News for 'illegal activities'

Indian student files lawsuit against possible deportation from US

Indian student files lawsuit against possible deportation from US

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Four students, including an Indian, at Michigan public universities have filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration officials, alleging their student immigration status was unlawfully terminated. The lawsuit claims the students' status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was illegally terminated without proper notice or explanation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan, representing the students, says they were targeted by the Trump administration without a valid reason. The lawsuit seeks to reinstate the students' status to allow them to complete their studies and avoid the risk of detention and deportation. The case is part of a growing trend of lawsuits against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown on higher education. Experts warn that these actions could deter future international scholars from choosing the US as their academic destination, undermining the reputation of US universities.

ED summons actor Mahesh Babu in money laundering case

ED summons actor Mahesh Babu in money laundering case

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Actor Mahesh Babu has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case related to realty group Surana group and Sai Surya Developers. The actor is accused of receiving over Rs 5.5 crore for appearing in advertisements for the Surana Group. The ED earlier found illegal transactions worth Rs 100 crore and seized Rs 74.5 lakh in cash during searches at Surana group's affiliated companies. Surana Group is accused of fraud under the guise of real estate ventures and is alleged to have caused financial losses to numerous investors.

Over 30,000 cops, drones deployed in Delhi for polls

Over 30,000 cops, drones deployed in Delhi for polls

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Nearly 3,000 polling booths have been identified as sensitive, and special security arrangements, including drone surveillance, have been ensured at some of these locations.

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

India has expressed concern to the US authorities over the treatment of deportees on a flight that landed on February 5, particularly with respect to the use of shackles, especially on women. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also registered its concerns regarding the need to accommodate the religious sensitivities and food preferences of the deportees. The US side has confirmed that no women or children were restrained on the deportation flights that landed in India on 15th and 16th February, 2025.

SC lens on MP police assaulting journos tracking sand mining

SC lens on MP police assaulting journos tracking sand mining

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The SC bench agreed to hear the pleas of Shashikant Goyal and Amarkant Singh Chouhan, and issued notices to Madhya Pradesh and the NCT of Delhi for their responses and posted the matter on June 9.

Non-locals will not be allowed to settle in J-K, says TRF

Non-locals will not be allowed to settle in J-K, says TRF

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

"More than 85,000 domiciles have been issued to non-locals, creating a pathway for demographic change in Jammu & Kashmir. These non-locals arrive posing as tourists, obtain domiciles, and then begin to act as if they own the land. Consequently, violence will be directed toward those attempting to settle illegally," TRF said in a statement which could not be independently verified by Rediff.

Amid Aurangzeb tomb row, Mughal 'descendant' writes to UN

Amid Aurangzeb tomb row, Mughal 'descendant' writes to UN

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The demand comes nearly a month after violence erupted in Nagpur during a rally which demanded the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb.

Spying case: Police say many YouTube channels under scanner

Spying case: Police say many YouTube channels under scanner

Rediff.com21 May 2025

An operation was underway to find if more people were involved in espionage against India and several YouTube channels were under scrutiny, a top Haryana official said on Tuesday after five, including a Youtuber, were nabbed from the state for spying.

Babbar Khalsa terrorist wanted to attack Maha Kumbh

Babbar Khalsa terrorist wanted to attack Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Among the seizures made are three active hand grenades, two active detonators, one foreign-made pistol and 13 cartridges of foreign make, the officer said.

US: Pro-Palestinian protest leader taken away in handcuffs

US: Pro-Palestinian protest leader taken away in handcuffs

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Immigration officials on Monday detained Mohsen Mahdawi, an organiser of pro-Palestinian protests last year at Columbia University, after he arrived at the Vermont immigration office, hoping to begin the final step to becoming a US citizen, CNN reported.

Wanted Punjab terrorist arrested in US; had links with ISI, BKI

Wanted Punjab terrorist arrested in US; had links with ISI, BKI

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia alias Jora, an alleged terrorist who had illegally entered the US, was arrested by the FBI and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations in Sacramento.

How a Trump order shook Harvard's international students

How a Trump order shook Harvard's international students

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The department of homeland security withdrew Harvard certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme, effectively barring the university from admitting new foreign students and threatened the legal status of current international enrollees.

India rejects Canada's election-meddling 'insinuations'

India rejects Canada's election-meddling 'insinuations'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The government of India was suspected of using proxy agents to provide "clandestine financial support" to candidates from three political parties in a federal election, Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail reported.

Match-fixing allegations cloud IPL once again

Match-fixing allegations cloud IPL once again

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Rajasthan Cricket Association official Jaideep Bihani has accused the Rajasthan Royals of match-fixing after they failed to chase down nine runs in the final over in their last two matches.

India to pursue Dalla's extradition with Canada

India to pursue Dalla's extradition with Canada

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

India on Thursday said it will pursue an extradition request with Canada for Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, following his arrest in that country.

Why Fadnavis Ordered An Inquiry Into Shinde Decision

Why Fadnavis Ordered An Inquiry Into Shinde Decision

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

'I am simply highlighting a wrongdoing. This is why my complaint has merit, and the chief minister has ordered an inquiry.'

Security forces seize rockets, mortars in Manipur; 8 UNLF-P men held

Security forces seize rockets, mortars in Manipur; 8 UNLF-P men held

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

The members were arrested on Monday for threatening people and obstructing the land demarcation process in Thoubal district.

Crossing all limits: ED faces SC scrutiny for misuse of powers

Crossing all limits: ED faces SC scrutiny for misuse of powers

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for exceeding its authority and misusing its powers. The latest rebuke came on Thursday, when the court accused the agency of 'crossing all limits' in a money laundering probe against a Tamil Nadu state-run liquor retailer. This follows a string of similar observations by the Supreme Court and high courts across India, raising concerns about the ED's investigative practices and the potential for misuse of its powers.

Indian student self-deports after US revokes visa for supporting Hamas

Indian student self-deports after US revokes visa for supporting Hamas

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Ranjani Srinivasan, a citizen and national of India, entered the United States on a F-1 student visa as a doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on Friday. It added that Srinivasan was "involved in activities supporting" Hamas, a terrorist organisation.

Top Mumbai school axes principal over social media activities

Top Mumbai school axes principal over social media activities

Rediff.com8 May 2024

Shaikh, the principal of Somaiya School in Mumbai's Vidyavihar area, described her "termination" from the post as "completely illegal, drastic and unwarranted" and expressed shock over the "politically motivated" action.

8 killed in blast at illegal firecracker unit in Bengal, BJP seeks NIA probe

8 killed in blast at illegal firecracker unit in Bengal, BJP seeks NIA probe

Rediff.com27 Aug 2023

Rescue officials confirmed casualties in the incident, claiming to have already recovered 5 bodies from the heap of debris where the cracker manufacturing unit once stood.

Day after LDF MLA's charges, Vijayan announces probe against top cops

Day after LDF MLA's charges, Vijayan announces probe against top cops

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

Breaking his silence over the matter, Vijayan on Tuesday sounded tough and said a high-level probe by a top-ranking officer would be held into the charges raised by the MLA.

Major terror threat to India from ISIS, Al Qaeda in J-K: FATF

Major terror threat to India from ISIS, Al Qaeda in J-K: FATF

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

It said a "sudden rise" in terrorist-financing investigations was seen in 2023 and this was attributed to events arising out of incidents in Manipur that led to such probes in more than 50 cases.

Soren refused to receive arrest order; has 'illegal land possession': ED

Soren refused to receive arrest order; has 'illegal land possession': ED

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

A dozen land parcels in Ranchi measuring about 8.5 acres in total are in 'illegal possession, occupation and use' of arrested former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and are proceeds of crime under the anti-money laundering law, the Enforcement Directorate has claimed.

Amid PM Modi's retirement claim, Yogi opens up on future

Amid PM Modi's retirement claim, Yogi opens up on future

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his hardline Hindutva views and 'bulldozer justice' approach, has spoken out about his policies toward Muslims, the Waqf board, and his vision for India. He asserts that Muslims will receive a fair share of development in Uttar Pradesh, but not special concessions. He also criticizes the Waqf board for its alleged appropriation of government properties and calls for its reform. Adityanath defends his 'bulldozer justice' policy, claiming it is necessary for infrastructure development and removal of encroachments. He also discusses his vision for India, emphasizing the importance of Hindi as a national language and the need for unity across different linguistic groups.

In talks with US to ensure fair treatment of deportees: Jaishankar in RS

In talks with US to ensure fair treatment of deportees: Jaishankar in RS

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified the process of deportation of Indian nationals from the US, stating that it is not a new phenomenon and has been ongoing for several years. He assured the Rajya Sabha that the government is engaging with the US to ensure that the deported Indians are not mistreated during their transit. Jaishankar also emphasized the need for strong action against the illegal migration industry while ensuring ease of visas for legitimate travellers. The minister provided details about the number of Indians deported from the US since 2009, highlighting the peak in 2019 with 2,042 deportations.

Why Was This Bangladesh Model Arrested?

Why Was This Bangladesh Model Arrested?

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Meghna Alam's arrest came soon after she claimed that she had an affair with a married Saudi diplomat posted to Bangladesh, who she blamed for 'trying to silence her with the help of law enforcement agencies'.

Cash-for-voes: Tawde sends legal notice to Rahul, Kharge

Cash-for-voes: Tawde sends legal notice to Rahul, Kharge

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

BJP leader Vinod Tawde has demanded an apology from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate for making "false and baseless" allegations against him in the cash-for-votes incident in Maharashtra. Tawde was accused by the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi of distributing Rs 5 crore to woo voters. He has sent a legal notice to the Congress leaders, claiming they were aware the story was fabricated and demanding an unconditional apology within 24 hours. If the apology is not forthcoming, Tawde has threatened to initiate criminal and civil proceedings against the trio.

Sonia, Rahul conspired to usurp Rs 2,000-cr AJL assets: ED

Sonia, Rahul conspired to usurp Rs 2,000-cr AJL assets: ED

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in the National Herald case, accusing Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi of a "criminal conspiracy" to "usurp" properties worth Rs 2,000 crore of its public company AJL by transferring 99 per cent shares for just Rs 50 lakh to their private company Young Indian. The ED has named Sonia Gandhi as accused no 1 and Rahul Gandhi as accused no 2 in the chargesheet, which was filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Daggubatti, Deverakonda, booked for promoting betting apps

Daggubatti, Deverakonda, booked for promoting betting apps

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Six Telugu film actors, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Vijay Deverkonda, along with 19 social media influencers have been booked for allegedly promoting betting apps. A businessman filed a complaint alleging that the celebrities and influencers were promoting these apps on social media through pop-up ads and other means. The police registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS, Gaming Act, and IT Act based on the complaint and are planning to issue notices to those named in the FIR.

ED seeks confiscation of Rs 661cr assets in National Herald case

ED seeks confiscation of Rs 661cr assets in National Herald case

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in the Associated Journals Limited-Young Indian-National Herald money-laundering case, seeking confiscation of assets worth Rs 661 crore and appending statements of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The agency has accused the Gandhis of orchestrating a conspiracy to illegally obtain the underlying assets of AJL by the beneficial owners of YI (Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi). Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have denied any wrongdoing and said the takeover of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) by Young Indian (YI) was not for commercial purposes. The Congress has slammed the chargesheet, alleging that the ED action against its leaders shows panic and moral bankruptcy of the "despotic" government, while the BJP has continued to call out the role of the Gandhi family in the matter.

Coldplay, Diljit tickets: ED lodges money laundering case

Coldplay, Diljit tickets: ED lodges money laundering case

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday said it has detected alleged irregularities after it conducted raids in a money laundering case to probe 'black marketing' of tickets for two 'highly anticipated' music concerts by British rock band Coldplay and actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh.

71% drop in terror incidents under Modi, no cases in hinterland: Minister

71% drop in terror incidents under Modi, no cases in hinterland: Minister

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

India's Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, has announced a 71% decrease in terrorist incidents in the country under the Modi government. He credits a "zero tolerance" policy towards terrorism, which has resulted in no terror incidents in the hinterland. Rai also highlighted the National Investigative Agency's (NIA) successes, including the investigation of cases on foreign land and a conviction rate of 95.54%.

ED probe against Sidda's wife: Irregularities found

ED probe against Sidda's wife: Irregularities found

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Evidence of several irregularities have been detected in the transfer of 14 sites by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to B M Parvathi, the wife of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, according to the Enforcement Directorate.

This MP Wants Ban On Online Betting Apps

This MP Wants Ban On Online Betting Apps

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

'The pressure from these betting games, coupled with financial ruin, is becoming unbearable for many, and tragically, some even resort to extreme measures like suicide.'

Birthright citizenship meant for children of slaves: Trump

Birthright citizenship meant for children of slaves: Trump

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

President Donald Trump has said that birthright citizenship was primarily intended for the children of slaves and not for the whole world to "come in and pile" into the US. Trump issued an executive order against birthright citizenship on his first day in office, which was struck down by a federal court in Seattle the next day. Trump has said that he would appeal against it and is confident that the Supreme Court will rule in his favor. A group of Republican Senators introduced a bill in the US Senate to restrict birthright citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants and non-immigrants on temporary visas. They argue that birthright citizenship is a major pull factor for illegal immigration and a weakness for national security.

32 yrs on, Tiger Memon's 14 properties to be handed over to Centre

32 yrs on, Tiger Memon's 14 properties to be handed over to Centre

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

A special court in Mumbai has ordered the transfer of 14 properties belonging to Tiger Memon, an alleged mastermind of the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, and his family to the central government. The properties, which were in the possession of the Bombay High Court's receiver since 1994, were forfeited under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEM) after proceedings initiated against Memon in 1993 based on a detention order issued by the Maharashtra government. The properties include a flat in Bandra, an office in Mahim, a plot in Santacruz, and several other properties across Mumbai.

HC refuses relief to Dalit student suspended by TISS

HC refuses relief to Dalit student suspended by TISS

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Bombay High Court has upheld the suspension of a Dalit PhD student from the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) for allegedly participating in a politically motivated protest against the central government's policies. The court found that the student's participation in the protest, under the banner of TISS' student organization, brought disrepute to the institute.

Why Do They Use Dunki Route To Leave India?

Why Do They Use Dunki Route To Leave India?

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

How have aspirations, ambitions and hopes broken down for these young men from the most advanced parts of India? asks Mihir S Sharma.

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A massive fire that tore through a budget hotel in the congested Mechuapatti area of Burrabazar in central Kolkata on Tuesday night claimed at least 14 lives and left 13 injured, triggering a political blame game and calls for accountability.