Epstein Connection: KC Venugopal Demands Answers from PM Modi over Hardeep Puri
Congress leader KC Venugopal and Sanjay Raut demand answers from PM Modi over alleged meeting between Hardeep Singh Puri and Jeffrey Epstein.
The political atmosphere in New Delhi has turned volatile as Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an explanation regarding Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s alleged association with the notorious international sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
The controversy erupted following the circulation of a purported photograph and revelations from US Department of Justice files, which allegedly show the Union Minister in the company of Epstein. Venugopal has accused the Prime Minister of "criminal indifference" for failing to act despite knowing about these ties.
'Disgusted by Revelations': Venugopal Slams Government
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), KC Venugopal expressed his shock over the allegations, claiming that the evidence suggests Hardeep Singh Puri met Epstein in the very locations where the predator carried out his crimes. Venugopal questioned the government's commitment to women's safety, asking what citizens can expect from a leadership that allegedly shields an individual linked to one of the world's worst sexual predators.
"Modi-Shah's complete silence and inaction on this only points to their criminal indifference to such allegations against their own Cabinet Minister," Venugopal wrote.
Concerns Over India-US Trade Deal
The Congress leader further linked this controversy to India's international diplomacy. With US President Donald Trump indicating that India and the US are close to signing a trade pact, Venugopal argued that the Prime Minister must speak up immediately.
He raised concerns that the Prime Minister might be "compromised," suggesting that India's national interests could be surrendered once again in a lopsided deal to protect himself and those in his inner circle.
Sanjay Raut Joins the Fray
The offensive against the Union Minister was not limited to the Congress. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also questioned the nature of the alleged meeting. Raut pointed out that while Hardeep Singh Puri had previously claimed he never met Epstein—especially not in private—the emerging photographs suggest otherwise.
Raut questioned whether the Minister was carrying a specific message during the meeting and if that message was on behalf of PM Modi. Speaking to reporters, Raut noted that the images show the two "partying" with glasses and other items on the table, hinting that more explosive details are yet to emerge.
Key Questions Raised by the Opposition:
- Why did a sitting Union Minister meet with Jeffrey Epstein?
- Whose message, if any, was being delivered during these interactions?
- Why has the Prime Minister remained silent despite the public nature of these files?
- Will these revelations impact the final terms of the upcoming India-US trade agreement?
Timing and Technicalities
Adding another layer to the controversy, Congress leader Srinivas BV noted the suspicious timing of these revelations. He pointed out that the photos emerged from US Justice Department files just as the US Secretary of State landed in Mumbai. Srinivas questioned if this timing was intentional and speculated whether further evidence, possibly in the form of video, might be released to "settle technicalities."