Afternoon briefing: ED claims 1,800 acre land grab by Jharkhand mafia; Giriraj Singh takes dig at Rahul Gandhi, and more

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Published on: Sep 9, 2024, 13:27:50 IST

By HT News Desk

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Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday, suggesting that Gandhi should use technology to consult his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Singh's comments came after Gandhi claimed that the RSS views India as a singular idea, while the Congress sees it as a diverse set of ideas. Singh retorted that Gandhi lacks understanding of the historical context when his grandmother was engaged in critical battles against Pakistan, implying that Gandhi should seek historical insight on the RSS's role during that era. Dig Deeper

Earlier this year Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren was granted bail in the land scam case (PTI Photo) (PTI)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigating a land scam in Jharkhand has uncovered that 1,800 acres of tribal land, deemed unsaleable under the Chota Nagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, were illegally seized by mafia groups. The land was transferred through forged documents and falsified records. The federal agency has identified ₹3,000 crore in proceeds of crime and received numerous complaints regarding the scam. The operation involved creating fake deeds using false identities and tampered records at circle offices and registries in Kolkata and Jharkhand. This probe follows the arrest and release of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren earlier this year. Dig Deeper

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Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan are reuniting for a film after 14 years, with their last collaboration being 2010's *Khatta Meetha*. The news was announced on Akshay's 57th birthday, with a motion poster for their new project, *Bhooth Bangla*, unveiled. The poster features Akshay alongside a black cat in front of a haunted mansion, with Akshay humorously drinking milk from a bowl. Akshay shared his excitement about the collaboration on Instagram, thanking fans for their birthday wishes and expressing eagerness to share the film. Fans responded with enthusiasm, celebrating the reunion and the birthday announcement. Dig Deeper

Sports Goings

Jasprit Bumrah's inclusion in India's squad for the 1st Test against Bangladesh has generated less buzz than anticipated, overshadowed by Rishabh Pant's return after his car accident. The BCCI announced the 16-member squad on Sunday, immediately after the Duleep Trophy's first round. Despite Bumrah’s expected absence from the early Tests of the home season, due to concerns over his stress fractures and preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and New Zealand series, his inclusion was a notable surprise. Reports had suggested Bumrah would return later in the season, making his early call-up unexpected and significant. Dig Deeper

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(That’s all we have at this hour in our afternoon briefing. Catch you in the evening.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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