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Man arrested under POCSO for assaulting 3-year-old girl in Bengal’s Dattapukur

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Man arrested under POCSO for assaulting 3-year-old girl in Bengal’s Dattapukur

Kolkata, Oct 31 (IANS): A man in his forties was arrested in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district for allegedly sexually assaulting a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, police said on Saturday. The accused, identified as Arjun Sardar, had reportedly visited a relative’s house in Dattapukur when he allegedly took the child to the roof of a neighbouring house and assaulted her sexually.

The incident is said to have taken place on Thursday and came to light the following day, on Friday, triggering tension in the area. According to the police, the victim’s family has been living in Subhashnagar in a rented house under Nilganj outpost in Dattapukur police station area for the last three months. Local residents said they went to file a complaint at Nilganj outpost of Dattapukur police station, but police refused to do so. Later, a case was registered against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and an investigation was launched.

The police arrested the accused on Friday night. Police said the accused has confessed to the crime during interrogation. He was produced before the Barasat court on Saturday. The police sought his custody for further investigation. The child was taken to Barasat Medical College and Hospital for a physical examination. Her family and local residents alleged they had to wait for a long time at Barasat Medical College and Hospital as there was only one female doctor available at that time, and that too was busy.

Locals alleged that the girl’s medical examination was delayed for several hours due to the unavailability of female doctors, sparking protests at the hospital. The situation was later brought under control. The victim’s family has demanded stringent punishment for the accused. –IANS sch/skp

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Couple, 5-month-old son killed as pickup truck hits motorcycle in MP’s Shajapur Shajapur (Madhya Pradesh), Oct 31 (IANS) Three members of a family, including a five-month-old child, were killed when a speeding pickup truck collided with their motorcycle in Madhya Pradesh’s Shajapur district, police said on Saturday. The deceased have been identified as Ajit Panwar, his wife Pooja Panwar and their five-month-old son Shivanshu. They were residents of Indra Colony in Ashta town of neighbouring Sehore district. The accident occurred in the Salaslai police station area when the family was travelling from Bolai village towards Ayyapur for temple darshan. According to preliminary investigation, a stray dog suddenly came in front of their motorcycle. Ajit, who was riding the two-wheeler, tried to avoid hitting the animal but lost control of the motorcycle, which swerved into the path of a pickup truck approaching from the opposite direction. The pickup truck hit the motorcycle with considerable force, leaving all three family members critically injured. The motorcycle was badly damaged in the collision. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared all three dead. The family had left home on Saturday to visit a temple and offer prayers to mark the completion of five months of their son Shivanshu. However, they met with the fatal accident before reaching their destination. “The family was going for temple darshan with their child when a stray dog suddenly came in front of their motorcycle. The rider tried to save the animal but lost control and collided with a pickup coming from the opposite direction,” a police official said. The pickup driver fled the scene after the accident. Police seized both vehicles and registered a case against the unidentified driver for rash and negligent driving. “Efforts are underway to trace the absconding driver with the help of CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway,” the official added.
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Karnataka using KMF price hikes to cover financial mismanagement, alleges Pralhad Joshi New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Saturday criticised the Congress government in Karnataka over the hike in Nandini curd prices, alleging that the state was using the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) as a tool to offset the financial strain caused by what he termed fiscal mismanagement. In a statement, Joshi said the Congress government has created a new record in price hikes by imposing unprecedented increases on essential commodities, thereby putting an additional burden on ordinary people. He alleged that the government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was using KMF to cover up its financial mismanagement and depleted state coffers by resorting to excessive price hikes. According to Joshi, the price of 500 ml Nandini curd has been increased from Rs 28 to Rs 34, a hike of Rs 6 or 21.43 per cent. Similarly, the price of one litre of curd has been raised from Rs 54 to Rs 68, an increase of Rs 14 or 25.93 per cent. “While giving curd to the people, the Congress government is enjoying the butter,” he remarked, accusing the government of exploiting consumers. Pointing out that the government increased the price of milk by Rs 8 per litre just a day earlier, Joshi said the latest increase in curd prices, ranging from 21 to 26 per cent, would severely affect poor and middle-class families. He further alleged that the Congress government, which had made development a distant dream in Karnataka, was now collecting money from the poorest sections of society through repeated price increases in KMF products. The Union Minister said the successive hikes reflected the government’s anti-people policies and its failure to manage the state’s finances effectively. The Karnataka government has announced an Rs 8 per litre hike in the price of Nandini milk, which takes effect on November 1, 2026. The government states that out of the Rs 8 increase, Rs 7 goes directly to dairy farmers and Rs 1 goes to the milk cooperatives (KMF) for operational expenses. –IANS mka/skp
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Tamil Nadu raises DA from 60 pc to 63 pc, effective July 1 Chennai, Oct 31 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered a three-percentage-point increase in dearness allowance for government employees and teachers, with pensioners and family pensioners also benefiting from the revision announced ahead of Deepavali. The increase, which raises the allowance from 60 per cent to 63 per cent, will take retrospective effect from July 1, 2026. Approximately 16 lakh employees, teachers, pensioners and family pensioners will benefit, according to a notification issued by the state government. The measure will impose an additional annual expenditure of Rs 1,858 crore on the state exchequer. The government said it would allocate the additional funds required to implement the revision as part of its commitment to the welfare of serving and retired personnel. The decision follows the Union government’s increase in dearness allowance for central government employees from 60 per cent to 63 per cent, effective July 1. Tamil Nadu has adopted the same revised rate and commencement date for its employees and teachers. In its notification, the government highlighted the contribution of government officials and teachers to the formulation and implementation of welfare schemes. It said their work played an important role in ensuring that programmes designed for public welfare were implemented effectively. The administration was introducing and carrying out various initiatives for the benefit of the people, the notification said. Government employees and teachers were key participants in this process, contributing both to the planning of programmes and their delivery. Recognising these responsibilities and giving priority to employee welfare, the Chief Minister considered the revision following the Centre’s announcement and ordered the corresponding increase for the state workforce, the government said. The notification also emphasised the inclusion of pensioners and family pensioners among the beneficiaries. The financial commitment, it said, reflected the government’s concern for all four groups covered by the announcement. With Deepavali approaching, the government said the increase would help beneficiaries celebrate the festival with greater happiness. The announcement places the welfare of employees, teachers and pension-dependent households at the centre of the festive-season measure. Although the revised allowance takes effect retrospectively from July, the notification provided in the announcement does not specify when arrears will be paid. It confirms the effective date, the revised rate, the estimated number of beneficiaries and the recurring annual expenditure the state will bear under the decision. –IANS aal/uk
October 31, 2026
Manipur govt agrees to pay ex-gratia to kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in violence: Key Kuki body Imphal, Oct 31 (IANS) The Manipur government has agreed to provide ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in violence attributed to the NSCN-IM and ZUF-K, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in the state, said on Saturday. A senior KZC leader said that an ex gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh is expected to be provided to each of the bereaved families. According to a KZC statement, a meeting between the council’s leaders and government representatives was held at the District Magistrate’s office in Churachandpur on Friday to discuss the concerns and demands raised by the council. “During the meeting, KZC presented its concerns regarding the prevailing situation and the grievances of the Kuki-Zo people. Following extensive deliberations, the government agreed to provide ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians who lost their lives in violence attributed to NSCN-IM and ZUF-K,” the statement said. The council said the decision reflects the need to honour the memory of the deceased and extend support to their bereaved families. The government also agreed to take responsibility for transporting the bodies of all the deceased to their respective villages for the final rites, the KZC said. According to the council, eight bodies of Kuki-Zo victims are currently lying in the morgue of Churachandpur District Hospital for a prolonged period, while some others have already been buried due to unavoidable circumstances. Both arrangements — payment of compensation and transportation of the bodies — are expected to be completed within seven days, the statement said. The KZC also raised several other pressing issues and demands concerning the security, welfare and political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people. The government has taken these matters under consideration and assured the council that they would be reviewed and responded to in due course, the statement said. While describing the commitments on ex-gratia compensation and transportation of the deceased as steps towards addressing the immediate concerns of the bereaved families, the KZC emphasised that the broader grievances and legitimate political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people require concrete and time-bound action. The council said it would continue to pursue these matters with the government until meaningful outcomes are achieved. Meanwhile, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on Saturday urged the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace and rescue two Kuki youths who went missing from Kangpokpi district on the evening of October 28. In a statement, Kipgen condemned the alleged abduction of the two youths from the vicinity of Taphou Kuki village on Wednesday evening. The two men, identified as Tinginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangshing, 20, were allegedly abducted by unidentified miscreants, she said. “It is deeply distressing that young lives are being put at risk in this manner. I urge the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace their whereabouts and secure their safe and unconditional release at the earliest. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice,” she said. Meanwhile, a 48-hour shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) in Kangpokpi district in protest against the reported abduction of the two youths affected vehicular movement along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). The shutdown began at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Shops, markets and other business establishments also remained closed during the protest. COTU alleged that the two Kuki youths had been abducted by “Naga militants”. –IANS sc/vd
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Rs 500 crore crypto fraud: ED conducts raids in Chandigarh, Mohali, Zirakpur, seizes Rs 72 lakh Shimla, Oct 31 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at various locations across Chandigarh, Mohali and Zirakpur in connection with a Rs 500 crore cryptocurrency fraud involving Korvio Coin (KRO) and seized property documents and Rs 72 lakh in cash, an official said on Saturday. The searches were conducted by ED’s Shimla Sub-Zonal Office on October 28 under Section 17(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the official said in a statement. During the search operation, various incriminating documents, including property-related documents, multiple digital devices and records pertaining to bank accounts, along with cash amounting to Rs 72 lakh, were seized. The investigation revealed that Atul Sood, a close aide of Subhash Sharma, the alleged mastermind behind the fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme that caused losses amounting to crores of rupees to investors, had travelled to Dubai to meet Subhash Sharma and was involved in arranging conferences and other events for him. These activities were carried out even after the registration of FIRs in connection with the fraudulent scheme, the ED said. During the ED’s search operation, Atul Sood was arrested and produced before the Special PMLA Court in Shimla on October 29, which granted his custody till November 5. Earlier, the ED had conducted search operations on December 13, 2025, and June 15, 2026, at the premises of various individuals associated with the fictitious cryptocurrency scheme, resulting in the seizure of incriminating documents and digital devices along with movable assets valued at Rs 1.5 crore. In connection with the case, various associates of Subash Sharma namely Hem Raj, Sukhdev Thakur, Abhishek Sharma, Milan Garg and Masoom Juneja were arrested. The charge sheet, along with the supplementary charge sheet, against them has been filed before the Special Court in Shimla, the ED added. The ED investigation was initiated on the basis of FIRs registered by the Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Police against Subhash Sharma and others. “The investigation revealed that Subhash Sharma, in connivance with his associates, including Hem Raj, Sukhdev Thakur, Abhishek Sharma and others, operated a cryptocurrency-based multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme through an online platform, inducing investors to invest in Korvio Coin (KRO) by promising assured high returns,” the ED said. The scheme functioned on a Ponzi model, wherein funds received from new investors were used to pay earlier investors. Recovered digital data indicated that more than 2.48 lakh users were affected by the fraud, involving transactions exceeding $219 million and estimated investor losses of around Rs 500 crore. “Investigation has revealed that the funds collected from new investors were predominantly received in cash and delivered to the leaders of the respective teams, from where they were ultimately routed to Subhash Sharma and his aides, including Vijay Kumar Juneja and Masoom Juneja,” the ED said. “It was also revealed that a portion of the funds collected from investors was allegedly utilised for acquiring immovable properties, with substantial consideration being paid in cash and registered values being significantly lower than the actual consideration,” the ED added. A smaller portion of the funds received from new investors was routed through multiple bank accounts, fictitious firms and intermediaries and were partly converted into cryptocurrency to conceal their origin and movement, the statement said. Subhash Sharma, the mastermind behind the fictitious cryptocurrency scam, fled to Dubai after duping thousands of investors, leaving them to suffer substantial financial losses. The ED has already initiated legal proceedings against him before the competent authorities in connection with the said case. –IANS rch/khz
October 31, 2026
Manipur has 36 communities, govt must protect everyone’s interests: CM Khemchand Singh Imphal, Oct 31 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday emphasised the need for inclusive governance, stating that the state is home to 36 different communities and cannot be governed by prioritising the interests of any one community over others. The Chief Minister appealed to the people to understand that community-centric ideas cannot bring integrity, a peaceful atmosphere or economic progress in the state. Khemchand Singh made the above statement while attending the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, 2026, at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal on Saturday. Highlighting the significance of the observance, he said that the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel has been observed across the nation as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day. The day commemorates the unwavering efforts and contributions of Patel towards strengthening national unity and building a strong nation. The observance was initiated in 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added. The Chief Minister further highlighted the statesmanship of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who led the country through various movements against British rule, including non-violence, the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. Following India’s independence, the princely states across the country were brought together through his efforts, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation, he added. Recalling another significant tribute to the Iron Man of India, the Chief Minister stated that on October 31, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s tallest statue, the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat, in honour of Patel. As part of the observance, nine contingents of Manipur Rifles and Police participated in the March Past, which was commanded by Pramesh Arambam, Commanding Officer of the 4th Manipur Rifles Battalion (IRB). A choreographic presentation titled “Akhoigi Apunba Saktam (Our Collective Identity” by Government Dance Academy was also performed. The event was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, several MLAs, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, DGP, senior administrative and police officials, among others. –IANS sc/uk
October 31, 2026

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Couple, 5-month-old son killed as pickup truck hits motorcycle in MP’s Shajapur Shajapur (Madhya Pradesh), Oct 31 (IANS) Three members of a family, including a five-month-old child, were killed when a speeding pickup truck collided with their motorcycle in Madhya Pradesh’s Shajapur district, police said on Saturday. The deceased have been identified as Ajit Panwar, his wife Pooja Panwar and their five-month-old son Shivanshu. They were residents of Indra Colony in Ashta town of neighbouring Sehore district. The accident occurred in the Salaslai police station area when the family was travelling from Bolai village towards Ayyapur for temple darshan. According to preliminary investigation, a stray dog suddenly came in front of their motorcycle. Ajit, who was riding the two-wheeler, tried to avoid hitting the animal but lost control of the motorcycle, which swerved into the path of a pickup truck approaching from the opposite direction. The pickup truck hit the motorcycle with considerable force, leaving all three family members critically injured. The motorcycle was badly damaged in the collision. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared all three dead. The family had left home on Saturday to visit a temple and offer prayers to mark the completion of five months of their son Shivanshu. However, they met with the fatal accident before reaching their destination. “The family was going for temple darshan with their child when a stray dog suddenly came in front of their motorcycle. The rider tried to save the animal but lost control and collided with a pickup coming from the opposite direction,” a police official said. The pickup driver fled the scene after the accident. Police seized both vehicles and registered a case against the unidentified driver for rash and negligent driving. “Efforts are underway to trace the absconding driver with the help of CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway,” the official added.
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Karnataka using KMF price hikes to cover financial mismanagement, alleges Pralhad Joshi New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Saturday criticised the Congress government in Karnataka over the hike in Nandini curd prices, alleging that the state was using the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) as a tool to offset the financial strain caused by what he termed fiscal mismanagement. In a statement, Joshi said the Congress government has created a new record in price hikes by imposing unprecedented increases on essential commodities, thereby putting an additional burden on ordinary people. He alleged that the government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was using KMF to cover up its financial mismanagement and depleted state coffers by resorting to excessive price hikes. According to Joshi, the price of 500 ml Nandini curd has been increased from Rs 28 to Rs 34, a hike of Rs 6 or 21.43 per cent. Similarly, the price of one litre of curd has been raised from Rs 54 to Rs 68, an increase of Rs 14 or 25.93 per cent. “While giving curd to the people, the Congress government is enjoying the butter,” he remarked, accusing the government of exploiting consumers. Pointing out that the government increased the price of milk by Rs 8 per litre just a day earlier, Joshi said the latest increase in curd prices, ranging from 21 to 26 per cent, would severely affect poor and middle-class families. He further alleged that the Congress government, which had made development a distant dream in Karnataka, was now collecting money from the poorest sections of society through repeated price increases in KMF products. The Union Minister said the successive hikes reflected the government’s anti-people policies and its failure to manage the state’s finances effectively. The Karnataka government has announced an Rs 8 per litre hike in the price of Nandini milk, which takes effect on November 1, 2026. The government states that out of the Rs 8 increase, Rs 7 goes directly to dairy farmers and Rs 1 goes to the milk cooperatives (KMF) for operational expenses. –IANS mka/skp
,
Tamil Nadu raises DA from 60 pc to 63 pc, effective July 1 Chennai, Oct 31 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered a three-percentage-point increase in dearness allowance for government employees and teachers, with pensioners and family pensioners also benefiting from the revision announced ahead of Deepavali. The increase, which raises the allowance from 60 per cent to 63 per cent, will take retrospective effect from July 1, 2026. Approximately 16 lakh employees, teachers, pensioners and family pensioners will benefit, according to a notification issued by the state government. The measure will impose an additional annual expenditure of Rs 1,858 crore on the state exchequer. The government said it would allocate the additional funds required to implement the revision as part of its commitment to the welfare of serving and retired personnel. The decision follows the Union government’s increase in dearness allowance for central government employees from 60 per cent to 63 per cent, effective July 1. Tamil Nadu has adopted the same revised rate and commencement date for its employees and teachers. In its notification, the government highlighted the contribution of government officials and teachers to the formulation and implementation of welfare schemes. It said their work played an important role in ensuring that programmes designed for public welfare were implemented effectively. The administration was introducing and carrying out various initiatives for the benefit of the people, the notification said. Government employees and teachers were key participants in this process, contributing both to the planning of programmes and their delivery. Recognising these responsibilities and giving priority to employee welfare, the Chief Minister considered the revision following the Centre’s announcement and ordered the corresponding increase for the state workforce, the government said. The notification also emphasised the inclusion of pensioners and family pensioners among the beneficiaries. The financial commitment, it said, reflected the government’s concern for all four groups covered by the announcement. With Deepavali approaching, the government said the increase would help beneficiaries celebrate the festival with greater happiness. The announcement places the welfare of employees, teachers and pension-dependent households at the centre of the festive-season measure. Although the revised allowance takes effect retrospectively from July, the notification provided in the announcement does not specify when arrears will be paid. It confirms the effective date, the revised rate, the estimated number of beneficiaries and the recurring annual expenditure the state will bear under the decision. –IANS aal/uk
,
Manipur govt agrees to pay ex-gratia to kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in violence: Key Kuki body Imphal, Oct 31 (IANS) The Manipur government has agreed to provide ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in violence attributed to the NSCN-IM and ZUF-K, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in the state, said on Saturday. A senior KZC leader said that an ex gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh is expected to be provided to each of the bereaved families. According to a KZC statement, a meeting between the council’s leaders and government representatives was held at the District Magistrate’s office in Churachandpur on Friday to discuss the concerns and demands raised by the council. “During the meeting, KZC presented its concerns regarding the prevailing situation and the grievances of the Kuki-Zo people. Following extensive deliberations, the government agreed to provide ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians who lost their lives in violence attributed to NSCN-IM and ZUF-K,” the statement said. The council said the decision reflects the need to honour the memory of the deceased and extend support to their bereaved families. The government also agreed to take responsibility for transporting the bodies of all the deceased to their respective villages for the final rites, the KZC said. According to the council, eight bodies of Kuki-Zo victims are currently lying in the morgue of Churachandpur District Hospital for a prolonged period, while some others have already been buried due to unavoidable circumstances. Both arrangements — payment of compensation and transportation of the bodies — are expected to be completed within seven days, the statement said. The KZC also raised several other pressing issues and demands concerning the security, welfare and political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people. The government has taken these matters under consideration and assured the council that they would be reviewed and responded to in due course, the statement said. While describing the commitments on ex-gratia compensation and transportation of the deceased as steps towards addressing the immediate concerns of the bereaved families, the KZC emphasised that the broader grievances and legitimate political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people require concrete and time-bound action. The council said it would continue to pursue these matters with the government until meaningful outcomes are achieved. Meanwhile, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on Saturday urged the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace and rescue two Kuki youths who went missing from Kangpokpi district on the evening of October 28. In a statement, Kipgen condemned the alleged abduction of the two youths from the vicinity of Taphou Kuki village on Wednesday evening. The two men, identified as Tinginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangshing, 20, were allegedly abducted by unidentified miscreants, she said. “It is deeply distressing that young lives are being put at risk in this manner. I urge the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace their whereabouts and secure their safe and unconditional release at the earliest. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice,” she said. Meanwhile, a 48-hour shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) in Kangpokpi district in protest against the reported abduction of the two youths affected vehicular movement along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). The shutdown began at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Shops, markets and other business establishments also remained closed during the protest. COTU alleged that the two Kuki youths had been abducted by “Naga militants”. –IANS sc/vd
Rs 500 crore crypto fraud: ED conducts raids in Chandigarh, Mohali, Zirakpur, seizes Rs 72 lakh Shimla, Oct 31 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at various locations across Chandigarh, Mohali and Zirakpur in connection with a Rs 500 crore cryptocurrency fraud involving Korvio Coin (KRO) and seized property documents and Rs 72 lakh in cash, an official said on Saturday. The searches were conducted by ED’s Shimla Sub-Zonal Office on October 28 under Section 17(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the official said in a statement. During the search operation, various incriminating documents, including property-related documents, multiple digital devices and records pertaining to bank accounts, along with cash amounting to Rs 72 lakh, were seized. The investigation revealed that Atul Sood, a close aide of Subhash Sharma, the alleged mastermind behind the fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme that caused losses amounting to crores of rupees to investors, had travelled to Dubai to meet Subhash Sharma and was involved in arranging conferences and other events for him. These activities were carried out even after the registration of FIRs in connection with the fraudulent scheme, the ED said. During the ED’s search operation, Atul Sood was arrested and produced before the Special PMLA Court in Shimla on October 29, which granted his custody till November 5. Earlier, the ED had conducted search operations on December 13, 2025, and June 15, 2026, at the premises of various individuals associated with the fictitious cryptocurrency scheme, resulting in the seizure of incriminating documents and digital devices along with movable assets valued at Rs 1.5 crore. In connection with the case, various associates of Subash Sharma namely Hem Raj, Sukhdev Thakur, Abhishek Sharma, Milan Garg and Masoom Juneja were arrested. The charge sheet, along with the supplementary charge sheet, against them has been filed before the Special Court in Shimla, the ED added. The ED investigation was initiated on the basis of FIRs registered by the Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Police against Subhash Sharma and others. “The investigation revealed that Subhash Sharma, in connivance with his associates, including Hem Raj, Sukhdev Thakur, Abhishek Sharma and others, operated a cryptocurrency-based multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme through an online platform, inducing investors to invest in Korvio Coin (KRO) by promising assured high returns,” the ED said. The scheme functioned on a Ponzi model, wherein funds received from new investors were used to pay earlier investors. Recovered digital data indicated that more than 2.48 lakh users were affected by the fraud, involving transactions exceeding $219 million and estimated investor losses of around Rs 500 crore. “Investigation has revealed that the funds collected from new investors were predominantly received in cash and delivered to the leaders of the respective teams, from where they were ultimately routed to Subhash Sharma and his aides, including Vijay Kumar Juneja and Masoom Juneja,” the ED said. “It was also revealed that a portion of the funds collected from investors was allegedly utilised for acquiring immovable properties, with substantial consideration being paid in cash and registered values being significantly lower than the actual consideration,” the ED added. A smaller portion of the funds received from new investors was routed through multiple bank accounts, fictitious firms and intermediaries and were partly converted into cryptocurrency to conceal their origin and movement, the statement said. Subhash Sharma, the mastermind behind the fictitious cryptocurrency scam, fled to Dubai after duping thousands of investors, leaving them to suffer substantial financial losses. The ED has already initiated legal proceedings against him before the competent authorities in connection with the said case. –IANS rch/khz
,
Manipur has 36 communities, govt must protect everyone’s interests: CM Khemchand Singh Imphal, Oct 31 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday emphasised the need for inclusive governance, stating that the state is home to 36 different communities and cannot be governed by prioritising the interests of any one community over others. The Chief Minister appealed to the people to understand that community-centric ideas cannot bring integrity, a peaceful atmosphere or economic progress in the state. Khemchand Singh made the above statement while attending the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, 2026, at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal on Saturday. Highlighting the significance of the observance, he said that the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel has been observed across the nation as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day. The day commemorates the unwavering efforts and contributions of Patel towards strengthening national unity and building a strong nation. The observance was initiated in 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added. The Chief Minister further highlighted the statesmanship of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who led the country through various movements against British rule, including non-violence, the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. Following India’s independence, the princely states across the country were brought together through his efforts, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation, he added. Recalling another significant tribute to the Iron Man of India, the Chief Minister stated that on October 31, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s tallest statue, the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat, in honour of Patel. As part of the observance, nine contingents of Manipur Rifles and Police participated in the March Past, which was commanded by Pramesh Arambam, Commanding Officer of the 4th Manipur Rifles Battalion (IRB). A choreographic presentation titled “Akhoigi Apunba Saktam (Our Collective Identity” by Government Dance Academy was also performed. The event was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, several MLAs, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, DGP, senior administrative and police officials, among others. –IANS sc/uk