion featuring Pakistani commentator Najam Sethi and others during India’s military response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Operation Sindoor. The interview provided a platform for anti-India narratives at a highly sensitive time—leading to widespread criticism and accusations of undermining national interests.

In fact, The Wire has even faced bans in the past for allegedly echoing pro-Pakistan sentiments within India.

Adding to the controversy, the publication has had to retract multiple stories after it was revealed that several of its reports were based on unverified or unsubstantiated claims. These retractions have sparked questions about editorial oversight and professional standards within the organization.

The larger issue now is accountability. When stories fall apart under scrutiny or when platforms are used to propagate hostile viewpoints, who takes responsibility? In an era where trust in media is fragile, the onus is on news organizations—especially those that claim to hold others accountable—to maintain the highest standards of transparency and integrity.

As critics ask, if The Wire demands accountability from institutions and public figures, should it not be held to the same standards?

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Kerala Coast On High Alert As Containers From Sunken Liberian-Flagged Ship Wash Ashore

The Kerala coast was placed on high alert on Monday after nearly a dozen containers from the Liberian-flagged vessel MSC ELSA 3, which sank in the Arabian Sea on Saturday, drifted ashore between Cheriyazheekal and Sakthikulangara in Kollam district of the state.

The ship, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi port, capsized approximately 14.6 nautical miles (about 27 km) off the Thottappally coast. Officials estimate around 100 containers may have fallen into the sea, with more expected to wash ashore due to rough seas and prevailing currents.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a public warning urging residents to stay away from the containers. Local police in Kollam and neighbouring Alappuzha districts are closely monitoring the affected coastline. Alappuzha District Collector Alex Varghese told reporters that some containers have been identified as empty, but authorities are proceeding with caution.

“Experts are arriving to examine the contents. Preliminary assessments suggest several containers may be empty, but the public has been advised to stay away,” he said. Some containers are marked with labels such as “Sophi Tex,” leading locals to speculate that they may contain textile materials.

While a few appear to be loaded, others seem empty. Curious onlookers who gathered at the scene were dispersed by police. Fishermen returning to shore on Monday morning reported seeing additional containers floating further out at sea. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to manage the risk posed by drifting cargo and the potential for an oil spill.

A high-level emergency meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary has directed the Factories and Boilers Department and the Pollution Control Board to lead the RRTs. District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), the police, and other key agencies have been instructed to provide full support for ongoing emergency operations. The Kerala government is coordinating with the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Forest Department, and other concerned agencies as recovery and containment efforts continue.

–IANS

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Zepto CEO Accuses Rival Company’s CFO Of Targeting Them With Smear Campaign

Aadit Palicha, the CEO and Co-founder of quick delivery platform Zepto, has alleged that the chief financial officer (CFO) of a rival company is running a smear campaign against them over the past few days.

In a LinkedIn post, Palicha said the spam campaign includes “calling our investors to make wild allegations about us with no empirical evidence, giving out false numbers/Excel sheets on Zepto through sources known to journalists, and paying bots on social media to spread a negative narrative”. He, however, did not reveal the name of the rival firm.

In the quick commerce space, Zepto competes with Blinkit (owned by Eternal which was earlier Zomato), Swiggy Instamart, Flipkart Minutes and Tata BigBasket, among others. “Candidly, this episode is below the stature expected of the CFO of a high-quality company, and makes it obvious that they are starting to get nervous about how fast Zepto’s EBITDA is improving,” said Palicha.

He further stated that Zepto has grown from approximately 750 crore of gross order value (GOV) per month in May 2024 to 2,400 crores of GOV per month in May 2025. “Our definition of GOV has Fruits and Vegetables at selling price and includes Ad Revenue. Our EBITDA has improved by 20 absolute percentage points (2,000 basis points) from January 2025 to May 2025, and is approaching single-digit territory. Our cash burn is down approximately 65 per cent over that same period,” said Zepto CEO. Palicha said they expects to have the vast majority of their dark stores fully EBITDA positive (including backend supply chain costs, customer support, last mile and all fixed/variable dark store costs) by next quarter.

“As of the beginning of this quarter, we have approximately 7,445 crores of Net Cash in the bank (fully reconciled to bank statements). With our current cash burn trajectory, we have many years of runway,” he mentioned. He then hoped that “this CFO in question stops this activity”. “I’m okay with healthy/aggressive competitive talk, but lies are not acceptable. Frankly, these calls from you are only making it clearer to the investor community that we are a strong competitor. It’s best for all of us to simply focus on execution,” Palicha added.

—IANS

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DMK MP Kanimozhi-Led Delegation Arrives In Slovenia To Convey India’s Message On Counter-Terrorism

kanimozhi dmk unity in diversity national language

The all-party parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has arrived in Slovenia as part of India’s Operation Sindoor global outreach campaign. The delegation was briefed by Indian Ambassador to Slovenia Amit Narang on Monday regarding India’s relations with the European country and stance against cross-border terrorism.

“India and Slovenia share a warm and friendly relationship marked by mutual trust and shared values. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia is also playing an important role in global discussions on counter-terrorism and the promotion of global peace. India’s message of national unity on zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism will further strengthen bilateral cooperation on ending terror globally,” the Indian Embassy posted on X on Monday.

The delegation, a part of India’s global diplomatic outreach campaign to highlight the significance of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, was received by Ambassador Amit Narang and Embassy officials on their arrival in Slovenia. The Kanimozhi-led parliamentarians include Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.); RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal; and Former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri. The delegation reached Slovenia following a successful visit to Russia, reaffirming India’s firm stance on combating terrorism.

“Our visit to Moscow, Russia has been highly successful. We received unwavering support from all quarters, government, legislature, think tanks, and media. Russia has firmly stood by India in its stand against terrorism and clearly stated that it will not tolerate terror in any form, from any soil,” said Ashok Mittal in a post on X. “As we now engage with Slovenia, a peace-loving, progressive nation, we carry forward Bharat’s strong stance.

Terrorism anywhere affects peace everywhere. India, as the world’s 4th largest economy, cannot be isolated from global consequences, and neither can any other nation. We look forward to Slovenia’s solidarity in this global fight for peace and prosperity,” the post further added.

–IANS

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Pakistan, Spies And Rahul Gandhi: Operation Sindoor Reveals Truth About Them

There can be no better analogy than the ‘Samudra Manthan’ to describe India’s Operation Sindoor against terror-promoting Pakistan. Samudra Manthan, a significant event in Sanatan Dharma, refers to the churning of the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality.

It symbolises a cosmic struggle between good and evil, ultimately won by the righteous. Just as the mythological Manthan yielded nectar for the virtuous, Operation Sindoor has unearthed truths that are proving to be eye-opening not only for the world but also for the nation.

It has exposed Pakistan’s duplicity regarding terrorism and unmasked individuals working against India’s security and interests. While Pakistan is being held accountable for fostering terrorism in India, hidden operatives — all Indian citizens — are being exposed one by one. These individuals have been covertly working for Pakistan, discreetly passing on sensitive information.

Then there are also those on the political spectrum who have made statements that seem to be aimed at undermining India’s anti-terror actions. Operation Sindoor, an unprecedented action, has indeed produced mind-boggling results. It has unmasked individuals within India who were gnawing at the nation’s security framework.

Around 15 men and women have been arrested for spying for the neighbouring country. These include a YouTuber, a security guard, a businessman, an app developer, students, and even ordinary people.

All they needed was a mobile phone — to shoot and transmit pictures, data, or any other information related to defence establishments, religious sites, railways, airports, tourist spots, or even random locations. For most of them, money was the primary motivation. In some cases, honey traps were employed, but the demand was always for real-time and archived information.

These accused individuals were recruited into the spy network through various methods: social media, monetary incentives, false promises, messaging apps, and even personal visits to Pakistan. Most of these spies fall within the 20-40 age group, and several were being groomed as long-term assets.

This is evident in the case of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra from Hisar, Haryana, who has 3.85 lakh YouTube subscribers and has travelled to several countries, including Pakistan and China. Earlier this year, she visited Pahalgam in Kashmir, where she recorded several videos. Her case underscores how Pakistan is leveraging social media influencers for espionage against India.

Since Operation Sindoor began, almost daily, a new face has been unmasked — people who would otherwise have gone undetected. While Operation Sindoor has exposed spies, it has also revealed peculiar behaviour from some in the political arena.

Even as the operation continues, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been persistently attacking the government, raising questions such as how many Indian aircraft were shot down. He has criticised the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan and questioned who sought mediation.

Not stopping there, Gandhi has also claimed that New Delhi’s foreign policy has collapsed, even as all-party delegations are touring 33 countries to present India’s case that Pakistan sponsors terrorism. He even referred to Pakistan’s shelling in Jammu and Kashmir as a “tragedy” rather than calling it an act of terror.

Following his lead, other Congress leaders have made statements that have earned praise from Pakistan. Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge described Operation Sindoor as a “chutput yudh (small war)”. These statements have been widely circulated by Pakistani media and used by its establishment to attack India on international platforms.

Why Rahul Gandhi would make such statements while the nation is engaged in counter-terror operations is puzzling. While scrutiny is essential in a democracy, timing and intent are what matter most. Operation Sindoor, a successful military operation launched on May 7 to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeted nine terror bases in Pakistan and was carried out jointly by India’s tri-services.

It demonstrated India’s military prowess and Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. The precision strikes hit only terror bases, avoiding civilian and military targets, underscoring India’s strategic intent and capabilities. However, Pakistan retaliated with a sinister move, launching swarms of drones into Indian territory and shelling residential areas in Jammu and Kashmir.

On May 10, in retaliation, India destroyed 11 Pakistani airbases, shocking its army and government. Reports suggest that even some of Pakistan’s nuclear facilities were damaged in these airstrikes.

Facing massive destruction, Pakistan swiftly pleaded for a ceasefire. This operation has instilled newfound confidence in India’s people and stunned the world. Pakistan’s complicity in terrorism is totally exposed today.

It has been shown that it is on the side of terrorism. From attending the funeral rites of terrorists and giving them state honours, the establishment in Pakistan has, for the first time, exhibited its deep terror network.

Operation Sindoor has forced Pakistan to show its true colours — to reveal its intent to nurture terrorist factories and spread extremism not only in India but across the globe. Just as the mythological Samudra Manthan led to a momentous gain, so too has this Operation Sindoor — unveiling truths, some bitter and some overwhelmingly positive and encouraging.

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Lalu Prasad Yadav Expels Son Tej Pratap From RJD For Six Years For ‘Immoral Behaviour’

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday expelled his son Tej Pratap Yadav from the party for six years over his “immoral and irresponsible behaviour” and for ‘not upholding the family’s values and traditions’.

The decision came a day after Tej Pratap shared a video on his Facebook page, where he declared that he had been in a relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav for the past 12 years. His revelation on ‘love affair’ with a woman even during the tenure of his marriage with Aishwarya in 2018, triggered a flurry of political reactions, with many parties taking potshots at the RJD chief.

Lalu Yadav announced the decision to expel Tej Pratap with a post on X, “Ignoring moral values in personal life weakens our collective struggle for social justice. The activities, public conduct and irresponsible behaviour of the eldest son are not in accordance with our family values and traditions. Therefore, due to the above circumstances, I removed him from the party and family. From now on, he will not have any role of any kind in the party and family.”

He further wrote, “Tej Pratap has been expelled for six years. All those who will have relations with him should make their own decisions. I have always been an advocate of propriety in public life. The obedient members of the family have adopted and followed this idea in public life,” Lalu said further in X post.

Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap’s brother and former Bihar Deputy CM, also confirmed snapping ties with him. “I have no relation with Tej Pratap now. RJD President Lalu Yadav has made a decision and also put it in the public domain. Whatever he does in personal life, it remains his personal decision. He doesn’t take advice or permission from anyone regarding his personal life,” he said.

–IANS

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“Mother F**ker, Sister F**ker, I’ll F**k Up Your Mom”: Rahul Gandhi Supporter And Former R&AW Chief Attacks And Abuses Journalist

In a disturbing display of arrogance, former RAW chief and known Congress sympathizer A.S. Dulat reportedly attempted to assault journalist Jitesh Jethanandani during an interview. The incident occurred when Dulat was confronted with pointed questions regarding The Kashmir Files, his participation in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, and other controversial statements he has made in the past. Visibly irritated, Dulat allegedly tried to slap the journalist, demanded to know his identity, and then abruptly walked out of the interview.

During the interaction, Dulat became visibly agitated and reacted with an outburst laced with profanity when pressed on sensitive topics such as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). His refusal to answer certain questions culminated in a moment of anger that included abusive language directed at the host and others present.

Take him out, remove this ba***rd. Who was that sisterf**ker? Who was that dog? Who was he? Do you know who I am? Who was saying all this? Motherf**ker, what do you think of yourself? Bloody Sindhi, do you think I am crazy? I will f**k up your mother,” Rahul Gandhi supporter Dulat angrily attacked and abused the journalist.

When asked about his participation in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, Dulat confirmed his involvement, stating he was personally invited by Gandhi and had long-standing ties with the Congress Party, having served during its rule. He affirmed that his political leanings are aligned with the Congress.

On the issue of the 1990s exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, Dulat downplayed the targeted killings of the minority community, suggesting that more Muslims than Pandits had died during the unrest, and framed the violence as driven by local anger toward Delhi.

Regarding Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Dulat dismissed the idea of it being a major issue and advocated for a resolution based on the Line of Control, essentially suggesting that both countries retain the territories they currently hold.

When questioned about the increase in tourism in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, Dulat acknowledged the surge but implied it was not necessarily a positive development. He reiterated his view that the voices of local Kashmiri leaders—many of whom opposed the Article 370 decision—should have been heard.

The discussion also touched on India’s recent cross-border actions under “Operation Sindoor.” When asked about the tensions with Pakistan, Dulat responded with sarcasm, saying he liked Lahore and jokingly remarked that India should have taken the city.

He admitted to having contacts in Pakistan, but when questions arose regarding his co-authored book The Spy Chronicles, written with former ISI chief Asad Durrani, and his recent travel to Pakistan, Dulat again reacted angrily.

This is the same A.S. Dulat who previously dismissed The Kashmir Files as propaganda, referred to the Pulwama attack as a “gift” for the BJP ahead of elections, and even defended a Pakistani spy. Now, cornered by his own contradictions, he appears to have resorted to physical aggression.

The video of the confrontation, shared by journalist Jethanandani on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, quickly went viral and sparked widespread criticism. In his post, Jethanandani wrote, “Some questions in Bharat Raftar’s podcast hurt the former RAW chief AS Dulat so much that he tried to raise his hand on the journalist… and the kind of language he is using, you can hear it yourself in this video! AS Dulat has been in controversies before too! The film Kashmir Files was called propaganda. Pulwama attack was described as a gift from BJP before the elections. Gave statement in defense of former Pakistani spy! Participated in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra! You made many claims in your books which led to controversies. Accused of helping the son of dreaded terrorist Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin to get a medical seat in Srinagar!”

 

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All Crew Members Rescued After Liberian Ship Capsizes Off Kerala Coast

In a swift rescue operation, INS Sujata early on Sunday successfully rescued the remaining three crew members of a Liberian-flagged container ship that capsized in the Arabian Sea, approximately 38 nautical miles (about 70 km) off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said in a statement.

The ship, en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, had been scheduled to arrive by Saturday evening. However, tragedy struck when the vessel began to take in water due to flooding in one of its holds. The flooding caused the vessel to rapidly capsize in the early hours of May 25, prompting an emergency response.

“In the early hours of May 25, the vessel capsized rapidly reportedly due to flooding in one of the holds. Three crew remaining onboard the abandoned ship and were rescued by INS Sujata, which joined operations last evening,” the ICG said. According to the statement, all crew members are now safe.

The ICG has launched an assessment of the incident and is issuing advisories to state authorities to manage any environmental impact or hazards. The incident unfolded after the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued a warning on Saturday, alerting about a potential spill of hazardous material into the sea.

The ICG confirmed the ship, which was carrying marine gas oil and very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), had lost around 10 containers into the sea during the capsizing. These containers reportedly included oil substances critical for maritime operations. VLSFO, a fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5 per cent by mass, is essential for compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2020 emissions regulations, aimed at reducing sulphur pollution in international waters.

Earlier on Saturday, 21 out of the 24 crew members were rescued after the ship began listing. The three remaining onboard — the Captain, Chief Engineer, and Second Engineer — had initially stayed behind but were later forced to abandon the sinking vessel. The ship was nearing its destination at the Cochin Port when the emergency occurred. The ICG and other relevant agencies are closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to prevent any further environmental fallout from the spill. Further updates on the investigation and clean-up operations are expected.

–IANS

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Retired TN Chief Conservator Of Forests Duped Of ₹6.8 Crore In Fake Stock Trading App Scam

The Cybercrime Wing of the Greater Chennai Police has arrested three men from Kerala in connection with an elaborate online investment scam that duped a retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of ₹6.8 crore.

The victim, Krishnan Kumar Kaushal (60), a native of Himachal Pradesh and a 1990-batch IFS officer, retired as the Tamil Nadu Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in July 2024. In a complaint filed two months ago, he stated that he lost his life savings, retirement benefits, and the proceeds from the sale of his house after falling prey to fraudulent investment applications. The arrested individuals have been identified as Sreejith R.Nair (47) of Ernakulam, Abdulsalu (47) of Kozhikode, and Mohammed Farwaiz (44) of Malappuram. They were brought to Chennai on a transit warrant and remanded in judicial custody.

According to police, Krishnan Kumar received WhatsApp messages in December 2024, prompting him to download two bogus investment apps — SMC Apex and Shanda Capital. These apps were promoted by so-called customer service executives who assured him of high returns. Between January and late January 2025, he transferred approximately ₹6.58 crore to multiple bank accounts linked to the scammers, believing he was investing in legitimate stock market ventures.

However, he soon became suspicious when he noticed discrepancies. “The value of the shares shown in the app increased daily, but when cross-verified with official stock exchange data (NSE and BSE), the figures did not match,” he noted in his complaint. Upon realising he had been duped, Kaushal reported the matter to the national cybercrime helpline (1930) and filed a complaint with the Chennai Police’s Cybercrime Wing. A special team led by Inspector Peer Basha traced the fraudulent bank accounts to Kerala. The investigation revealed that the arrested trio had been operating bank accounts on behalf of cyber fraudsters.

The scammed money was routed abroad through illegal hawala networks and later converted into USDT cryptocurrency via the Binance trading app. Police said five other individuals from Delhi and surrounding regions had previously been arrested in connection with the case. However, the three accused from Kerala played a key role in laundering the money through crypto transactions. A senior police officer added, “The accused are suspected to be involved in similar scams reported in other parts of Tamil Nadu and across various states.”

–IANS

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