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CBI row: SC notice to Centre, CBI on Bassi’s plea challenging his transfer by Nageswara Rao

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Supreme Court today (Friday, Feb 1) issued notice to the Central government and CBI Interim Director M Nageswara Rao on CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) AK Bassi’s plea challenging his transfer to Port Blair.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi asked the government to respond within six weeks on the allegations by Bassi.

Bassi approached the apex court contending that Nageswara Rao as interim Director did not have the authority to transfer him and said he has been targeted for undertaking a impartial investigation against former CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana and others.

Bassi claimed that his transfer would prejudice the investigation in the alleged corruption case against Rakesh Asthana who is now Chief of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

“It is passed by an officer/authority not competent to pass such orders. The impugned order intends to victimize the Petitioner herein. The impugned order seeks to unfairly prejudice the investigation against Rakesh Asthana, in FIR RC 13(A)/ 2018/AC-III dated October 15, 2018,” Bassi said in the plea.

Bassi had also alleged that the transfer order was the first step to implicate him either in a false criminal case or in departmental proceedings for doing his duties in a fair and impartial manner into the FIR against Asthana. He said it was not a routine case of a transfer.

Bassi accused interim CBI chief M Nageshwar Rao of ordering his transfer twice, the second time immediately after the latter took over as interim CBI Director on January 10.

Bassi was first transferred to Port Blair in October 2018 when Alok Verma was divested of his powers as CBI Director and sent on forced leave. Following Verma;s re-instatement on the basis of a Supreme Court judgement of January 8, Bassi was transferred back to the national capital in order to continue with his investigation of case against Asthana.

However, Verma was once again removed as CBI Director, within 48 hours of his re-instatement, on the basis of a recommendation from the high-powered committee. Nageswara Rao, who returned as interim director, transferred Bassi back to Port Blair on January 11.

“Bassi was in charge of an actual investigation of corruption. His transfers relates directly to the governance of the CBI,” senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan argued for Mr. Bassi.

The CBI officer, also represented by advocate Sunil Fernandes, contended that his second transfer order was issued without authority and with malafide intentions. It was meant to “victimise” him and prejudice the investigation against Asthana. He voiced apprehension that he would be implicated in false cases and departmental proceedings. Bassi said his transfer order is non-speaking and fails to disclose reasons for such an “emergent sweeping action”.

“The petitioner (Bassi) apprehends that the course of investigation will be influenced in such a manner that investigators will soon be arraigned as accused persons… he was never a part of any ‘group or faction’ within the CBI and has no concern whatsoever with the alleged disputes that have erupted within the CBI,” the petition said.

It said Bassi was “assigned certain tasks, under lawful authority (ie. investigate the Asthana FIR) and was merely discharging his duties in a free fair and impartial manner”.

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India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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