Category Archives: india

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“No such verdict has been passed” – Former India opener’s big claim after Mohammad Shami is snubbed for IND vs SA 2025 Tests

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Former India opener Aakash Chopra has dismissed social media claims suggesting that Mohammad Shami’s international career might be over after he was not included in the Indian squad for the home Test series against South Africa. Chopra emphasized that the experienced Bengal fast bowler can definitely make a comeback if he continues his wicket-taking form in domestic cricket.

Shami has missed a significant portion of international cricket due to injury and fitness issues following his impressive performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. The 35-year-old last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final in Dubai earlier this year. Prior to that, he was part of the T20I squad against England at home. However, Shami has not played Test cricket since the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval.

Despite picking up 15 wickets in three matches during the ongoing Ranji Trophy season for Bengal, Shami was overlooked for the two-match Test series against South Africa.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra urged fans and critics not to be disheartened and insisted that Shami will get opportunities again as long as he maintains his performance at the domestic level.

“I won’t say that it’s curtains. Many on social media are claiming that you won’t see Shami playing for India again. I don’t think that’s the case. No such verdict has been passed by the jury. He can get a chance again provided he keeps picking up wickets and lasts an entire season,” Chopra said.

Chopra further added, “There are a lot of vacant slots for premier fast bowlers. There are injuries and workload management as well. There are lots of matches being played across formats, so I don’t think that will be an issue. Don’t worry about it. Shami’s name will come.”

Mohammad Shami has so far featured in 64 Test matches, claiming 229 wickets at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls. In addition, he has taken over 200 wickets in ODIs and 27 scalps in T20Is.

### Akash Deep Preferred Over Mohammad Shami for India vs South Africa 2025 Tests

From the team that recently faced the West Indies, India made only two changes to the 15-man squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. A fit-again Rishabh Pant has returned in place of N Jagadeesan, while Prasidh Krishna was replaced by Akash Deep.

Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack, supported once again by Mohammed Siraj. Siraj was the leading wicket-taker during the demanding five-match Test series in England, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 32.43. Bumrah played three Tests in that series and took 14 wickets at an average of 26, while Akash Deep impressed with 10 wickets in the Birmingham Test.

The selectors’ preference for Akash Deep over Shami in the current Test squad highlights the competitive nature of fast bowling slots in the Indian team, but as Aakash Chopra noted, Shami’s experience and skills mean he remains very much in contention, provided he continues strong domestic performances.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-aakash-chopra-big-claim-mohammad-shami-snubbed-ind-vs-sa-2025-tests

business, competition, entertainment, india, sports

Pro Kabaddi 2025 Points Table: Updated standings on Day 48 after HAR vs GUJ PKL 2025 match

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Haryana Steelers crushed Gujarat Giants 50-32 in their Pro Kabaddi 2025 clash on Tuesday, October 21. Returning to winning ways after a defeat in their previous game, Haryana retained their sixth position on the table. They now have 18 points from 17 matches, with a score difference of +29. The defending champions also sealed their spot in the top eight with this victory, becoming the sixth team to qualify for the Pro Kabaddi 2025 playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Giants dropped from eighth to tenth position following the heavy loss. They currently have 12 points from 17 games, with a score difference of -45.

Earlier, U Mumba edged out Jaipur Pink Panthers 37-36 in a closely contested match. With this win, U Mumba moved up from fifth to fourth position, collecting 20 points with a score difference of +11. Despite the loss, the Panthers retained their seventh spot with 16 points from 17 matches. They also confirmed their qualification for the playoffs following Haryana’s win.

The first game of the day saw Bengal Warriorz narrowly defeat Tamil Thalaivas 44-43. Despite the victory, Bengal Warriorz remain at the very bottom of the table. Due to Gujarat’s defeat, Tamil Thalaivas moved up from ninth to eighth position, even after their loss.

Patna Pirates also benefited from Gujarat’s poor performance, moving up from tenth to ninth place. The Pirates have 12 points from 16 matches, with a score difference of -40.

Following U Mumba’s win, Bengaluru Bulls dropped from fourth to fifth position. They currently have 18 points from 16 games, with a score difference of +39.

Other teams maintained their positions with Puneri Paltan leading the chart at the top. Puneri have 26 points from 18 games, followed closely by Dabang Delhi in second with 26 points from 17 matches. Telugu Titans hold third place with 20 points, while UP Yoddhas are in eleventh position with 12 points.

—

**Pro Kabaddi League 2025: Day 48 Results (Tuesday, October 21)**
– Match 100: Bengal Warriorz 44 – 43 Tamil Thalaivas
– Match 101: U Mumba 37 – 36 Jaipur Pink Panthers
– Match 102: Haryana Steelers 50 – 32 Gujarat Giants

**Pro Kabaddi League 2025: Day 49 Fixtures (Wednesday, October 22)**
All matches will be played at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi.

– Match 103: Haryana Steelers vs Telugu Titans, 7:30 pm
– Match 104: Bengaluru Bulls vs Bengal Warriorz, 8:30 pm
– Match 105: Dabang Delhi vs Patna Pirates, 9:30 pm

Stay tuned for more updates as the league progresses.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/kabaddi/news-pro-kabaddi-2025-points-table-updated-standings-day-48-har-vs-guj-pkl-2025-match

cricket, entertainment, india, international, sports

“You are obviously going to be rusty” – Former India coach’s blunt take on Kohli & Rohit after AUS vs IND 2025 1st ODI

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Former India coach Ravi Shastri defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s underwhelming performances during their international return in the first ODI against Australia at Optus Stadium on Sunday, October 19.

The veteran duo failed to reach double figures, getting dismissed early as India suffered a rain-curtailed seven-wicket loss against Mitchell Marsh and his team.

Rohit Sharma showed some promise by striking an early boundary after India opted to bat first in Shubman Gill’s debut match as ODI captain. However, the explosive opener was soon caught in the slip cordon, dismissed by a rising delivery from Josh Hazlewood in the fourth over.

Virat Kohli, on the other hand, appeared boxed in by the Australian seamers and strategic field placements inside the circle. He struggled to get off the mark and was eventually dismissed for an eight-ball duck, caught at point by Cooper Connolly off Mitchell Starc’s bowling.

Reflecting on their challenging return, Ravi Shastri explained that the experienced pair faced tough conditions and circumstances in their very first game after a long hiatus.

“I mean, they came back, they got caught on a dodgy pitch. It was a good toss to win for Australia and then the weather was such that it was not easy. When you come back from a long layoff, you are obviously going to be rusty,” Shastri said on ICC Review ahead of the second ODI.

He added, “It’s not easy for any overseas team to land in Australia, say, two days prior to a game in Perth and adjust to those conditions straight away—especially when you have that extra bounce and are playing against quality fast bowlers. But I think only time will tell. They’ll go to Adelaide, have some time off to get into the nets, get their minds sorted, and get back into action.”

Shastri also highlighted hunger and passion as critical factors for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the latter stages of their careers. He stressed that it would be unwise to rush into judgment based on just one game since their return.

“So I’m in no hurry to judge, but it’s when you come back at that age, after some time, it’s about how much you’re enjoying the sport and how much hunger is there and passion is left in you to play the game. So if you tick the boxes in two out of those three, especially the enjoyment part of it, then you can give them both time because they’ve got class, they’ve got experience, and a little bit of time will sort things out. But I’d rather wait than jump and judge immediately,” he elaborated.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to feature in the upcoming second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 23. The hosts currently hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

### “He’s brutal on himself at times” — Ravi Shastri on workload and high expectations driving Virat Kohli into early Test retirement

With Virat Kohli having retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket, ODI cricket remains his sole focus. He stepped away from T20Is right after the 2024 T20 World Cup, while his surprising decision to retire from red-ball cricket came midway through the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), ahead of the England tour.

Ravi Shastri reflected on Kohli’s self-demanding nature amid a hectic workload, which ultimately influenced his early retirement from Tests.

“Virat Kohli does not leave any stone unturned when it comes to preparation. He’s brutal on himself at times, and that might have taken its toll over a span of time that stretches back to 14-16 years of cricket. Then that enjoyment factor, that hunger factor, the same focus doesn’t exist. He does not have the appetite to put in the same amount of work day in day out and hence, that might have prompted him the decision (to retire), right or wrong, only time will tell,” Shastri said.

Virat Kohli concluded his illustrious Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85. His last Test appearance came during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series finale at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-you-obviously-going-rusty-former-india-coach-s-blunt-take-kohli-rohit-aus-vs-ind-2025-1st-odi

cricket, entertainment, india, sports

Karun Nair slams Ranji Trophy half-century after Test snub: Stats

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**Karun Nair Slams Ranji Trophy Half-Century After Test Snub**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 15, 2025, 07:26 PM*

The opening day of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season witnessed a stellar performance from Karnataka against Saurashtra at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. A crucial partnership between Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair helped Karnataka finish strongly on Day 1, ending on 295/5.

Padikkal scored a fluent 96, while Nair contributed a valuable 73. Having switched back to Karnataka after helping Vidarbha lift the Ranji Trophy last season, Nair played a pivotal role alongside Padikkal in stabilizing the innings.

### Partnership Brings Stability to Karnataka’s Innings

Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal and S. Nikin Jose fell early to Saurashtra’s bowling attack, spearheaded by skipper Jaydev Unadkat. However, Padikkal and Nair combined for a vital third-wicket partnership of 146 runs, which steadied the innings. Both batsmen showed patience and rotated the strike efficiently to keep the scoreboard ticking. The partnership was finally broken by Dharmendra Jadeja, who trapped Nair leg before wicket.

### Nair Scores 38th Fifty in First-Class Cricket

Karun Nair’s innings of 73 came off 126 balls and included nine boundaries. Playing his 121st first-class (FC) match, Nair has amassed 8,748 runs at an impressive average of around 49. This innings marked his 38th fifty in FC cricket, complementing his 24 centuries.

According to ESPNcricinfo stats, Nair has scored 5,174 runs in 71 Ranji Trophy matches (118 innings) at an average of 47.90, with 19 half-centuries and 17 centuries. This recent knock underlines his continued consistency in the premier domestic competition.

### Test Snub Despite Return After Seven Years

Karun Nair had made a comeback to the Indian Test team during the England tour after a long gap of nearly seven years, featuring in four matches. However, he managed only one half-century, which came in the final Test at The Oval. While he displayed solid technique and got starts, Nair struggled to convert them into big scores that might have cemented his place.

His performances included scores of 0 and 20 in the first Test at Headingley, 31 and 26 in Birmingham, and 40 and 14 in the Lord’s Test. He was dropped for the fourth Test in Manchester but returned for the series finale, scoring 57 and 17. Across these four Tests and eight innings, Nair totaled 205 runs at an average of 25.62.

### First-Class Runs Include 579 in Test Cricket

Overall, Karun Nair’s 8,748 first-class runs include 579 runs from 10 Test matches, showing his experience at the highest level, even if recent results have been mixed.

As the Ranji season unfolds, Nair’s form with Karnataka will be closely watched, especially given his determination to bounce back after the recent international disappointment.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/karun-nair-hammers-73-for-karnataka-in-ranji-opener/story

courts, entertainment, india, law, relationships

Bombay HC quashes FIRs filed by Rakhi Sawant, Adil Durrani

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**Bombay High Court Quashes FIRs Filed by Rakhi Sawant and Adil Durrani**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | October 15, 2025, 6:15 PM*

In a significant development, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday quashed the First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by Bollywood actor Rakhi Sawant and her estranged husband, businessman Adil Durrani. The FIRs were lodged by the couple against each other amid their ongoing marital discord.

Both parties had initiated legal action following their separation, with Sawant accusing Durrani of criminal intimidation, harassment, and unnatural sex. On the other hand, Durrani had filed an FIR against Sawant at the Amboli police station concerning an obscene video allegedly shared with friends.

During the court proceedings, Sawant was present and expressed no objection to the quashing of the FIRs. The bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Sandesh Patil emphasized that since the couple had settled their disputes, there was no reason for the FIRs to remain in effect.

The court also highlighted an important undertaking given by both parties, stating, “Needless to say that both parties are to abide by the undertaking given by them.” This undertaking requires that the former couple refrain from speaking out against each other or discussing the matter publicly.

Rakhi Sawant and Adil Durrani were married under Islamic laws in 2022. Their marital troubles came to light in 2023 when they announced their separation and subsequently filed FIRs against each other.

With the FIRs now quashed, the ex-couple is expected to initiate divorce proceedings shortly.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/rakhi-sawant-husband-quash-firs-against-each-other/story

cricket, india, international, sports, team

‘Australia series could decide future of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli,’ says Ravi Shastri

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**Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Continue Playing After Australia ODIs?**
*By Parth Dhall | October 13, 2025, 07:13 PM*

Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes the upcoming ODI series against Australia will be a crucial juncture for two of Indian cricket’s greatest batting icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With both players having retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, ODIs remain their only active international format. Shastri asserts that their future in this format hinges on their “form, fitness, and hunger” during this high-profile series Down Under.

### Series Significance: Fitness, Hunger, and Form Are Key
Speaking at Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket launch and in an exclusive conversation with cricket.com.au, Shastri emphasized the importance of the upcoming ODI series for Rohit and Kohli. He said,

*”That’s why they’re here (playing the ODI series against Australia). They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, form.”*

The former coach also drew parallels with Australia’s Steve Smith, who retired from ODI cricket earlier this year, highlighting how fitness and motivation are critical for longevity in the format.

### Experience Matters in Big Games
Shastri underlined the irreplaceable value of experience when it comes to high-pressure matches. He remarked,

*”But there’s no substitute for experience when it comes to the big games, as we saw in the Champions Trophy. Come the big games and the big boys step up.”*

Notably, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played pivotal roles in India’s recent successes, including the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

### Emerging Young Talent Challenging the Veterans
Alongside praising the veterans, Shastri also lauded the fresh wave of talent pushing for spots in the ODI squad. Young batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma have shown promising potential. Shastri further appreciated India’s all-round options, mentioning Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel as key contributors.

He said, *”A lot of good young talent and a lot of all-rounders as well in Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel.”*

### Match Schedule: India vs Australia ODI Series
– **1st ODI:** October 19, Perth
– **2nd ODI:** October 23, Adelaide
– **3rd ODI:** October 25, Sydney

Following the ODI series, India will play a five-match T20I series against Australia starting on October 29 in Canberra.

### Squad Update: Shubman Gill to Lead India in ODIs
In a recent change, Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s ODI captain for the tour of Australia, replacing Rohit Sharma. Shreyas Iyer will serve as the vice-captain.

**India’s ODI squad for Australia tour:**
– Shubman Gill (Captain)
– Rohit Sharma
– Virat Kohli
– Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
– Axar Patel
– KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Washington Sundar
– Kuldeep Yadav
– Harshit Rana
– Mohammed Siraj
– Arshdeep Singh
– Prasidh Krishna
– Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-Keeper)
– Yashasvi Jaiswal

As the series approaches, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to see if they can prove their fitness, form, and hunger to continue representing India in ODIs, amidst fierce competition from emerging young stars.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ravi-shastri-talks-about-future-of-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli/story

crime, drugs, india, law enforcement, transportation

Telangana Police seizes 499 kgs of ganja, held two

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A total of 499 kg of ganja worth Rs 2.5 crore, being transported to Rajasthan in a container lorry, was seized in Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana on Monday. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the case, police said.

Based on credible information, police teams conducted vehicle checks in Sujathanagar Mandal and intercepted the lorry. Upon inspection, they recovered 96 packets of ganja, Bhadradri Kothagudem Superintendent of Police B Rohit Raju said.

The contraband was loaded in Andhra Pradesh and was being transported to Jaipur in Rajasthan, the official added. A case has been registered against four accused individuals.

The prime accused, a 37-year-old man who assisted in transporting the ganja, and the lorry’s owner-cum-driver have been arrested. Two others — one who arranged the transportation and another involved in selling the ganja — are currently absconding, police said.

Further investigation is underway.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed/agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and accuracy of the text. Mid-day management/Mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*

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https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/telangana-police-seizes-499-kgs-of-ganja-held-two-23598515

cricket, india, international, sports, statistics

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj becomes leading wicket-taker in 2025 (Tests)

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Mohammed Siraj Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in Test Cricket in 2025

By Parth Dhall | Oct 13, 2025 | 03:35 PM

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has emerged as the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket for the year 2025, surpassing Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani. Siraj claimed this milestone on Day 4 of the 2nd Test against the West Indies at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium by dismissing centurion Shai Hope, who had built an innings-defining 177-run partnership with John Campbell. This wicket took Siraj’s tally to 37 Test wickets in 2025.

Yearly Record: Siraj Tops the List

So far in 2025, Siraj has featured in eight Tests for India and has been a crucial pillar of the pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah. With Bumrah missing a few games to manage his workload, Siraj’s endurance and consistency have stood out. Across 15 innings this year, Siraj has taken more than 37 wickets at an impressive average of under 27.

His performance during the five-Test series against England was particularly notable, where he took 23 wickets and was named Player of the Series.

Surpassing Zimbabwe’s Muzarabani

In the latest Delhi Test, Siraj surpassed Blessing Muzarabani, who had taken 36 wickets from nine matches this year. Other notable wicket-takers this year include England’s Josh Tongue (19 wickets in three matches) and Ben Stokes (17 wickets in four matches), both trailing behind Muzarabani on the charts.

A Look at Siraj’s Test Career

Siraj was India’s standout bowler during their 2025 tour of England, where he claimed the pivotal series-leveling wicket in the fifth and final Test at The Oval.

In total, Siraj has played 43 Tests, taking over 130 wickets at an average of under 30. His career includes eight four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls. Most recently, he starred in India’s comprehensive innings victory over the West Indies in the 1st Test at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, taking 4/40 and 3/31.

Remarkable Journey

Siraj’s rise to becoming a lethal Test bowler has been nothing short of remarkable. However, his journey has not been without hardship. Just days before his Test debut in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Siraj suffered the tragic loss of his father due to illness.

Complicating matters, Siraj was confined to a strict COVID-19 bio-bubble in Australia and was unable to attend his father’s last rites back in India. His resilience and determination to succeed despite personal loss speak volumes about his character and endurance.

Mohammed Siraj continues to be a vital asset for India’s Test team, and his performances in 2025 have firmly established him as one of the premier pacers in world cricket.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mohammed-siraj-bags-this-record-in-2025/story

cricket, india, international, sports, test match

IND vs WI, 2nd Test: Sai Sudharsan won’t field on Day 3

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**Delhi Test: India’s Sai Sudharsan to Sit Out Fielding on Day 3**

*By Parth Dhall | Oct 12, 2025, 11:08 AM*

Indian batter Sai Sudharsan will not be fielding on Day 3 of the ongoing 2nd Test against the West Indies at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. This decision comes as a precautionary measure after he sustained an impact injury during Day 2 while fielding at short leg.

The incident happened during the West Indies’ first innings when opener John Campbell played a sweep shot that struck Sudharsan’s hand as he attempted to take cover. Despite the painful blow, Sudharsan managed to complete the catch, dismissing Campbell. However, he was clearly in discomfort and had to leave the field soon after.

Devdutt Padikkal took over Sudharsan’s position at short leg for the remainder of Day 2.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Sudharsan will remain off the field on Day 3 as a precaution and is currently under close observation by the team’s medical staff. Further updates on his condition will be provided as the situation develops.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/bcci-gives-update-on-sai-sudharsan-s-injury/story

business, crime, finance, india, law

Why Reliance Power’s CFO has been arrested by ED

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**Why Reliance Power’s CFO Has Been Arrested by the ED**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 11, 2025, 11:08 AM*

**Overview**
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Ashok Pal, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Reliance Power, in connection with a money laundering case. The arrest took place on Friday night following questioning related to an alleged fake bank guarantee worth ₹68 crore. Pal is scheduled to be produced before a special court, where the ED will seek his remand for custodial interrogation.

**Details of the Case**
According to the ED, Ashok Pal played a key role in the financial activities of the company and was instrumental in submitting a bogus bank guarantee on behalf of Reliance NU BESS Limited, a subsidiary of Reliance Power. The fake bank guarantee, valued at ₹68.2 crore, was submitted to the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) with the intent to defraud.

**Exposure of a Larger Racket**
The ED’s investigation has uncovered a broader racket involving the provision of fake bank guarantees to various business groups. An Odisha-based company, Biswal Tradelink, has been identified as a primary player in this fraudulent scheme. In August, the agency conducted searches on the firm and its promoters and arrested its Managing Director, Partha Sarathi Biswal.

Earlier, the Reliance Group had stated that Reliance Power was a victim of fraud in this matter.

**How the Scheme Operated**
Preliminary investigations revealed that Biswal Tradelink used an email domain strikingly similar to that of the State Bank of India (SBI) to create a false impression of authenticity. This fake email domain was used to send forged communications to SECI.

Additionally, the company facilitated fake billing for commission purposes and operated multiple undisclosed bank accounts used for suspicious transactions amounting to crores of rupees.

—

The ED continues its investigation as it seeks to bring all those involved in this fraud to justice.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/ed-arrests-reliance-power-cfo-in-bank-guarantee-fraud-case/story