A special PMLA court has issued summons to businessman Raj Kundra in connection with the Bitcoin scam case, following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet. The court has directed Kundra, along with Dubai-based businessman Rajesh Satija, to appear before it on January 19.

Kundra and Satija were added as accused in a supplementary filing by the ED in September last year. The case is being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

ED claims Kundra received 285 Bitcoins

According to the ED, Raj Kundra received 285 Bitcoins from Amit Bhardwaj, the promoter of the Gain Bitcoin Ponzi scheme, for establishing a Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine. The deal did not proceed, and Kundra is alleged to still hold the Bitcoins, currently valued at over Rs 150 crore.

The chargesheet also notes that Kundra claimed to act merely as a mediator in the transactions but failed to provide any documentary evidence to support this claim. Instead, an agreement titled “Term Sheet” exists between him and Mahendra Bhardwaj, Amit’s father.

Evidence suggests Kundra was the beneficial owner

The ED stated that Kundra recalling the exact number of Bitcoins received across five tranches over seven years indicates he was the actual recipient and not a mediator. Additionally, he has not disclosed the wallet addresses for these Bitcoins despite multiple opportunities since 2018. Kundra reportedly cited damage to his iPhone X as the reason for missing details, which the ED views as a deliberate attempt to conceal proceeds of crime.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday launched a fresh political attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing an audio clip in which US President Donald Trump allegedly spoke about India’s willingness to reduce Russian oil imports following pressure from Washington.

Referring to the audio, Kharge said Trump claimed India had shown readiness to cut down purchases of Russian oil after the US imposed steep tariffs last year, citing concerns over Moscow’s role in the Ukraine conflict.

Trump remarks and Kharge’s criticism

According to Kharge, the audio clip included Trump saying that Prime Minister Modi wanted to “make him happy” and that Modi respected him and listened to him. The Congress chief said such remarks raised serious questions about India’s independence in decision-making.

“I do not understand why Modi is bending before him. This is harmful for the nation. You should stand for the country. The country did not elect you as the Prime Minister to nod to whatever he says,” Kharge told reporters.

He further claimed that Trump’s comments suggested undue influence and likened the situation to a popular film dialogue, remarking that it appeared as if Trump was expressing satisfaction after diplomatic engagement.

Wider concerns over global politics

Kharge also expressed concern over recent developments in Venezuela, warning against what he described as attempts by powerful nations to intimidate others. He said expansionist tendencies and threats to global peace have historically failed and should not be repeated.

Touching upon Trump’s repeated claims of having played a role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Kharge said the US President often projects himself as a dominant global figure, but added that “the world will not bow before him.”

India’s position on oil imports

India has consistently maintained that it will purchase oil from any source based on national interest and the welfare of its citizens. The government has stated that energy security decisions are taken independently, keeping domestic needs and affordability in mind.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away on Tuesday morning in Pune. He was 81 and had been undergoing treatment at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital following a prolonged illness.

According to information shared by Kalmadi’s office, his mortal remains will be kept at his residence, Kalmadi House in Erandwane, until 2 pm to allow people to pay their last respects.

The cremation is scheduled to take place at Vaikunth smashanbhumi in Navi Peth, Pune, at 3.30 pm.

Kalmadi was a prominent Congress figure and had earlier served as a Union Minister. His death marks the end of a long political career associated with national and state-level politics.