The Indian Panorama

Month: January 2024

  • Civil society under siege, in India

    Civil society under siege, in India

    ‘Our findings suggest that organizations that were actively fighting against communalism were the most significantly under attack’

    By Rahul Mukherji & Aditya Shrivastava

    A free civic space regulated under constitutionally guaranteed principles is the essence of democracy. India is lucky to have an unusually diverse and vibrant civil society. However, constitutional freedoms are themselves under siege. It will be important to recognize and protect these freedoms by social and political forces who repose their faith in the Constitution. The anti-communal and progressive civic space is under the most serious attack by the state. This is also the section of society that will unite against Hindu nationalism under any party that offers the prospect of secularism, interpreted assarva dharma sama bhava (equal respect for all religions), and citizen well-being with economic growth.

    The scale of attack
    We explored the range of instruments deployed by the state to limit the civic space of 15 organizations, small and big, relying on domestic and foreign donations. These organizations include the well-known ones that have been attacked such as Amnesty International, the Centre for Equity Studies, Citizens for Justice and Peace, Lawyers Collective, Centre for Promotion of Social Concerns and Act Now for Harmony and Democracy (ANHAD), among significant others, who will remain unnamed.

    The organizations we studied were viewed as being either neutral, moderate, or strong regarding their views on minority rights, Dalit rights, Adivasi (tribal) rights and equity promotion.

    Our findings suggest that organizations that were actively fighting against communalism were the most significantly under attack. We coded the attacks on a scale where a high level of attack has occurred on organizations that have not only run out of funds but also whose leaders have either been sent to prison or have charges that can potentially incarcerate them. These would include organizations such as Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), Amnesty India, Oxfam, Centre for Equity Studies and Lawyers Collective.

    Moderately attacked institutions are those whose activities have been severely curbed because of multiple attacks by the state. These organizations have almost come to a grinding halt. They include the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and a significant non-governmental organization (NGO) with American funding working in the non-communal space. Moderately attacked institutions also include fiercely anti-communal NGOs such as ANHAD. Some of the organizations in this area are even neutral on the anti-communal issue. An analysis of the moderate section in our scale suggests that the civic space has shrunk to such an extent that the Indian state is not even leaving a non-communal organization such as the CPR alone. The current chair of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and the Deputy Chairman of the NITI Aayog chaired by the Prime Minister are both from the CPR. One of the allegations against the CPR appears to be that it had some connections with Adivasi rights movements that impacted the mining interests of the tycoon Gautam Adani.

    Institutions that have been impacted by relatively low levels of attacks are generally not active in the anti-communal area, even though they may be pursuing significant human rights causes. These are institutions that have been attacked by just one instrument. The woes of organizations such as Navsarjan, which is a leader in Dalit rights, and Save The Children’s work on child rights are less compared to the ones that have been hit moderately or at a high level. We also found that the disciplining instruments deployed by the state can impact organizations. Greenpeace, for example, has transitioned from one that faced high intensity attack to one that now faces a low level of attack by our definition.

    In the process, Greenpeace had to change its identity from one that was strong on its rights-based mobilization towards advancing environmental concerns and Adivasi rights to one that has become much more lukewarm in that regard.

    A range of instruments
    We now turn to the variety of instruments that are being deployed. Attacks with penal consequences that can lead to imprisonment are charges of money laundering and investigations. We have not included the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in our analysis and restricted ourselves to actions that largely afflict NGOs. The amendments, in 2019, to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, brought through the Finance Act enabled the Department of Revenue to work with a broader definition of proceeds of crime. This has resulted in the now well-known attacks on NGOs and Opposition politicians by the Enforcement Directorate.

    The Emergency-era law from 1976, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA), was made stringent in 2010 under the United Progressive Alliance government, and again under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in 2020. The BJP has used both the 2010 and 2020 provisions to take the right of NGOs to access foreign funds away from about 18,000 organizations between 2015 and 2022. Curiously enough, the FCRA’s impact on foreign funding of political parties has been considerably weakened over time. But the same instrument has now been deployed with lethal effect on NGOs. Apart from the FCRA provisions, foreign donors are also intimidated by a Prior Reference Category List of around 80 internationally reputed donors who are monitored and intimidated for pursuing any human rights related causes.

    Under the FCRA, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) too is empowered to investigate NGOs and their personnel with lethal impact. For example, the CBI has filed a supplementary charge sheet against Amnesty India and its chair of the Board, Aakar Patel. Such an action can have penal consequences. And the tedious process itself is punishment.

    Domestic funding of non- and anti-communal NGOs is also under siege. Sections 12A and 80G of the Income-Tax Act provide tax exemptions for NGOs and donors, respectively. The 2020 amendments now make renewals of 12A and 80G certificates mandatory every five years. And donor data including their PAN card numbers must be made available to the Ministry of Finance. These provisions enable the state to intimidate domestic donors who wish to fight communalism and crony capitalism.

    When the state has no excuse to penalize NGOs, it uses income-tax surveys as a way of collecting data that can be used to further escalate and institute more cases either by the CBI or the Tax Department.

    Building on the Opposition’s stand
    The last bastion and ray of hope for India’s democracy is its civic space. It is under serious threat. In the 2023 Assembly elections, the Congress’s leaders (and now Chief Ministers) Siddaramaiah (Karnataka) and A. Revanth Reddy (Telangana) both took a clear secular position alongside welfare pledges that mobilized the anti-communal civic space against the BJP. Picking strong regional leaders will be critical for INDIA. Whether it was the “Eddelu Karnataka” (Wake-up Karnataka) or similar social movements in Telangana, they had one thing in common. Secular and progressive social and political forces came together in both these States. The Opposition INDIA bloc will not only need to fight like a single party. It will also need to mobilize the anti-communal and progressive civic space in its favor to save democracy.

    (Rahul Mukherji is Professor and Chair, Modern Politics of South Asia, South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University, Germany. Aditya Shrivastava is German Chancellor Fellow, South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University, Germany)

  • The See Saw called 2023, some sparkles and some tears

    The See Saw called 2023, some sparkles and some tears

    The century will be infamously remembered for the 2 devastating wars….Russia-Ukraine & Israel- Hamas. Their ripple effects have been game changing for the world both geopolitically & geoeconomically. Energy & food security and its weaponization, dedollarization, terrorism, wars are factors that have reshaped the world dynamics in the last 2 years.

    By Priti Prakash

    Time is all powerful. It is said to be a healer, and so I believe. It’s never possible to talk of all what happened in the fleeting year in this small space but amplifying what have become memories will surely play some small role in glorifying them in the pages of history.

    As I pen down my year roundup, everything blurs in before the humanitarian crisis unfolding with the war in West Asia. On the very Christmas eve Israel carried out the deadliest of attacks on the refugee camps killing 100 people. It’s nothing but a massacre carrying on for the last 3 months. As the world celebrates the new year this part of humanity is crying, weeping over the loss of their loved ones, running to save their lives amidst the disaster and destruction spread around them. It’s hell broken loose there. With the rest of the world reduced to spectators, with a few failed efforts against the adamancy of the Israeli PM Netanyahu, the conflict is dangerously engulfing the entire West Asian region. Every day is an evolving condition, each day the conflict has a new development.

    The century will be infamously remembered for the 2 devastating wars….Russia-Ukraine & Israel- Hamas. Their ripple effects have been game changing for the world both geopolitically & geoeconomically. Energy & food security and its weaponization, dedollarization, terrorism, wars are factors that have reshaped the world dynamics in the last 2 years.

    Domestically, Indians had their share of moments of pride and also of misfortunes. I am not a pessimist but human sufferings do tend to disturb and take precedence. Manipur was in flames and human rights were violated, on the other hand India successfully landed on the Moon. Sadly, our women wrestlers protested for days against a predator public representative to finally see themselves only resigning from a bright career which any sportsperson takes years and endless hard work to build. They were so helpless that they decided to give up their medals and awards. That for ‘respect of women’ and games.

    The recently concluded assembly elections in 4 states were an equal shocker. Much to the surprise of Congress and psephologists BJP won the 3 main Hindi belt states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh having only lost in Telangana in the South. These 3 states hold the key to 2024 general elections that have now sealed BJP’s incumbency at the national level next year as India goes to polls.

    Delhi had its fair share of limelight as pollution like every season broke a record high with AQI touching 400+. Living a healthy life is a huge ask in these modern times when with all the technological advances stubble burning the conventional way isn’t going anywhere. Sprinklers or no sprinklers.

    Speaking of tech, ChatGPT and AI were the new discovery and challenges too. AI is a two-edged sword that stands to benefit as well as put mankind to severe threats and disadvantages. Humans can be replaced with AI involving much lesser cost. As the threats are equally serious in nature the world is finding ways and laws to regulate its free and uncontrolled effects.

    What we need to seriously worry is Climate Change. Much touted at various international fora and matter of global discourse it’s more of lip service detached from tangible outputs. Paradoxically, the developed countries that are responsible for the climate crisis unfolding in the underdeveloped and developing countries that are bearing the brunt of drastic climate downside like floods, torrential rains, quakes, droughts and acute temperature fluctuations. Wonder if it’s now late enough to reverse the change nature is manifesting.

    It was India’s moment with G20 this year. New Delhi hosted the mega event and delivered a successful G20 Joint Statement with full consensus of all countries and inclusion of Africa in the group. The clout of India was on display when US President along with his European and Gulf countries counterparts displayed exceptional bonhomie. G20 was also an opportunity to give a major infrastructural boost to the country as various other meetings were held in different states showcasing their culture and boosting tourism too.

    How did India fare on the world stage! The last months have seen some tensions between India -Canada and India- US relations relating to the cases of the alleged killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil and a plan to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. Canada -India relations saw a setback with dismissing additional diplomats that took a hit on the consular services of both countries. With China, 15 rounds of border talks haven’t yielded any result and China refuses to retreat from occupied Indian territory, although trade continues to flourish between both the countries.

    India’s relations with its neighbors have seen ups and downs. Sri Lanka was visited by Chinese Research Ship with India resisting. New Delhi was visited by Bangladesh, Nepal Prime Ministers. With a pro-China govt in Maldives, Indian troops have been ordered to leave Male that has the possibility of India – Maldives relations growing sour. With political unrest in Myanmar how will India respond will be seen particularly with the problem of refugee influx from Myanmar into Indian border states staring in our face. Bhutan has approved building a 1000 km border village at its border with India that will facilitate a buffer with India countering China. In Pakistan, with the return of Nawaz Shariff and likelihood of his being the economically battered country’s next leader, the future might hold some glimpse of better times. Afghanistan having the Taliban in power and its embassy in India not formally functional as such, despite Taliban sources claiming normalcy, we wonder if Indian government’s stand on recognizing the terror outfit will see any change in 2024.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Navy officials languishing in Qatar jails have got a little respite with their death sentence being commuted to life imprisonment. Expecting a pardon from the Qatari Emir, a usual practice of pardoning prisoners on Qatar’s National Day, the families of these officials are waiting in hope. It’s a test of India’s clout and PM Modi’s personal capital with the Gulf’s richest nation’s leader. I am sure we are not asking for too much.

    It would be amiss if the state of Press is not mentioned here. The fourth pillar of democracy, the vigil keepers, the messengers, as they are called, have had their share of rough rubbings with the govt. 2023 saw journalists being rounded up, harassed, threatened, killed and the news organizations raided, access to Parliament curtailed for reporting facts and ground reality. Newsclick being one of the targets to be silenced, its Editor still is behind bars, their computers, digital gadgets and cameras confiscated and charges fabricated against them. The takeover of major media houses by corporate has changed media landscape totally. Mass job losses, contractual working and the sword of recently passed 3 criminal bills has announced the death knell of press freedom. Wonder how long will the few independent digital platforms or journalists survive, come 2024 elections. The G model says use media for winning elections and dump them once you are there.

    A few months to go for General Elections 2024 and the stage is set for India to witness a mega event of the inauguration of the magnificent Ram temple at Ayodhya. This will set the agenda for 2024 elections. With the BJP win in the 3 Hindi heartland states its already half work done. The numbers will decide the power of the opposition and other parties that have come together to fight BJP and its Hindutva agenda in 2024.

    Right now, people need employment, poverty alleviation, respite from inflation, jobs and social security. Hope, the year 2024 brings in the much-needed balm. Let’s be the change makers.
    (The author is a Journalist / Blogger / Travel enthusiast)

  • Shaping a Harmonious 2024: A Call for Global Unity and Empathy

    As we embark upon the threshold of another new year, the year 2024, it’s crucial to ponder the image we wish to paint upon the canvas of the future. Do we aspire to witness a world embroiled in relentless conflicts, plagued by divisions between the privileged and the disenfranchised? Or do we collectively yearn for a world where unity reigns supreme, where the resonance of shared humanity echoes louder than the discord of disparity?

    The responsibility to shape the world we yearn for lies squarely in our hands. Let us fervently strive to erect a world where the ethos of one global family, as espoused by the ancient Indian wisdom—’Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one family)—is not merely an ideal but a lived reality. But where do we commence this monumental undertaking? It commences from the grassroots—the underprivileged, the impoverished, the marginalized, and the ailing individuals who are in dire need of attention, support, and compassion.

    One of the cardinal pillars of nurturing a more equitable world rests on bridging the gaping chasm between the affluent and the impoverished. It is imperative that those blessed with financial stability and governmental influence extend their hands in support of those grappling with adversity. Only when this disparity is alleviated can we envisage a world with reduced conflict and enhanced livability.

    The task at hand necessitates a collective readiness and unwavering commitment. We stand at the crossroads of history where the echoes of past conflicts reverberate in our collective consciousness. The devastation wrought by world wars and the ongoing conflicts in regions like Europe and the Israeli theater stand as stark reminders of the catastrophic toll of discord. It is our solemn duty to ensure that the pages of history are not marred by similar tragedies in the future.

    Imagine a world where the resonance of unity drowns out the cacophony of conflict. A world where the basic needs of every individual are met with dignity and where compassion serves as the guiding light for every decision. This is the world we should strive to build—one where disputes are resolved through dialogue and empathy rather than through violence and animosity.

    This transformation necessitates a paradigm shift—a shift from self-interest to collective welfare, from division to unity, from indifference to empathy. Governments, organizations, and individuals must collaborate synergistically, pooling their resources and expertise to uplift the downtrodden and pave the path for a more harmonious coexistence.

    Let us commit ourselves to a world where diplomacy triumphs over aggression, where compassion supersedes apathy, and where the downtrodden are uplifted through collective efforts. Each one of us holds the power to contribute towards this vision, whether through philanthropy, advocacy, volunteering, or simply fostering a culture of understanding and inclusivity in our communities.

    The canvas of 2024 remains blank, awaiting strokes of benevolence, unity, and empathy. As we step into this new year, let us pledge to paint a picture where humanity stands united, where conflicts are relegated to the annals of history, and where the indelible colors of compassion and solidarity illuminate our shared journey ahead. The world of our dreams is within reach—let us seize this opportunity to transform it into a tangible reality. Let us welcome, in this spirit, the New Year 2024.

  • Shielding SEBI: On Supreme Court’s ruling and SEBI probe

    SC should have pushed it to do more while not reviewing policy actions

    The Supreme Court of India’s ruling on a batch of petitions, filed in the wake of a U.S.-based short seller’s allegations of malfeasance including stock price manipulation at the Adani group of companies, has squarely tossed the ball back to the markets regulator’s court. The Court has opted to subordinate petitioners’ entreaties to protect larger public interest to its chariness to substitute “its own wisdom over the regulatory policies” of the Securities and Exchange Board of India. In its 46-page order, the Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud is emphatic in observing that “SEBI has prime facie conducted a comprehensive investigation” that “inspires confidence”, and that “the facts of this case do not warrant a transfer of investigation from SEBI” given that “prima facie no deliberate inaction or inadequacy” was found in the regulator’s conduct of its probe. Strikingly, the Bench has completely skirted the fundamental questions that the Court-appointed Expert Committee in its May 2023 report had opted to leave as a ‘matter between SEBI and the Court’ — the determination of possible violations pertaining to minimum public shareholding and related party transactions. The Bench has instead seized upon prayers urging the Court to direct SEBI to revoke its amendments to the Foreign Portfolio Investors Regulations and Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements — amendments that were at the heart of petitioners’ submissions of regulatory failure — and roundly denied them on grounds that there was neither “any illegality”, nor were the norms “capricious, arbitrary or violative of the Constitution”.

    The ruling has also done little to assuage investors’ concerns about SEBI’s approach to getting to the bottom of the allegations raised by Hindenburg Research in its January 2023 report. Without elaboration on any of the regulator’s findings, the Court has blandly observed that “SEBI has completed 22 out of the 24 investigations into the Adani group” and that completion of the remaining two “are pending due to inputs being awaited from foreign regulators”. The Bench has directed SEBI to complete these “expeditiously”. While the Court’s reluctance to review the policy actions of a ‘specialized regulator’ is understandable, the decision to leave the crucial question of SEBI’s perceived tardiness in investigating allegations of corporate malfeasance and market manipulation by a large conglomerate back to the remit of the very same watchdog hints at a degree of judicial abstinence that may only undermine the larger public good. The Court is surely aware of past instances where it has found SEBI wanting in alacrity of enforcement, a facet flagged by the experts’ panel appointed in this case as well. After all, ‘justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done’.
    (The Hindu)

  • Wealthy Indian-origin couple, daughter found dead in US

    Wealthy Indian-origin couple, daughter found dead in US

    BOSTON (TIP): A wealthy Indian-origin couple and their teenage daughter were found dead in their USD 5 million mansion in the US state of Massachusetts in an apparent domestic violence incident, according to media reports.
    The bodies of Rakesh Kamal (57), his wife Teena (54) and their 18-year-old daughter Ariana were found in their Dover mansion around 7.30 pm on Thursday, Norfolk district attorney Michael Morrissey said.
    Teena and her husband, who also went by Rick, had previously run a now-defunct education systems company called EduNova. The district attorney, who described the “terrible tragedy” as a “domestic violence situation”, said a gun was found near the husband’s body. He declined to say whether all three family members were shot dead, and by whom, a newspaper reported. The couple appeared to have faced financial problems in recent years, online records show.

  • Indian-origin real estate developer charged with perpetuating USD 93 million fraud scheme

    Indian-origin real estate developer charged with perpetuating USD 93 million fraud scheme

    NEW YORK (TIP): An Indian-origin real estate developer has been charged by federal authorities in the US with perpetuating a USD 93 million fraud scheme. Rishi Kapoor, a Miami-based developer, faces charges filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday, January 3.
    The SEC announced that it obtained an asset freeze and other emergency relief concerning the alleged USD 93 million real estate investment fraud perpetrated by Kapoor. The SEC also charged real estate company Location Ventures, its affiliate Urbin and 20 other related entities in connection with the fraud scheme, a statement said.
    According to the SEC’s complaint, from approximately January 2018, until at least March 2023, Kapoor and certain of the defendant entities solicited investors by, among other things, making several material misrepresentations and omissions regarding Kapoor, Location Ventures, Urbin, and their real estate developments.
    The false statements allegedly included misrepresenting Kapoor’s compensation; his cash contribution to the capitalization of Location Ventures; the corporate governance of Location Ventures and Urbin; the use of investor funds; and Kapoor’s background.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Sikh medic Dr. Amritpal Singh Hungin knighted by King Charles III

    Sikh medic Dr. Amritpal Singh Hungin knighted by King Charles III

    LONDON (TIP): A British Sikh senior medical professional with over 30 years of general practice (GP) experience has been knighted by King Charles III in the 2024 New Year Honors list. Dr Amritpal Singh Hungin, Emeritus Professor of General Practice at Newcastle University, received a Knighthood for services to medicine on Friday night, including nearly 30 Indian-origin healthcare professionals, philanthropists and community activists honored for their selfless service to society.

    Selfless service

    Dr Amritpal Singh Hungin, Emeritus Professor of General Practice at Newcastle University, received a Knighthood for services to medicine
    Nearly 30 Indian-origin healthcare professionals, philanthropists and community activists honored for their selfless service to society
    Professor Pali Hungin, as he is known, was the founding Dean of Medicine at Durham University and a former president of the British Medical Association (BMA). “The New Year’s Honors List recognizes the exceptional achievements of people across the country and those who have shown the highest commitment to selflessness and compassion,” said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. “To all honorees, you are the pride of this country and an inspiration to us all,” he said.

    Among the British Indian Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBEs) include Baldev Parkash Bhardwaj for services to the community in Oldbury, West Midlands; Dr Dipankar Datta, Chair of the South Asia Voluntary Enterprise, for services to charity; Munir Patel, CEO of XRAIL Group, for services to rail exports; Dr Shriti Pattani, President of the Society of Occupational Medicine, for services to occupational health; Rajwinder Singh, Principal Project Sponsor of the Prison Infrastructure Team at the UK’s Ministry of Justice, for public service; Vinaichandra Guduguntla Venkatesham, CEO of Arsenal Football Club, for services to sport.

    The Cabinet Office said more than 1,200 recipients had been awarded this year for their exceptional achievements, including Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs) conferred upon a cross-section, including British Indians such as Dr Sanjay Bhandari, Chair of anti-racism charity Kick It Out for services to sport and Jayshree Rajkotia, Trustee and Vice Chair of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK, for services to Indian culture.

    Other Indian-origin recipients of MBEs include Tajinder Kaur Banwait for services to business and to the beauty industry; Dr Manav Bhavsar for services to healthcare, particularly during Covid-19; Nilesh Bhasker Dosa for services to social equality; Dr Dinendra Singh Gill for services to pre-hospital and trauma care in Wales; Dr Gian Parkash Gopal for services to the Hindu community and to multi-faith Cohesion in Oxfordshire; Jasdeep Hari Bhajan Singh Khalsa for charitable services to the Sikh community; Dr Meenakshi Nagpaul for services to the NHS; and Satish Manilal Parmar for public service, among others. Healthcare and charity work also dominates among the Indian-origin Medalists of the Order of the British Empire (BEMs) such as Chandra Shekhar Biyani for services to medical education and Harbaksh Singh Grewal for services to charity.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American legal scholar Ved Prakash Nanda dies

    Indian American legal scholar Ved Prakash Nanda dies

    DENVER (TIP) : Noted Indian American legal scholar, Professor Ved Prakash Nanda passed away on January 1. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar among others condoled his death.
    Nanda, who was awarded Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honor in 2018 for his contributions to literature and education was a Distinguished University Professor and Thompson G. Marsh Professor of Law at the University of Denver, Colorado.
    He founded the International Legal Studies Program there in 1972 and directed the Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law established in his honor by alumni and friends, who have also endowed a professorship in his name.
    He received Honorary Doctor of Law from Soka University, Tokyo, Japan, and Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India, and has taught and lectured at several universities in the US and abroad, according to his official profile.
    Nanda was also an Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Delhi, India. He held many leadership positions in the global international law community, including the World Jurist Association, American Society of International Law, International Law Association, American Law Institute, and the American Bar Associations Human Rights Center and Section of International Law.
    He also served as a US delegate to the World Federation of the United Nations Associations in Geneva and on the governing council of the United Nations Association of the USA.
    Nanda was an officer and board member in several international and national NGOs. He was the Chair of the Uberoi Foundation for Religious Studies.
    Nanda received numerous national and international awards and authored or co-authored 24 books and over 225 chapters and law review articles in international and comparative law, writes a column for the Denver Post, and is a regular commentator in both the electronic and print media.
    The American Bar Association International Law Section conferred on him the Louis B Sohn Award, for distinguished, longstanding contributions to the field of public international law in 2018.
    Expressing his grief over Nanda’s demise, Modi said Nanda’s work highlighted his commitment to legal education. “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Professor Ved Prakash Nanda Ji, a distinguished academic whose contributions to the legal field are invaluable. His work highlights his strong commitment to legal education,” Modi posted on X.
    “He was also a prominent member of the Indian diaspora in USA and was passionate about strong India-USA relations. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” the PM added.
    “Deeply anguished by the demise of Prof. Ved Prakash Nanda Ji, an internationally acclaimed legal scholar. The illustrious career of Nanda Ji was shaped by his academic rigor and profound commitment to legal education,” Shah wrote.
    “A prominent member of our diaspora in the US, Prof Nanda Ji left an indelible mark in fortifying the Indo-US relationship. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti,” he added.
    “Grieved to learn of the passing away of Professor Ved Prakash Nanda ji,” wrote Jaishankar. “Had the privilege of knowing him over many years. His contribution to the India-US relationship will always be remembered.”

  • 2 Indian-origin men arrested for committing Visa fraud in US

    2 Indian-origin men arrested for committing Visa fraud in US

    BOSTON (TIP): Two Indian-origin men have been arrested and charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit visa fraud in the US.
    Rambhai Patel, 36, and Balwinder Singh, 39, allegedly staged armed robberies so that “victims” could apply for immigration benefits, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts said on Friday, December 29. Patel was arrested in Seattle on December 13, 2023, and following an initial appearance in the Western District of Washington, he was ordered detained pending trial. Singh was also arrested on the same day in Queens, and had his initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York.

    While Singh appeared in federal court in Boston on Friday afternoon, Patel is expected to appear at a later date in the same court.
    According to the charging documents, beginning March 2023, Patel and his co-conspirators, including at times, Singh, set up and carried out staged armed robberies. These were carried out at eight convenience/liquor stores and fast food restaurants across the United States, including at least four in Massachusetts.
    It is alleged that the purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the clerks present to claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U non-immigration status (U Visa).
    A US Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
    In the course of the alleged staged robberies, the “robber” would threaten store clerks and/or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, while the interaction was captured on store surveillance video.
    The clerks and/or owners would then wait five or more minutes until the “robber” had escaped before calling police to report the “crime”.
    The “victims” are alleged to have each paid Patel to participate in the scheme. In turn, Patel allegedly paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery. The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
    Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the US Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, the attorney’s office said.
    (Source: IANS)

  • Indian-American medical biller arrested for stealing more than USD 1 million

    Indian-American medical biller arrested for stealing more than USD 1 million

    NEW YORK (TIP): A 61-year-old Indian-origin medical biller has been arrested for stealing more than USD 1 million from doctors who provided medical care to injured workers in New York, according to the Attorney General’s Office here. Amrish Patel and his two companies—Medlink Services and Medlink Partners—were charged on Wednesday with 27 felony counts for the thefts they allegedly committed from January 2012 through January 2019, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced.  Patel and the companies were charged with one count of insurance fraud in the first degree, one count of grand larceny in the first degree, one count of grand larceny in the second degree, one count of grand larceny in the third degree, one count of scheme to defraud in the first degree, 11 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, and 11 counts of workers’ compensation fraud. He was released with electronic monitoring and a USD 1,00,000 bond. Patel, who provided billing services to a Brooklyn-based orthopedic surgery practice, submitted falsified claim forms to the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) to steal at least USD 1.1 million in workers’ compensation reimbursements for himself. “Doctors and health care professionals provide crucial care to our communities, and they rely on accurate and ethical billing to sustain these services and ensure our wellbeing,” said Attorney General James.

    “When money is illegally diverted away from doctors and providers, all New Yorkers suffer as a result. Fraud of any kind will never go unchecked in our state, and my office will continue to use every measure to hold accountable those who seek to cheat New Yorkers for personal gain. I thank our partners for their invaluable support and collaboration on this case,” James said.

    “Fraud in any part of the workers’ compensation system is detrimental to trust and hurts the entire system, including medical providers, carriers, businesses, and injured workers,” said NYSIF Executive Director and CEO Gaurav Vasisht. “I am thankful for the collaboration of the Attorney General and Inspector General’s offices on this investigation,” Vasisht said.

    “Workers’ compensation fraud is not a victimless crime,” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang.

    “The defendant compromised the integrity of this crucial safety net when he took advantage of his trusted position to ensure accurate billing for medical providers and health insurers. I am grateful to the Office of the Attorney General and the NYSIF for their partnership in rooting out this fraud.” Starting in 2011, Patel and his companies handled billing services for a Brooklyn-based orthopedic surgery practice and were responsible for submitting billing for surgeries related to work-related injuries under the New York State Workers’ Compensation Law.

    Under the law, authorized providers are reimbursed for their treatment of injured workers by the insurance carrier for the employer. In total, Patel allegedly stole at least USD 1.1 million in payments originally intended for three doctors for services provided between January 1, 2012 and January 4, 2019.

    Patel was arraigned on January 3 in Albany City Court. He was later released with electronic monitoring and a USD 100,000 bond.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indo-British Sikh woman ‘Polar Preet’ claims record for fastest solo ski across Antarctica

    Indo-British Sikh woman ‘Polar Preet’ claims record for fastest solo ski across Antarctica

    LONDON (TIP): Having already broken two Guinness World Records for polar exploration, British Sikh Army medic Harpreet Chandi has said she now has a third one.
    By covering 1,130 km of Antarctic ice in 31 days, 13 hours and 19 minutes, Chandi, also known as Polar Preet, claims she has become the fastest woman to ski solo across Antarctica, media reported.
    “I’m tired but so glad I made it. This was completely different to my last expedition… I completely pushed myself to my limits on my last expedition, a speed attempt is completely different,” the 34-year-old said, speaking from the South Pole. “After my last expedition, I knew I could cope well on the ice which gave me the confidence to tackle this head on,” she added.
    The Guinness World Records will need to verify the claim, which can take several months, and if confirmed, it would beat the previous record holder, Canadian Caroline Cote, by a day, 14 hours and 34 minutes.
    For the trek, Chandi left the Hercules inlet on the Ronne ice shelf on November 26, and arrived at the South Pole at 2.24 am UK time on December 28.
    She skied for between 12 and 13 hours a day on average and pulled a 75 kg sled that had everything she needed to survive behind her.
    “It was definitely not a sprint, but I had to constantly weigh up my effort and how long I would ski for each day. Too long or too fast and I was going to burn out. Too slow or finish too early and I’d miss out on the record,” she told the media.
    Calling Antarctica an amazing place and glad that it allowed her a safe passage, Chandi said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be here. It is not a place any person can conquer; it is a place you treat with respect and hope it allows you safe passage.”
    Chandi is on a career break from military service where she was a physiotherapist providing rehabilitation for injured soldiers and officers.
    Speaking about her journey, she said her focus was on what she could control, not what she couldn’t.
    “I couldn’t control the conditions — the blistering sun, the whiteouts, the temperatures of minus 30 degrees C, but I can control how I dealt with them. Just keep taking it one step at a time,” Chandi, who was named Member of the British Empire recently, said.
    Also honored as ‘woman of the year’ at the Women in Defense Awards 2022, Chandi made history by becoming the first woman of color to complete a 700-mile Antarctic journey — solo and unsupported — to the South Pole in 2021. Chandi said she never thought she would return to Antarctica this year but returned after realizing that this expedition was just not about pushing herself, but also about inspiring others to challenge their boundaries, and break their barriers. “One of my biggest motivations in those dark times on the ice is the thought of inspiring others to face their own challenge,” she said.

  • Indian-origin Jashanpreet Singh appointed as Canada jail officer

    Indian-origin Jashanpreet Singh appointed as Canada jail officer

    VANCOUVER (TIP): A 24-year-old man, who is the son of a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Muktsar Police, has become a Correctional Officer in Canada’s Vancouver.
    A Correctional Officer supervises prisoners during work assignments, meals and recreation periods.
    Jashanpreet Singh Brar had gone to the Maple country on a study visa in August 2017. He was an alumnus of Bhai Mastan Singh Public School here. After completing his study in Canada, Jashanpreet worked part-time as a security officer and an executive at a liquor store.
    His father Kaur Singh Brar said, “I am feeling proud that my son is following in my footsteps. I had joined the state police in 1992 as a constable and retired as an ASI. My son has today (January 2) joined the duty as a Correctional Officer in Canada. My daughter is also settled in Canada and working as a private dentist. Both of my children were brilliant in their studies.”
    “We belong to an agrarian family of Kotli Sanghar village. None of us had earlier got a government job abroad.”
    I am feeling proud that my son is following in my footsteps. I had joined the state police in 1992… My son has today (January 2) joined duty as a Correctional Officer in Canada. — Kaur Singh Brar, father of Jashanpreet