September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: MadhyaPradesh

ED Seizes 32 Properties Worth Crores Linked to Former RTO Constable Saurabh Sharma and His Network

In a major crackdown on corruption, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized 32 immovable properties allegedly owned by former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, his family members, and close associates. The seizure, part of a larger money laundering probe, has unearthed a web of dubious real estate transactions and inter-family property transfers that suggest systematic efforts to conceal illicit wealth. According to the ED’s chargesheet, as many as seven plots worth ₹6.61 crore located across Bhopal were registered under Aviral Building Construction Company, a firm jointly owned by Saurabh Sharma and his associates Chetan Singh Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal. Additionally, two properties in Indore valued at ₹1.77 crore were traced to the same entity, bringing the total value of the company’s assets to ₹8.38 crore. Investigations revealed that Sharma’s mother, wife, and mother-in-law also hold a significant number of immovable assets. Uma Sharma, Saurabh’s mother, owns five properties—one in Bhopal and four in Gwalior. In Gwalior, she holds two plots valued at ₹30.33 lakh and ₹26.54 lakh respectively, along with agricultural land worth ₹14.24 lakh and an additional bigha valued at ₹19.51 lakh. A double-story Housing Board house at E-7, Arera Colony, Bhopal, estimated to be worth ₹1.67 crore, is also in her name. Divya Tiwari, Saurabh’s wife, gifted a land parcel worth ₹32 lakh in Mugalia Kot, Bhopal to her mother Rekha Tiwari. Another high-value property, located in Bhairopur, Bhopal, is jointly owned by Divya and Rekha and is valued at ₹1.20 crore. Rekha Tiwari herself owns two agricultural lands—one at Sevaniya Gaud, Bhopal, worth ₹72 lakh and another in the city valued at ₹20 lakh. The mother-daughter duo also jointly operate the Rajmata Bharatmata Shiksha and Social Welfare Committee in Bhopal, under which a plot worth ₹25.53 lakh in Indore is registered. Sharma’s associate Sharad Jaiswal is also in possession of numerous properties. These include a MIG flat in Ratnagiri, Bhopal (₹14.75 lakh), a plot in Hinautia Alam (₹25.62 lakh), a LIG flat in Alankar Heights (₹25.50 lakh), and another smaller plot in Hinautia Alam (₹9.23 lakh). Sharad also co-owns a ₹4.20 crore plot in Emaar Continental City, Indore with Kushal Mangal, and another ₹4.10 crore plot under Emaar India Limited in collaboration with Ganesh Infrastructure (linked to Ripusudan Pachauri). A property worth ₹1.84 crore—a two-floor house in E-7/78, Arera Colony, Bhopal—is registered under the name of Instant UR Infrastructure, a firm believed to be connected to Sharma’s network. Another high-value plot on AB Road, Indore, worth ₹1.80 crore, is also owned by the same entity. The ED has termed these property acquisitions and inter-family transactions as a deliberate attempt to launder and distribute illicit wealth. The investigation is ongoing, and further action, including arrests and additional attachments, is expected in the coming weeks.

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Editor04 mins

Gold Hits All-Time High Amid US-China Trade Tensions; Experts Predict Further Surge

Gold prices soared to an unprecedented $3,238.82 per ounce (₹2.7 lakh) on Saturday, driven by escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. The sharp rise marks a new record for the safe-haven metal, as global economic uncertainty continues to fuel investor demand. In the domestic market, gold prices had dropped earlier in the week, touching ₹88,200 on Tuesday, while globally, it stood at $3,000 (₹2.5 lakh). However, by Friday, prices rebounded sharply, reaching an all-time high of ₹96,000 in India and $3,262 (₹2.8 lakh) on the international market. In Ahmedabad, the price of 22-carat gold on Friday was reported at ₹85,660, while 24-carat gold touched ₹93,440 per 10 grams, reflecting the upward momentum. The surge is largely attributed to economic instability spurred by US President Donald Trump’s trade policies, which have intensified friction with China. As geopolitical risks mount, investors have increasingly turned to gold as a secure asset. Market analysts anticipate that the rally is far from over. Forecasts suggest that gold prices could climb to $3,500 per ounce (₹3 lakh) by the end of the year, should global tensions persist or worsen.

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Editor02 mins

Vijay’s TVK Eyes Alliance with AINRC Ahead of 2026 Polls, Targets DMK Regime Change

In a strategic political maneuver ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, is ramping up efforts to build a powerful alliance aimed at challenging the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and forming a coalition government in Puducherry. According to party sources, TVK is on the verge of finalizing an electoral alliance with the All India NR Congress (AINRC), led by Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy. Talks between the two parties have gained momentum in recent days, with key discussions held to align political strategies. A significant meeting recently took place between TVK’s election campaign management general secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, and Rangaswamy to explore the contours of a possible partnership. Insiders reveal that Rangaswamy shares a long-standing personal rapport with Vijay, fondly referred to as “Thalapathy” by his supporters, and is keen to partner with TVK amid rising tensions between AINRC and the BJP in the Union Territory. “Rangaswamy has expressed strong interest in joining forces with our Thalapathy. The alliance would reflect mutual respect and shared goals for the upcoming elections,” a senior TVK leader told DT Next. As TVK gears up for a state-wide outreach campaign under Vijay’s leadership, the party is actively engaging with multiple political entities to broaden its footprint across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “Our leadership is open to partnering with any party committed to ending the DMK rule and recognizing Vijay’s leadership in the alliance,” the leader added, emphasizing TVK’s readiness to play a central role in shaping the region’s political future.

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Editor03 mins

Finance Department Tightens Project Implementation Rules: Cabinet Nod Now Mandatory

In a move aimed at curbing unregulated budgetary expenses, the Finance Department has issued a circular mandating cabinet approval for all new projects, including those sponsored by the Central Government. The new directive makes it compulsory for all departments to seek formal clearance before initiating any project or scheme. Multi-Tier Approval System Introduced Before seeking cabinet clearance, departments must first get their project proposals vetted by the Cost Screening Committee, to be chaired by the respective department head. Following this, projects will be assessed based on their financial scale through various finance committees: If any project’s cost escalates by more than 10%, additional approval must be obtained from the relevant finance committee. Deadline and Duration of Project Validity The circular also states that projects running until March 31, 2026, must obtain fresh approval to continue. Additionally, all such projects must aim for completion by September 2025, or face discontinuation of funding beyond March 31. The order coincides with the upcoming term of the 16th Finance Commission, which will function from 2026 to 2031. Approvals given under the current framework will remain valid throughout this period. This revised process marks a significant tightening of fiscal controls and is expected to enforce greater transparency, discipline, and accountability in public spending across departments.

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Editor03 mins

Apollo Hospital Bilaspur Served Notice Over Quack Doctor Allegations Involving Former Speaker’s Death

The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Bilaspur district has issued a formal notice to Apollo Hospital, Bilaspur, seeking clarification and documentation regarding the alleged employment of a quack doctor, Dr. Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, who reportedly posed as Prof. N John Camm. The case has drawn serious attention due to the involvement of former Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Rajendra Prasad Shukla, who died shortly after undergoing surgery at the hospital in 2006. The CMHO has demanded a comprehensive report from the hospital within three days, focusing on several key aspects of Dr. Yadav’s employment. These include the duration of his tenure, his position and responsibilities, registration status with the Chhattisgarh Medical Council, educational qualifications, and details about the cardiology procedures he performed—including success and mortality rates. The hospital must also provide a copy of Dr. Yadav’s appointment letter and disclose whether any complaints were previously filed regarding his medical qualifications or practice. If any such concerns were raised, the CMHO has directed the hospital to explain the nature of the actions taken. This notice follows an FIR lodged on April 5 in Damoh district, Madhya Pradesh, by CMHO Dr. M K Jain, alleging that Yadav performed angiography and angioplasty without valid medical registration. He was subsequently arrested in Prayagraj and presented before a local court. The spotlight on this case has intensified due to Shukla’s political stature—he was a serving Congress MLA from the Kota Assembly constituency at the time of his death and had served as the first Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly from 2000 to 2003. The development has sparked demands for a thorough investigation into potential lapses in medical scrutiny and hospital accountability.

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Editor03 mins

Shah Rukh Khan’s King Faces Delay, Filming Now Slated for Late 2025; Suhana Khan’s Debut Still On Track

Fans anticipating Shah Rukh Khan’s next big project King will have to wait a little longer, as the film’s production has reportedly been pushed to July–August 2025. Initially scheduled to begin shooting in May, the delay comes due to ongoing script revisions, with SRK himself insisting on a polished screenplay before cameras roll. Directed by Siddharth Anand (Pathaan), King is not just another action-packed outing—it’s also a highly emotional project as it marks Suhana Khan’s big-screen debut, sharing screen space with her father. Key Updates: This delay underscores the high stakes and personal importance of the film for the Khans. With SRK’s signature eye for quality and Siddharth Anand’s action flair, King continues to be one of Bollywood’s most awaited spectacles.

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Editor02 mins

Akshay Kumar Shares Powerful Kathakali Look Ahead of Kesari 2 Release, Portrays Legal Luminary C. Sankaran Nair

Ahead of the release of Kesari Chapter 2, Akshay Kumar took to Instagram to unveil a striking image of himself in Kathakali attire, symbolizing the strength and spirit of his character — C. Sankaran Nair, the iconic lawyer who legally challenged the British Empire after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. “This is not a costume. It’s a symbol — of tradition, of resistance, of truth, of my nation…” Akshay wrote, adding that Nair didn’t wield a weapon, but fought with law and fire in his soul. In Kathakali, the Pachcha (green face) signifies noble heroes and kings, resonating with the film’s portrayal of Nair as a fearless figure in India’s freedom struggle. About Kesari Chapter 2: The film, a spiritual follow-up to Kesari (2019), shifts from the battlefield to the courtroom, spotlighting how India’s fight for freedom was fought with courage not just in war, but also through law, dignity, and dissent.

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Editor02 mins

ED Links ₹300 Cr Assets, 52 kg Gold to Ex-RTO Constable Saurabh Sharma in Mega Money Laundering Case

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a nearly 3,000-page charge sheet in a money laundering case involving former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma and 11 others. The charge sheet, submitted to a special court on Tuesday, reveals explosive findings, including 52 kg of gold bars and ₹11 crore in cash allegedly linked to Sharma. Family and Associates Named in Case The accused include: Only Uma Sharma was present in court on Tuesday and signed her order sheet before leaving. Key Evidence Presented According to ED officials and legal counsel: Advocate Rajneesh Bariya, representing Sharad Jaiswal, confirmed that two cases have been registered: Assets and Foreign Link During its investigation, the ED uncovered: Case Origin and Gold Haul The case began with a Lokayukta Police FIR in Bhopal against Sharma. The trail led to an Innova car owned by Chetan Singh Gaur, where the cash and gold were initially seized by the Income Tax Department. Bail Hearing on April 11 The lawyers for Sharma, Jaiswal, and Gaur, currently in judicial custody, are expected to file bail applications on Wednesday (April 10). The court will hear arguments on April 11, and a decision may be taken the same day.

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Editor03 mins

PM Modi, Amit Shah Set for Key Visits in Madhya Pradesh on April 13; Major Development Push Announced

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Shri Anandpur Trust Ashram in Madhya Pradesh’s Ashoknagar district on April 13, marking a significant spiritual and public engagement. On the same day, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will be in Bhopal, attending a major event related to the dairy sector. Shah will oversee the signing of a tripartite agreement between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Madhya Pradesh government, and local milk unions. The event will take place at Ravindra Bhavan and is seen as a big boost to the cooperative dairy movement in the state. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday. ₹4,000 Crore Central Projects for MP CM Yadav also highlighted that Madhya Pradesh has received central projects worth over ₹4,000 crore, including four major national highway projects. Key among them are: These infrastructure upgrades are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity and logistics. Farmer Support Measures in Full Swing To support farmers and ensure fair pricing, the government has initiated procurement of chana, masoor, mustard, and tur at minimum support prices (MSP). The state aims to procure 7.28 lakh metric tonnes of chana by April 21 at an MSP of ₹5,200 per quintal. So far: Wheat Procurement Hits 31 Lakh Metric Tonnes The state is also actively procuring wheat at ₹2,600 per quintal (including bonus). Till date: Agrovation Projects & Cultural Showcase CM Yadav highlighted ongoing Agrovation projects in Mandsaur, Damoh, Morena, and Narsinghpur, aimed at enhancing agricultural innovation and value addition. In a cultural push, he also shared that a grand theatrical performance on Emperor Vikramaditya will be staged at Delhi’s Red Fort from April 12–14, celebrating the region’s rich historical legacy.

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Editor03 mins

BJP Receives Over ₹2,243 Crore in Donations in 2023-24, Over Six Times More Than Congress: ADR Report

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued to dominate the political donation landscape, receiving a staggering ₹2,243.94 crore in donations during 2023-24, according to the latest report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). This marks a 211.72% jump from the ₹719.85 crore received in 2022-23. In comparison, the Indian National Congress (INC) received ₹281.48 crore, reflecting a 252.18% increase from the previous year’s ₹79.92 crore. Despite the growth, Congress’s donation total was still over six times lower than that of the BJP. 🔍 Key Figures from ADR Report: Party Donations Received (2023-24) % Change (YoY) BJP ₹2,243.94 crore +211.72% Congress ₹281.48 crore +252.18% AAP ₹11.06 crore -70.18% CPI(M) ₹7.6 crore Not specified NPP ₹14 lakh Not specified BSP ₹0 First time in 18 years 🧾 Transparency Concerns: The ADR report flagged transparency lapses, stating that: The lack of cheque numbers, bank names, and encashment dates makes it difficult to trace the origin of funds, the report noted. 🟣 BSP’s Decline The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) reported zero donations above ₹20,000 for the first time in 18 years, signaling a sharp erosion in its financial and political base. Once a formidable force in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP has faced severe electoral setbacks: 📈 Total Donations to National Parties (2023-24): The massive spike in donations, especially to the BJP, once again brings into focus the disproportionate funding patterns and transparency gaps in political finance.

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Editor03 mins
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