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CBI summons ex-Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik in Reliance insurance graft case

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Days after making some damning claims about the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satyapal Malik has been summoned by the CBI in connection with an alleged graft case involving Reliance General Insurance which reportedly took place during his stint as governor of the erstwhile state.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Satyapal Malik said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned him to the its Akbar Road guesthouse in New Delhi to provide “certain clarifications” on April 28.

Malik said he told the CBI that he was available from April 27 to 29 as he is travelling to Rajasthan. The probe agency has asked him to come in for questioning on April 28.

The former governor, referring to his recent interview with ‘The Wire’ wherein he criticized the ruling BJP-led central government over its handling of Jammu and Kashmir, said he’s been summoned by the federal agency as he “exposed the sins of some people” by speaking the truth.

Tweeting in Hindi, Malik said he stands with the truth…” I am the son of a farmer; I will not panic. I stand by the truth.”

This is the second time in seven months that Satyapal Malik has been summoned by the central probe agency. In October last year, he was questioned by the CBI after concluding his administrative responsibilities in Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Goa, and Meghalaya.

According to officials, the CBI registered two FIRs after Satyapal Malik levelled corruption allegations in the awarding of contracts for a medical insurance scheme for Jammu and Kashmir government employees and civil work worth Rs 2,200 crore related to the Kiru hydroelectric power project in the former state.

Reliance General Insurance along with Trinity Reinsurance Brokers were named as accused in the first FIR related to the now-scrapped health insurance scheme which was reportedly cleared by Malik at a state administrative council meeting held on August 31, 2018.

Malik, who has served as governor of several states, including Jammu and Kashmir, claimed that he was a offered a Rs 300-crore bribe for clearing two files during his tenure as erstwhile state’s governor between August 23, 2018 and October 30, 2019.

The FIR claims: “… unknown officials of the finance department of the government of Jammu and Kashmir, by abusing their official positions in a conspiracy and connivance with Trinity Reinsurance Brokers Limited, Reliance General Insurance Company Limited and other unknown public servants and private persons, have committed the offences of criminal conspiracy and criminal misconduct.”

Adding that they caused “pecuniary advantage to themselves and wrongful loss to the state exchequer during the period 2017 and 2018 and thereby, in this manner, cheated the government of Jammu and Kashmir.”

In its second FIR, the CBI has alleged that certain guidelines related to e-tendering were not followed in the awarding of contracts for civil work at the Kiru hydroelectric power project.

The CBI, in its FIR pertaining to alleged malpractices in the Kiru power project, has named senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Navin Kumar Chaudhary, former chairman of Chenab Valley Power Projects (Private) Limited, M S Babu, former managing director, M K Mittal and Arun Kumar Mishra, former directors, and Patel Engineering Limited.

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Blasts outside defence establishments in Punjab within 2 hours trigger security alarm

Two explosions near defence-linked locations in Punjab within two hours have triggered alarm and heightened security across the state.

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Two explosion incidents reported within a span of around two hours near key defence-linked locations in Punjab have raised serious security concerns and triggered political reactions.

The first incident took place near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Jalandhar, where a blast involving a delivery scooter was reported in a populated area. The proximity of the explosion to a sensitive security installation immediately drew the attention of authorities.

Shortly after, another blast was reported near a military-linked area in Amritsar, further heightening concerns over security preparedness in the border state. Police and security agencies responded swiftly, deploying bomb disposal squads and forensic teams at both locations.

Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in either incident. However, the back-to-back nature of the explosions caused panic in nearby areas and prompted authorities to place the state on high alert.

Political leaders reacted strongly, questioning the handling of security and pointing to possible lapses. They urged authorities to take preventive steps to avoid such incidents in the future.

Punjab, being a strategically important border state, remains sensitive to such developments. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the explosions and whether there are any links between the two incidents.

Security has been tightened around key installations, with agencies assessing whether the blasts were isolated events or part of a broader threat.

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Retired bureaucrats appointed by Mamata Banerjee barred from Bengal offices ahead of BJP government formation

Retired bureaucrats appointed under Mamata Banerjee have been barred from government offices as West Bengal prepares for a BJP-led administration.

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In a significant administrative development following the West Bengal Assembly election results, several retired bureaucrats appointed during the tenure of Mamata Banerjee have reportedly been barred from entering state government offices.

The decision comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to form its first government in the state after securing a decisive mandate. The move is seen as part of the transition process as the outgoing administration makes way for the incoming regime.

Officials indicated that the restrictions apply specifically to retired personnel who had been given contractual or advisory roles under the previous government. These individuals have now been asked not to access offices or handle official work.

The development follows a broader directive issued by the state administration to ensure that no official documents or records are removed, damaged, or tampered with during the transition period. Authorities have emphasised strict accountability, placing responsibility on departmental heads to safeguard files and maintain proper records.

The political backdrop to this move is the sweeping victory of the BJP in the 2026 West Bengal elections, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape after years of Trinamool Congress rule.

With the new government expected to take charge soon, administrative reshuffling and tightening of access to government infrastructure are being viewed as measures to ensure a smooth and transparent handover of power.

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Vijay expresses gratitude to Modi, Rahul Gandhi for congratulatory messages after poll victory

Vijay thanked PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi after his party’s strong Tamil Nadu poll performance, promising governance focused on public welfare.

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for congratulating him on his party’s strong performance in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), acknowledged the wishes shared by both leaders following the party’s impressive electoral debut, which has significantly altered the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Responding to the Prime Minister on social media platform X, Vijay said that his party’s focus would remain on public welfare and development. He emphasised that governance should rise above political differences and aim at improving the lives of the people.

“The well-being of our people remains our only goal… we shall focus on the state’s progress and welfare,” he said, while also expressing hope for support from the Union government in achieving these objectives.

The TVK has emerged as a major political force in the state, breaking the long-standing dominance of traditional parties and marking a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics.

According to early developments, the party has staked claim to form the government and may seek additional support if required to prove its majority in the assembly.

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