News for 'religious manipulation'

Self-Styled Godman Extorted Crores Via Bank Accounts: ED

Self-Styled Godman Extorted Crores Via Bank Accounts: ED

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, accusing him of systematic extortion and money laundering through a network of bank accounts. Kharat allegedly rotated over Rs 47 crore of ill-gotten money through 60 bank accounts, deceiving devotees by claiming divine powers.

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Ashok Kharat for Money Laundering

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Ashok Kharat for Money Laundering

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids across multiple cities in Maharashtra as part of a money laundering investigation against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat and his associates.

TCS case: Victim 'forced' to watch videos of Islamic clerics

TCS case: Victim 'forced' to watch videos of Islamic clerics

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The videos were shown so that the woman could learn about Islam, she said in her statement, which is part of the chargesheet submitted in a Nashik court last week.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly deleting names from electoral rolls and attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

Self-Styled Godman Kharat In ED Custody Over Money Laundering

Self-Styled Godman Kharat In ED Custody Over Money Laundering

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A special PMLA court in Mumbai has remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) until May 26 in connection with an alleged Rs 70 crore money laundering case.

ED Gets Nod To Arrest Godman In Money Laundering Case

ED Gets Nod To Arrest Godman In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A special court has granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) permission to arrest self-styled godman Ashok Kharat in connection with a Rs 70 crore money laundering case. Kharat, already facing rape and fraud charges, was produced before the Special PMLA Court on a production warrant from Nashik jail.

How Godman Used Black Magic To Extort Millions: ED Probe

How Godman Used Black Magic To Extort Millions: ED Probe

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, accused of portraying himself as Lord Shiva and using black magic to extort money from victims, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate.

Punjab CM rejects 'Guru Dokhi' tag, claims video is fake

Punjab CM rejects 'Guru Dokhi' tag, claims video is fake

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly refuted the 'Guru Dokhi' edict issued by the Sikh clergy, asserting that the controversial video at the heart of the dispute is not him and accusing religious bodies of political manipulation.

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Money Laundering Case

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already jailed for alleged rape and fraud, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a Rs 70-crore money laundering case. The arrest follows court approval and is part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale extortion racket.

Opposition joined hands to defame me: Punjab CM Mann on video row

Opposition joined hands to defame me: Punjab CM Mann on video row

Rediff.com6 days ago

Amid the video row, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday rejected allegations that the forensic reports that gave a clean chit to him were fabricated and lashed out at the opposition parties, alleging that they have joined hands to defame him.

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman In Money Laundering Probe

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman In Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached a special PMLA court in Mumbai seeking a production warrant against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman and astrologer, in connection with a money laundering case linked to rape and fraud allegations.

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman Ashok Kharat

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman Ashok Kharat

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested a special PMLA court in Mumbai to issue a production warrant against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman-cum-astrologer, who is accused of rape and fraud and is currently in police custody in Nashik district, in connection with a money laundering case.

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Ideology is dead; long live the numbers game that is being played with the sole intention of securing a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha for the NDA, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Bengal temple, shut for years, reopens after BJP's historic win

Bengal temple, shut for years, reopens after BJP's historic win

Rediff.com6 May 2026

In a momentous occasion after the Bharatiya Janata Party's win, the Durga temple in Asansol, reopened its doors to devotees after remaining shut for several years.

10 Partition Dramas You Must Watch

10 Partition Dramas You Must Watch

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Imtiaz Ali's new film Main Vaapas Aaunga is set to delve into the enduring trauma of the 1947 Partition, continuing Bollywood's complex cinematic journey of depicting one of history's most violent and impactful events.

Couple Seek Probe Into Birth Record Tampering After Marriage

Couple Seek Probe Into Birth Record Tampering After Marriage

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A couple has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court alleging tampering of birth records and harassment following their interfaith marriage. They seek an independent probe into the matter.

Doubts raised as Godman Kharat's close aide dies in car crash

Doubts raised as Godman Kharat's close aide dies in car crash

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The death of a close associate of jailed godman Ashok Kharat in a car accident has prompted suspicion from opposition leaders, who question whether the incident was orchestrated to suppress facts in the probe against Kharat.

Ex-Trump aide Joe Kent makes explosive claim on Iran war

Ex-Trump aide Joe Kent makes explosive claim on Iran war

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Joe Kent, former head of the National Counterterrorism Center, accuses Israel of instigating the conflict between the United States and Iran, claiming there was no imminent threat from Iran.

Abhishek Banerjee Slams BJP Over Electoral Roll Deletions

Abhishek Banerjee Slams BJP Over Electoral Roll Deletions

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP government of conspiring against Indian citizens by deleting names from electoral rolls and diverting attention from core issues.

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges BJP Conspiracy Against Citizens Through Electoral Roll Deletions

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges BJP Conspiracy Against Citizens Through Electoral Roll Deletions

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP government of conspiring against Indian citizens by deleting names from electoral rolls and diverting attention from core issues.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Misusing Institutions and Fueling Communal Discord

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Misusing Institutions and Fueling Communal Discord

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of misusing democratic institutions and stoking communal discord in Bengal, criticising their 'double engine' governance model.

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'. She framed the upcoming assembly elections as a fight for democratic rights and Bengal's social harmony.

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of attempting to suppress voting rights and polarise the electorate ahead of the assembly elections.

Sanjay Singh, Pappu Yadav booked for posting 'fake' Manikarnika images

Sanjay Singh, Pappu Yadav booked for posting 'fake' Manikarnika images

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Police here have registered eight first information reports (FIRs) against as many people, including Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh and Congress leader Pappu Yadav, for allegedly circulating AI-generated images, videos and misleading information on social media about the redevelopment work at the Manikarnika Ghat.

'Pakistan Can Only Disintegrate If Any External Power Intervenes'

'Pakistan Can Only Disintegrate If Any External Power Intervenes'

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

'If this region destabilises, then we are not far away. This region should not destabilise.'

Terms like 'miyan-tiyan', 'Pakistani' not a religious offence: SC

Terms like 'miyan-tiyan', 'Pakistani' not a religious offence: SC

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that using terms like "miyan-tiyan" and "Pakistani" does not constitute an offence of hurting religious sentiments, though the court acknowledged that such language is in "poor taste". The court discharged a man who had been accused of using these terms against an Urdu translator in Jharkhand.

'Bangladeshi Hindus Hope Jamaat Does Not Come To Power'

'Bangladeshi Hindus Hope Jamaat Does Not Come To Power'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'Many senior Bangladeshis feel Bangladesh will fall into anarchy if the Jamaat becomes an important part of a future government or has disproportionate influence in the government.'

Avatar: Fire And Ash Review: Predictable

Avatar: Fire And Ash Review: Predictable

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Avatar: Fire And Ash is visually stunning and emotionally engaging, offering strong performances and thrilling action, notes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Terror Module: 'Pakistan's Handlers Shifted Strategy'

Terror Module: 'Pakistan's Handlers Shifted Strategy'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

'Rather than deploying Pakistani nationals or using identifiable cross-border materials, the ISI sought to radicalise and recruit local Indian youth, including well-educated professionals such as doctors.'

AstroSpeak: Your Predictions For 2026

AstroSpeak: Your Predictions For 2026

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla, who is following in the footsteps of his famed astrologer father, the late Bejan Daruwalla, helps you navigate the Naya Saal.

UP: ED probes Chhangur Baba's Rs 106 cr conversion racket

UP: ED probes Chhangur Baba's Rs 106 cr conversion racket

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the assets and finances of Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of an illegal religious-conversion racket in Uttar Pradesh. The ED has written to various authorities and banks to gather information and is expected to seek custodial remand for questioning.

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

'Raj Thackeray is working at the behest of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.'

Feud erupts in Matua head family in Bengal; BJP uneasy

Feud erupts in Matua head family in Bengal; BJP uneasy

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

A family feud within the politically influential Matua community has erupted between Union minister Shantanu Thakur and his brother, BJP MLA Subrata Thakur, creating ripples in West Bengal's political landscape and posing a challenge for the BJP ahead of upcoming elections.

Constitution doesn't support forced or fraudulent conversion: HC

Constitution doesn't support forced or fraudulent conversion: HC

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Justice Vinod Diwaker made the observation while rejecting a plea to cancel an FIR against four people accused under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.

Malegaon case verdict likely on Thursday; Pragya's fate in balance

Malegaon case verdict likely on Thursday; Pragya's fate in balance

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

A special NIA court is likely to deliver its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which killed six persons and injured over 100. Seven accused, including Pragya Thakur and Prasad Purohit, face charges under UAPA and IPC.

SEE: Suvendu Adhikari's convoy attacked in Cooch Behar

SEE: Suvendu Adhikari's convoy attacked in Cooch Behar

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The convoy of West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, was allegedly attacked by TMC workers during a protest in Cooch Behar. Bulletproof glasses of Adhikari's vehicle were smashed. TMC denies involvement, calling it a 'well-scripted drama'.

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Modi's charisma may have weakened as last year's Lok Sabha poll results showed but in the eyes of the Sangh Parivar, it has not waned.' 'Minus a strong BJP government at the Centre for another decade and more, there is apprehension that an anti-Hindutva government could reverse many of the ideological gains that the Modi dispensation has achieved through its three terms,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Sahil made Muskan sit on Saurabh's chest and stab him'

'Sahil made Muskan sit on Saurabh's chest and stab him'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

"Sahil got Muskan to kill her husband. First, he made her sit on Saurabh's chest. Then he brought a knife from the kitchen, showed her how to wield it and directed her to insert the knife in Saurabh's heart thrice.

The Sardar Who Won Over Kochi's Tummy

The Sardar Who Won Over Kochi's Tummy

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

'We are Indians irrespective whether we are Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Malayali or Tamilian.' 'I am the best example of this integration.'