Gold Sukh scam: Ponzi schemes under the scanner

Jaipur: The city police have requested the registrar of companies and income tax department for information over multi-level marketing companies operational in the city. The development had followed unveiling of the multi-crore Gold Sukh scam in the city.

"The frauds being held in pretext of multi-level marketing are financial in nature, thus we have sought information from the related departments. Action will be taken if any irregularities are discovered in functioning of these firms," said Anil Paliwal, additional commissioner of police.

Fraud firms assuring unrealistic returns through investments in tree plantations, real estate, share market have previously vanished after collecting deposits of lakhs of investors. The integration of multi-level marketing concept helped such firms to reach large population in short duration of time.

Investors and police only come to realise of the fraud once the company gets exposed and by the time the promoters have escaped with the swindled money. In the recent "Gold Sukh" case the firm had adopted similar process and had assured return from investment in Gold.

In attempt to take a lead over such instances the police have now approached the tax department, "We have been asking for any irregularities noticed in the companies records during routine inspections by income tax and other departments, the information will come useful in identification of fraud firms" said ACP (crime) Raghuveer Saini.

Inquiries against few such companies have reportedly been initiated at the Shyam Nagar and Mahesh Nagar police stations, however police officials have been maintain silence as investigations are under process.

FDI in retail: All-party meeting fails, Oppn firm on rollback

The all-party meet chaired by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to discuss the deadlock in Parliament has been unable to find a solution with the Opposition relentless in its demand that the government roll back its decision to introduce 51 per cent foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail.

The government bought some time with Leader of the House in Lok Sabha and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee telling the meeting that he would take the views of the Opposition to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet since the FDI decision was taken by the Cabinet.

“The Opposition parties agreed with this suggestion,” CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said after the meeting. It now remains to be seen what internal permutations the Cabinet arrives at to find a mutually acceptable formula on the FDI issue.

After the meeting, Mukherjee said he would also talk to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to decide how best to resolve the impasse in Parliament.

Mukherjee said Opposition leaders have suggested a rollback of the decision and a discussion in Parliament on the issue under an adjournment motion.

“I informed them (Opposition leaders) that I will talk to the leadership -- Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi. You will come to know the government's decision,” he told reporters here.

Referring to his meeting with them earlier in the day, Mukherjee said, “They have given various suggestions. One of their suggestion is you roll back... another suggestion has come that this should be discussed under an adjournment motion.”

Meanwhile, Parliament was on the boil for the sixth consecutive working day on Tuesday with the Opposition determined to scuttle all business till a decision was reached on FDI. After an initial adjournment till noon, both Houses were later called off for the day.

FDI to increase competition in organised retail: Citi

NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding strong opposition to foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail, a Citi report today said the entry of global retailers like Walmart will increase competition in India's organised retail sector. 

In addition, USD 15-20 billion in FDI could flow into the country over the next 10 years as a result of the government's decision to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, the report by the global financial services major said. 

"The move... will help improve competition in the organised sector through the entry of several players such as Carrefour and Tesco, which have been waiting on the sidelines, and enhance expertise in logistics, supply chain management from multinationals," Citi said in its 'India Microscope' report. 

The report also said the move would help enhance the share of organised players in the overall retail sector, who currently account for about 6 per cent of India's USD 470 billion retail market. 

Parliament has been paralysed for the last three days as the entire Opposition, joined by UPA allies TrinamoolCongress and DMK, is protesting against the Cabinet decision of November 24 to allow 51 per cent foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail. 

Multi-brand retail in India is largely in the unorganised sector dominated by neighbourhood kirana stores and there is a concern among political parties and traders that these stores would be impacted by the entry of global retailers. 

Citi's report also asserted that increasing the FDI cap in insurance has the potential to attract about USD 9-10 billion in FDI in the country over the next decade.

Pawar incident not civil, justified: Omar

Bishnah (Jammu), Nov 24 (PTI) Asking media to desist from glorifying such action, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today condemned attack on Union minister Sharad Pawar and said such acts are not in any way civil or justified. "The movement you (media) justify it as a movement of civil society - you are doing a great disregard to the civil society as this is in no respect civil behaviour," he told reporters after addressing a public gathering at Deoli village in Check Hasla, about 45 km from here. "I know some of you love to do it. Corruption has no justification for any sought of civil behaviour. Sharad Pawar is a very senior leader of the country. He is a Cabinet minister and former chief minister. "This sought of conduct is not any way civil or justified whatever be the perceived feelings. This is unjustified behaviour and I hope media should not glorify this sought of action," he said. Reply to another question about the deliberation on AFSPA at a cabinet meeting today, he said, "I am not going into specifics. I am not going to divulge what the options we have except it is ongoing discussion that we are having. We will see what appropriate steps can be taken." On another question as to who has final veto on AFSPA revocation - the governor or he - Omar said, "If I answer your question, no likely you will be making breaking news that Omar Abdullah is in fight with Raj Bhavan. I have the best of the relationship with Governor N N Vohra and with Raj Bhavan. "I do not want to say or suggest anything that will result in any sought of any confusion in this relationship. Whatever is the position, I understand perhaps the Advocate General has given an opinion. I have not had the opportunity to examine that and it has not been examined by the legal experts - when I do, I will come up with an answer." In reply to a question about the statement of Arundhati Roy on Kashmir, he said that he was not in a business of reacting to the people like Roy. "As for as I know, India is a big democracy - within restrictions, I want right to free speech is exercise principally. Beyond that, I do not want to argue," he said.

Outrage as man slaps Pawar

outrage across the country and protests on Mahara-shtra’s streets following an attack on NCP supremo and Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar outside an auditorium at the NDMC Centre on Parliament Street here on Thursday.

The youth, identified as Harvinder Singh and believed to be associated with the Team Anna outfit India Against Corruption, slapped Mr Pawar in protest against price rise and corruption as the minister was leaving the auditorium. Mr Pawar quickly regained his composure and got into his car. The attacker also brandished a “small knife” before being overpowered by securitymen. The assailant, a local transporter, had also attacked former communications minister Sukh Ram outside Rohini court last week.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury and the top Congress leadership condemned the attack. IAC officials denied any link with the assailant.

Never expected Anna to react like this to Pawar incident: Digvijaya

Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare has received a lot of flak for his initial reaction on hearing the news of Union minister Sharad Pawar being slapped by a man in Delhi.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Friday criticised Hazare for his reaction.


Singh tweeted, "Never

expected Anna to react the way he did to Sharad Pawar incident. It certainly was not a Gandhian Reaction."


Buzz on Twitter

On Thursday, many leaders including Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah and Congress leader Manish Tewari had criticised Hazare.

Just days after calling for the public flogging of alcoholics, the social activist created another controversy with his reaction to the assault of Sharad Pawar: "Ek hi mara kya (was he slapped only once)?"

Immediately after making this remark at a press conference, the 72-year-old retreated into his house.

He emerged seconds later and made a complete U-turn: "He (the attacker) may be very angry. This is not good. Anger is not good. Our Constitution does not tell us to be violent with anyone."

As criticism poured in, Hazare clarified: "I was asking them (reporters) if he was only slapped or if anything else happened to him."

"However, if it is perceived that I have said something wrong, I am ready to apologise," he added.

Hazare and Pawar, both from Maharashtra, have been at odds for almost two decades now. In the last assembly election, Hazare had in a public statement accused the union agriculture minister of corruption, land grabbing and use of muscle power.

The last time they tangled was over the Lavasa project, when Hazare accused Pawar of protecting the hill city project near Pune because of a personal interest in it.

Sachin Tendulkar misses 100th international century

MUMBAI: Millions of Sachin Tendulkar fans were left disappointed as the iconic batsman again came very close to his historic 100th international century only to miss it by six runs in the third Test against the West Indies at theWankhede stadium on Friday.

There was a deathly silence at Tendulkar's home ground as pacer Ravi Rampaul turned the "villain" by dismissing their favourite hero.

Interestingly, West Indies captain Darren Sammy's statement on Thursday evening that he intended to "break a few Indian hearts" turned out to be prophetic as he took a sharp catch at the second slip off Rampaul delivery that bounced a trifle more with Tendulkar trying to play a square drive.

The disappointment was writ large on his face as he slowly trudged back to the pavilion with the crowd stunned into silence.

Starting on his overnight score of 67, the legendary batsman was in a mood to get the coveted ton as quickly as possible.

The second new ball taken by rival skipper Sammy didn't pose any problems as Tendulkar was sweetly timing the ball. In fact he reached the 90s hitting a six off Fidel Edwards employing the upper cut over third man.

He also ran a few quick singles with his partner Virat Kohli. His 153-ball knock contained eight boundaries and a couple of sixes hit in an identical manner off Edwards.

Tendulkar's last international century came on March 12 during a World Cup group league match against South Africa at Nagpur. It's been more than eight months that the entire nation has been waiting with bated breath for the elusive century.

Tendulkar scored most of his initial runs on Friday with the flick shot as the West Indian pacers bowled at his pads.

He flicked Rampaul for a two and a four off his legs but then saw overnight partner VVS Laxman perish to the first ball the latter faced, caught at gully trying to drive.

But Virat Kohli, the new batsman in his fourth Test, was looking very confident while Tendulkar at the other end played a glorious straight-drive off Rampaul which streaked to the boundary line even before the bowler could stop in his run up.

Then came the over from Edwards that proved extremely fruitful as Tendulkar took 14 runs that included a classic front-footed off drive and the cut over third man for a six when the bowler pitched short and wide.

That took the right-hander to 93, a single off the bowler in Edwards' next over getting him to one shot short of the landmark century of tons.

Kohli hit a four off Rampaul and then Tendulkar got the strike in the same over which proved to be his last, as he reached for the ball to drive and ended up giving a catch to the slip cordon.

FDI in retail: Retailer shares rally

MUMBAI: Shares in retailers jumped on Friday after the government moved to open up the supermarket sector to global giants, a decision seen prompting a flurry of investments and tie-up opportunities for local players.

The government on Thursday approved 51 percent foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail, paving the entry of international firms such as Wal-Mart, Tesco and Carrefour into the $450 billion market.

"FDI in multi-brand retail would benefit capital-constrained retailers such as Pantaloon Retail," Wall Street bank JPMorgan said in a research note on Friday.


"Accelerating the pace of investment in the supply chain to meet demands of increasing scale and enhancing efficiencies... besides expertise of foreign retailers."

Shares in Pantaloon Retail (India) jumped as much as 18.2 percent, Shopper's Stop rallied 11.4 percent, and Trent, part of the salt-to-steel Tata Group conglomerate, rose 17.2 percent.

In comparison, the BSE Sensex was down 0.7 percent at 9:35am (0405 GMT).

The government said late on Thursday that would also raise the cap on foreign investment in single-brand retailing to 100 percent from 51 percent.

The new rules may commit supermarkets to strict local sourcing requirements and minimum investment levels aimed at protecting jobs, according to local media.

Bollywood's Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has baby girl

Nov 16 (Reuters) - Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has given birth to a baby girl, her husband Abhishek Bachchan announced on Twitter on Wednesday.

While the baby's father just said "it's a girl", her proud grandfather Amitabh Bachchan -- a veteran actor and head of Bollywood's most famous family -- could barely contain his joy.

"I AM DADA (grandfather) to the cutest baby girl!!" the 69-year-old Bachchan tweeted.

No further details were immediately available.

Rai, 38, a former Miss World, has been married to actor Abhishek Bachchan for more than four years and the star couple had been fending off baby rumours for months before the pregnancy was confirmed in June.

The Bollywood actress had been expected to give birth to her first child in November, and the Indian media followed her pregnancy obsessively.

She was admitted to a Mumbai hospital on Monday night.

Rai, who often features on "most beautiful" lists, won the Miss World crown in 1994. She went on to build a successful Bollywood career with hits such as "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" and "Devdas".

She has also worked in Hollywood films such as "The Pink Panther 2" and is a regular at the Cannes film festival.

This is the third grandchild for Amitabh Bachchan. His daughter Shweta has two children.

It’s a girl for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

(Reuters) - Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has given birth to a baby girl, her husband Abhishek Bachchan announced on Twitter on Wednesday.

While the baby's father just said "it's a girl", her proud grandfather Amitabh Bachchan -- a veteran actor and head of Bollywood's most famous family -- could barely contain his joy.

"I AM DADA (grandfather) to the cutest baby girl!!" the 69-year-old Bachchan tweeted.

No further details were immediately available.

Rai, 38, a former Miss World, has been married to actor Abhishek Bachchan for more than four years and the star couple had been fending off baby rumours for months before the pregnancy was confirmed in June.

The Bollywood actress had been expected to give birth to her first child in November, and the Indian media followed her pregnancy obsessively.

She was admitted to a Mumbai hospital on Monday night.

Rai, who often features on "most beautiful" lists, won the Miss World crown in 1994. She went on to build a successful Bollywood career with hits such as "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" and "Devdas".

She has also worked in Hollywood films such as "The Pink Panther 2" and is a regular at the Cannes film festival.

This is the third grandchild for Amitabh Bachchan. His daughter Shweta has two children.

Kingfisher Airlines soar 8% ahead of board meeting

MUMBAI: Shares of Kingfisher Airlines today soared about 8 per cent higher on the bourses, ahead of a board meeting of the company, being held in the midst of a financial turbulence engulfing the carrier. 

The stock jumped 7.88 per cent to Rs 21.20 on the BSE, while it was up 7.63 per cent up at Rs 21.15 at the NSE in early morning trade. 

It had hit an all-time low of Rs 17.55 on Friday amid concerns over its mounting debts and rising operating costs. 

The airline's board was scheduled to meet today to take stock of the company's financial position. 

At 1315 hours, the stock was trading 5.34 per cent up at Rs 20.70 at the BSE. 

Kingfisher had suffered a loss of Rs 1,027 crore in 2010-11 and is estimated to have debt of over Rs 7,000 crore. 

Its shares are trading over 75 per cent below its one-year peak level of Rs 90.40, scaled on November 10, 2010. 

State Bank of India, one of the main lenders to the carrier, has said that Kingfisher would have to raise fresh equity to the tune of Rs 800-1,000 crore, if the banks were to consider a second restructuring of the existing debt or extending fresh advances. 

Besides SBI, the lenders include ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India,UCO Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and State Bank of Mysore. 

Together, these banks now hold a 23.4 per cent stake in the airline. The airline has cancelled several flights over the past few weeks.

Bhanwari Devi CD expose: Sex, lies and blackmail

Days before her kidnapping on September 1, nurse Bhanwari Devi was believed to be negotiating a multi-crore deal with sacked Minister Mahipal Maderna and his opponents to trade off the CD in which she was seen in a compromising position with Maderna and some others. She was sure that revelations in the CD would lead to the fall of the Gehlot Government in Rajasthan. 

A four-minute audio clip, now in the possession of the CBI, allegedly contains snatches of  conversation between Bhanwari Devi and Indira Bishnoi, sister of Malkhan Singh, Congress MLA from Luni. The CBI sleuths interrogated Indira Bishoni for nearly six hours to check the authenticity of the clip and also to dig out some details about the relations among  Bhanwari Devi and Indira’s brother, Maderna, and others.

In the tape, Indira Bishnoi reportedly tells Bhanwari Devi that Sahi Ram, an accused in the case who is still absconding, has already talked to the Minister for the payment. But Bhanwari Devi refused to believe and threatened to give the CD to his opponents, who were willing to pay up to `7 crore. In her ultimatum-like tone, Bhanwari Devi said if the agreed amount was not paid within four days, she would either hand over the CD to police or to any private TV channel.

The contents of the CD would not only finish the political career of Maderna, but also eclipse the Ashok Gehlot Government, she had said.

Against the background of the tape is Bhanwari Devi’s complex relations with Malkhan Singh, his younger brother Parasam, also a Congress leader, their sister Indira Bishnoi and their cousin Sohan Lal Bishnoi, a local PHED contractor, at whose behest Shahbuddin brought Bhanwari Devi to Bilara from where she is said to have disappeared. Sahi Ram is also their close relative.

According to locals, whispers of an affair between Malkhan Singh and Bhanwari Devi were doing the rounds for several years. She even used to claim that her younger daughter was born out of her affair with Malkhan Singh.

She is said to have created a ruckus during the wedding of Malkhan Singh’s daughter. When Maderna became Minister, it was Malkhan Singh who took Bhanwari Devi to him.

In the conversation in Marwari, at one place Bhanwari Devi refers to Sohan Lal striking the CD deal with  some parties in Delhi. “He had made a deal of `7 crore, out of which I would get `5 crore and the rest would go to Sohan Lal.” Sohan Lal is already under arrest. 

Then, she insisted that Indira Bishnoi should talk to Malkhan Singh to settle the matter after talking to the Minister. But, Indira says, now he has nothing to do with his brother on this issue.

According to experts, the voice of Bhanwari Devi indicates that she was in a drunken state. She uses abusive language at places and Indira Bishnoi was equally caustic in her response.

Following are excerpts from the taped conversation: 

Bhanwari Devi: Why you disconnect my calls. I want to convey some thing important. Now, listen to me.

Indira Bishnoi: There is no point in talking about the things of the past.

Bhanwari Devi: Sohanio (Sohan Lal) has made a deal with a Delhi party three days back. I would get `5 crore and he would get `2 crore. Party claims that CD would lead to the fall of Ashok Gehlot Government.

Indira Bishnoi: Humm

Bhanwari Devi: Are you listening?. Sahi Ram came to me ten days back and assured that he would talk to Saheb (Maderna). But nothing came out as Saheb told him that Bhanwari Devi has nothing in her possession. But you know what I have got with me. Tell your brother Malkhan to convey this to the Minister. I would wait only for four days and then things would be on TV.

Indira Bishnoi: I have no contact with Malkhan Singh. Why don’t you talk to the Minister directly.

Bhanwari Devi: Don’t tell me you are not in touch with your brother. I would also derail his political carrier.

Indira Bishnoi: You have got some money from Maderna and now your demand is increasing.

Bhanwari Devi: Not much, I need more. I would keep two bodyguards and would tell them what I am.

Bhanwari Devi case: CM could be involved, says former BJP minister

Jaipur: Levelling allegations on chief minister Ashok Gehlot, former minister and BJP chief Lalit Kishore Chaturvedi has expressed the possibility of chief minister's involvement in Bhanwari Devi going missing.

Addressing the gathering of party workers in Kota he said that one year ago Gehlot had all information about Bhanwari-Madrena relationship and CDs but he did not take any action. The government has lost the trust of the people and has no right to remain in power.

He said that the character of Congress minister has come open publically and it shows how the Congress leaders are using women to pursue their dirty politics. The CD of Bhanwari and Maderna that was played on a news channel was shocking. Chaturvedi asked the BJP workers to work hard and stick to their objectives.

Bhanwari case: CBI to submit status report

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will on Monday submit a status report on its probe into alleged kidnapping and suspected murder of auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) Bhanwari Devi in Rajasthan High Court. 

The central probe agency will also resume today the questioning of sacked Rajasthan minister Mahipal Maderna, who is a key suspect in the case. 

Bhanwari Devi’s case has unleashed a political storm in the state politics since it involves a number of ministers belonging to the ruling Congress government led by Ashok Gehlot. 

On September 26, the Rajasthan government had filed a status report in the Jodhpur High Court on its probe into the suspected kidnapping and murder of Bhanwari Devi. 

The government was then instructed by the HC to expedite the investigation into the case. 

The court had earlier admitted a habeas corpus petition filed by Bhanwari Devi’s husband and issued notices to the Home Secretary and senior police officers in this connection. 

The habeas corpus petition was filed by Amarchand, husband of Bhanwari Devi who went missing on September 1. 


Amarchand had alleged involvement of a powerful minister Mahipal Maderana in the disappearance of Devi. 

The CBI on October 11 took over probe in the mysterious disappearance case of the nurse . 

Bhanwari Devi, 36, was posted as ANM at a sub-centre in Jaliwada village when she went missing. 

Congress last week suspended sacked Rajasthan Minister Mahipal Maderna from the primary membership of party for his role in the missing nurse’ abduction case. 

Action against Maderna was on the cards with the RPCC contemplating action after a CD purportedly showing him in a compromising position with Bhanwari, an auxilliary nurse, came into public domain. The controversy involving Maderna has hit the Ashok Gehlot government amid calls by opposition BJP for the Chief Minister's resignation. 

A CD purportedly showing Maderna and Malkhan in compromising position with 36-year-old Bhanwari, posted as a nurse midwife at a sub-centre in Jaliwada village, had come to light after she went missing from Jodhpur's Bilara area on September 1. 

'Bhanwari frequently stayed in Ajmer'

AJMER: In the previous eight months before her disappearance, Bhanwari Devi had been making frequent visits to Ajmer. She used to stay at Kotra colony on Pushkar Road and met her close friends during the frequent two-three days breaks that she took here frequently.

A CBI team started looking for records with the help of revenue department to trace the property of Bhanwari in Ajmer. "It was confirmed by witnesses that Bhanwari had shifted to Kotra area where she purchased a house and stayed for days," said an official. Bhanwari was seen in Ajmer in the last days of August along with some other women.

It has emerged that Bhanwari wanted to purchase a big property in Ajmer and that she had been in talks with some relative of a politician. "Sunil Gujjar, a relative of former minister Govind Singh Gujjar, offered her a good plot of land in Kayar area of Ajmer, situated on the Jaipur road. But Bhanwari turned down the offer after visiting the place," said a relative of Bhanwari. "She had almost finalised the land but turned it down at the last minute," added Kailash, brother of Bhanwari.

Sources said that Bhanwari visited Ajmer many times and then purchased a big house in the Kotra region, "We are looking at the records to confirm if there is any place in the Kotra region in the name of Bhanwari Devi," said an official source.

It has also came out that one woman who was caught in Patan district in Gujarat in suspicious circumstances some days ago also lived in Kotra region of Ajmer and was known to Bhanwari. She confirmed to CBI that she had good relations with Bhanwari and she used to visit her house in Kotra.

Bhanwari was interested in settling down in Ajmer because her maternal house is in Kishangarh where her brother lives in Azad Nagar and her relatives are settled in Lohagal area of Ajmer. "The other angle is that the girlfriend of Shahabuddin - Rehana - belongs to Majvi Mohalla of Kishangarh and she had good relations with Bhanwari," said an official. They added that Bhanwari was used to meet Shahabuddin in Kishangarh.

It came out that Ajmer was the centre of conspiracy and meetings with Mahipal Maderna used to take place here because Maderna used to visit Kishangarh to meet his friends. "We have already interrogated a Congress leader of Kishangarh where Maderna used to stay at night," said an official. There are as many as half a dozen people who were interrogated in Ajmer and Kishangarh for the past fifteen days," said an official.