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Government warns against LPG booking scams amid supply crisis

While the LPG shortage crisis has been gripping the entire nation, instances of cyber fraud related to LPG bookings have also been reported from some states.  As reported by news agency IANS, some fraudsters are attempting to exploit the situation by sending malicious files such as “GAS BILL UPDATE APK” via messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to mislead consumers, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.  The statement from the officials further noted, “Users are advised not to download or install any suspicious files or applications received through messages, as these may enable unauthorised access to personal data and bank accounts. Citizens are urged to rely only on official platforms for LPG bookings, as per IANS.  Meanwhile, the centre has advised states and union territories to further strengthen administrative and logistical arrangements to ensure uninterrupted LPG distribution. LPG supply being closely monitored by the authorities In view of protecting the stocking of LPG cylinders, authorities are ensuring close monitoring of LPG supply at the district level. Furthermore, the authorities are also facilitating smooth movement of tankers and cylinders without disruption. States and UTs have been advised to issue and widely disseminate public advisories to prevent panic buying, promote judicious use of LPG and ensure dissemination of accurate information, reported IANS. Instructions from the centre are being communicated to all concerned authorities for immediate implementation. Amid the crisis, citizens are advised to rely on official sources and avoid rumours. Authorities also urged them to avoid panic bookings, use digital booking platforms, and avoid visiting LPG distributors, as home delivery continues. Government continues to prioritise LPG supply to hospitals The government continues to prioritise uninterrupted LPG supply and PNG expansion, particularly for households and priority sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. The measures include enhanced refinery production, revised booking intervals of 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas, and prioritised allocation. Alternative fuel options like kerosene and coal have been offered to ease pressure on LPG demand. The Ministry of Environment has already advised the State Pollution Control Board to permit the use of kerosene and coal as alternative fuels. (With inputs from IANS)

19 March,2026 08:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
White-rumped vultures releases in Guwahati. (Pic/BNHS)

Five White-rumped vultures released in Assam to revive population

In a significant breakthrough for wildlife conservation in India, five captive-bred White-rumped vultures were released into the wild in Assam on Thursday. The release of these birds marks a historic first for the state and the Northeast region. As per the official statement, the release was carried out by M K Yadav, Special Secretary, Forests and Environment, Assam, in the presence of key conservationists and officials, including Vinay Gupta, Chris Bowden, Kishor Rithe, and Sachin Ranade. The carefully coordinated release of the White-rumped Vulture took place at Nalapara under the Rani Range in Kamrup East Division.  As per the official statement, the officials used a pulley system to remotely open the aviary gate from a hide located about 100 metres away, ensuring minimal disturbance to the birds. Cameras installed at the site captured the vultures’ movements post-release. First-ever release of captive-bred vultures from VCBC This marks the first-ever release of captive-bred vultures from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) at Rani, which was established in 2007. The centre currently houses 194 vultures, including 138 White-rumped vultures and 54 Slender-billed vultures, and has now reached a stage where 20–25 birds can be released annually. The released vultures, aged between three and four years, include both captive-bred individuals and rescued birds that were rehabilitated and deemed fit for release.  Prior to their release, they underwent acclimatisation in a pre-release aviary, where they interacted with free-ranging vultures attracted to the site through supplementary feeding. Officials expect them to gradually expand their range over the coming months, potentially reaching neighbouring states such as West Bengal and Meghalaya and even crossing into Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Conservationists said the next six months will be critical in assessing both the survival of the birds and the safety of the surrounding environment. The breeding centre will continue to provide food near the aviary to support the vultures as they adapt to the wild. The initiative has received sustained support from organisations including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Centre for Wildlife Studies, Oriental Bird Club, Darwin Initiative, Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation, and Vet Work. Financial assistance for 2025–26 was also provided by Adani Group through Adani LGBI. Officials further acknowledged the support of local communities, particularly residents of Belguri village, for their cooperation in the long-standing conservation effort. The successful release represents a crucial step in reviving vulture populations in India, which have faced severe declines over the past decades due to habitat loss and poisoning.

19 March,2026 07:52 PM IST | Guawahati | Ranjeet Jadhav
Several Indian citizens have returned home, while support continues for those planning to leave. File Photo

Indian citizens continue to return home from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan

At least 882 Indian nationals stranded in Iran, including students, business professionals and pilgrims, are making their way back home through Azerbaijan and Armenia, with many already having arrived, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. “Several individuals do not register themselves with the Embassy. Therefore, our estimate was that there were 9,000 people. Of these, a significant number of students had returned before the hostilities began. Currently, approximately 882 Indian citizens, including students and business professionals as well as pilgrims who had travelled from here, are in the process of returning via the routes through Azerbaijan and Armenia. Some have already arrived,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, reported IANS. “Of the 284 pilgrims who had travelled there, 280 have returned; they arrived via Armenia. There are three or four others remaining, who are also expected to arrive within a day or two,” he added. Indians evacuating Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan routes According to IANS, Jaiswal noted that 772 individuals crossed the Iranian land border into Armenia to return home, while the pace of activity is slower on the Azerbaijan route, with some of the 110 Indian citizens yet to return and others already back in India. “Regarding the Armenia route: 772 individuals crossed the land border into Armenia, and they are currently making their way back from there. Some have already arrived, while others are expected to arrive in the coming days. As for the route through Azerbaijan, the pace of activity there is somewhat slower; currently, there are approximately 110 Indian citizens in Azerbaijan, some of whom have already returned, while others are expected to arrive shortly," he mentioned. Last week, highlighting the assistance being extended to Indian nationals in Iran, Jaiswal had said that several citizens have returned home, while support continues for those planning to leave. Government moves Indians to safer locations in Iran, 9,000 still in country The ministry had urged Indian nationals wishing to leave Iran to adhere to the advisories issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran. “We have around 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran, including students, seafarers, businesspeople, professionals and pilgrims. Following advisories issued earlier, several Indian nationals, especially students, have already returned home. We have recently shifted several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims who are based in Tehran, to other safer locations and cities in the country," Jaiswal had stated last week, reported IANS.  “We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas and border crossings. We have had several Indian nationals who have approached us, and we have helped them to cross over into Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights back home," he had further added.

19 March,2026 07:47 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondent
Gadchirloli gets new Police Assistance Centre in Bangadi village

Gadchiroli Police set up new centre in Bangadi village to curb Maoist activities

In a major push to strengthen security and accelerate development in Maoist-affected regions of Maharashtra, the Gadchiroli police on Thursday established a new police assistance centre at Bangadi.  As per the official statement, this is an extremely remote village in the Bhamragad sub-division; therefore, the police assistance centre will help make the situation under control. Located just 8 km from Laheri Sub-Police Station and barely 2 km from the Chhattisgarh border, the newly set-up centre is expected to play a crucial role in curbing Maoist activities while improving access to government services in the region. According to the officials, the facility was constructed within 24 hours using a workforce of over 1,000 personnel.  The operation involved C-60 commandos, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams, newly recruited police personnel, 500 special police officers, and private contractors, supported by heavy machinery including JCBs, excavators, trailers, and trucks. Senior officials, including Sandeep Patil, Ankit Goyal, Ajay Kumar Sharma, Neelotpal, and Parvinder Singh, were also present during the inauguration ceremony, along with other officers and local villagers. Superintendent of Police Neelotpal said, “This new Police Assistance Centre will help deliver both security and development initiatives to citizens, contributing to the holistic growth of the region.”  Bangadi centre established to plug security gaps in Gadchiroli The Bangadi centre is the 11th such facility established since 2023 as part of a broader strategy to plug security gaps in Gadchiroli, one of Maharashtra’s most sensitive districts from a Maoist perspective. Previous installations include centres at Phulanar Camp (November 2025), Tumarkothi Police Station (December 2025), and Binagunda (January 2026). Police assistance centre equipped with modern amenities The newly built centre is equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi connectivity, portacabins, a generator shed, an RO water plant, a mobile tower, and sanitation facilities. Robust security arrangements have also been put in place, including deployment of Gadchiroli Police personnel, SRPF units, CRPF forces, and special operations squads, along with fortified bunkers and perimeter defences. Marking the occasion, a Jan Jagran Mela (public awareness drive) was organised, during which essential items such as sarees, dhotis, blankets, utensils, school supplies, and sports equipment were distributed to local residents. Officials said the enhanced security presence would pave the way for key infrastructure projects in the region, including national highways, bridges, mobile towers, and irrigation works. The development is also expected to enable the introduction of state transport bus services in the future. Local residents expressed satisfaction over the establishment of the centre, stating that it has instilled a renewed sense of safety and hope for faster development in the region.

19 March,2026 06:18 PM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondent
The government is also working through an inter-ministerial group to address the issues being faced by exporters. Representational Image

RELIEF scheme to back Indian exporters for three months Amid West Asia crisis

The government on Thursday launched a new scheme called Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) to help Indian exporters deal with disruptions caused by the ongoing crisis in West Asia, aiming to ensure smooth trade and protect the country’s market share.  Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal announced the RELIEF scheme, saying it is part of the government’s broader Export Promotion Mission. He described it as a carefully designed support package to stabilise export flows during the current crisis, reported news agency IANS. “The scheme will provide targeted support to exporters, especially small and medium enterprises, who are facing operational challenges due to disruptions in shipping and logistics,” Agrawal said. “The focus will be on 17-18 destinations that have been particularly affected by the situation in West Asia and the Gulf region,” he added. The main aim of the initiative is to ensure that exports continue as smoothly as possible despite the challenges, informed Agarwal. New scheme to aid MSME exporters amid West Asia conflict "The scheme is expected to reduce the burden of high freight costs and rising insurance premiums, which have increased sharply due to the conflict,” he further stated. RELIEF will cover both insured exporters and non-ECGC-insured MSME exporters for one month, along with support for future shipments for up to three months. The expenditure for the scheme will be met from the existing allocation under the Export Promotion Mission. The government is also working through an inter-ministerial group to address the issues being faced by exporters. Agrawal noted that shipments are getting delayed and, in some cases, are not reaching their destinations due to disruptions in key routes. The current situation follows last month’s joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, which has impacted major shipping and air corridors in the region. This has pushed up oil prices and increased logistics costs, affecting global trade. The government hopes that the RELIEF scheme will help exporters navigate these challenges and maintain the flow of goods during what it called “extraordinary times.” Meanwhile, Lav Agarwal, the Director General of Foreign Trade, announced the outlay of nearly Rs 500 crore for RELIEF scheme that will provide focused and time-bound intervention. The government-owned Export Credit Guarantee Corp will be the implementing agency, reported IANS.  (With inputs from IANS)

19 March,2026 05:35 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondent
A worker sorts LPG cooking gas cylinders at a depot, amid a shortage linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict affecting the global energy supply chain, in Prayagraj, on Thursday. Pic/PTI

No LPG distributor facing dry-out; domestic supplies continue as usual: Centre

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday emphasised that no liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distributor in the country is currently facing a dry-out situation, with domestic supplies and cylinder deliveries continuing as scheduled. Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that while the overall regional situation remains a matter of concern, domestic consumer services continue to remain stable and uninterrupted. "On the issue of LPG, I would like to reiterate that the situation still remains a matter of concern. However, no LPG distributor is facing a dry-out situation at present… LPG supplies and cylinder deliveries for all domestic consumers are continuing as usual," Sharma said. Crude supply is adequate and refineries are operating at full capacity. Petrol pumps are functioning normally with no dry outs reported. PNG and CNG supplies continue at 100 percent. Commercial LPG users are being encouraged to shift to PNG through CGD companies with incentives… pic.twitter.com/kKubLPHXzv — PIB India (@PIB_India) March 19, 2026 The ministry highlighted significant progress in digital transitions, reporting that nearly 94 per cent of cylinder bookings are now being made online, while the delivery authentication code system has reached 76 per cent efficiency, news agency ANI reported. On commercial operations, Sharma said that supplies were initially completely halted but have since been partially restored. "In the context of commercial LPG, allocation orders have been issued by about 17 state governments, and commercial LPG supplies have been provided to all states and union territories," she noted. LPG shortage concerns: Centre asks states to extend cooperation in expansion of PNG networks  To further stabilise the market, the Central government has proposed providing 10 per cent additional commercial LPG and urged state governments to cooperate in expanding piped natural gas (PNG) networks. These initiatives have resulted in around 1.25 lakh new domestic, commercial, and industrial connections over the past two weeks, ANI reported. "The Government of India has asked all state governments to extend cooperation in the expansion of PNG networks and has proposed providing 10% additional commercial LPG. Due to all these initiatives and efforts, around 1.25 lakh new domestic, commercial, and industrial connections have been provided in the last two weeks," Sharma added. The ministry also confirmed a growing shift towards alternative fuels, noting that "in the last three days more than 5,600 domestic LPG users shifted to PNG connections". Sharma emphasised that the government is making "every possible effort at all levels to ensure LPG is available to domestic consumers" and urged the public to rely only on official information to prevent panic. The Centre has recently directed state governments to take strict action against black marketing and hoarding. Sharma said that control rooms have been established in around 31 states and Union Territories, with district-level monitoring committees active in about 25 regions. Several states have already conducted raids, filed first information reports (FIRs), and made arrests related to black marketing. "I request all consumers please do online booking and wait for your turn; there is no need to visit gas agencies unnecessarily," she said, adding that while panic booking has decreased, queues are still being seen at some distributors. "People should not pay attention to rumours and should rely only on official information. Panic booking has decreased, but queues are still being seen at distributors. Hence, I request all consumers to book refills online," Sharma concluded. (With ANI inputs) 

19 March,2026 05:26 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Adhikari predicts victory in Bhabanipur showdown. File Pic

Suvendu Adhikari alleges ‘atrocities’ by Trinamool as Bhabanipur battle heats up

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday, accused the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in the state of indulging in 'atrocities'.  He made the accusation upon his arrival in the state's Bhabanipur constituency to campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections. West Bengal will vote in two phases in the Assembly elections scheduled to be held on April 23 and April 29. The results will be announced on May 4. Adhikari in Bhabanipur, alleges TMC tried to block his visit Adhikari will contest the election from the Bhabanipur constituency. While speaking to reporters, the BJP leader said, "After I came here, hawkers, taxi drivers, small shopkeepers, all of them are saying that they are fed up with Mamata Banerjee's atrocities. They have asked me to save them. I have given them my mobile number. I have come here to save them." The Bengal Leader of Opposition claimed that the Trinamool Congress had kept 20 of its workers in the area since morning, before his arrival. "To obstruct me, to show black flags and do such things," he said, reported IANS. He added, "They fled before I came here. It is a good signal." He said, "The beginning has been made; Mamata (Banerjee) should go. What we are witnessing today is the wave of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a tide of change. This voting trend will soon turn into a tsunami", reported IANS. Adhikari predicts Mamata's defeat by 25,000-30,000 votes in Bhabanipur According to IANS, of the 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal that will go to the polls next month, the spotlight is on the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee locks horns with Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, in what is expected to be a high-stakes battle. Adhikari said, "The party workers wanted, and PM Modi gave me (this opportunity). Predicting his victory, he said, "You can assume that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lose by 25,000 to 30,000 votes." Meanwhile, Adhikari is also contesting simultaneously from the Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, where he has been a two-time legislator -- first for the Trinamool Congress from 2016 to 2021 and then for the BJP from 2021 onwards. One of the key factors that makes this contest particularly significant is the community-wise voter distribution in Bhabanipur, a post-delimitation constituency formed in 2011 by merging the erstwhile Alipore Assembly constituency with parts of the Chowrangee Assembly constituency in south Kolkata, as per IANS.  (Inputs from IANS)

19 March,2026 04:13 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent
Assam MP Pradyut Bordoloi resigns from Congress and joins BJP. Pic/PTI

Not a hasty decision: Pradyut Bordoloi explains Congress exit, BJP entry

Assam MP Pradyut Bordoloi on Thursday said his decision to resign from the Congress and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was not taken in haste but was the outcome of prolonged dissatisfaction within the party.  Speaking to IANS, Bordoloi said a series of developments and a growing disconnect with the party leadership prompted his move. Senior leader quits, cites lack of camaraderie and trust in party He said, "It's a long story. It's not that I have taken a hasty decision all of a sudden. There has been a series of developments, and somehow, I was feeling that kind of empathy or camaraderie within the party circle was not there. The party has not been responsive. I wanted to actually discuss some issues, and then things were compounded when PCC leadership also started ignoring us. I found that there has been a trust deficit among the senior leaders of the party. In such a suffocating situation, I thought that I could not play a meaningful role." He indicated that a lack of responsiveness in the party leadership contributed significantly to his decision to switch political allegiance, reported IANS. Responding to a query about his son, Prateek Bordoloi, he said, "He was given a ticket by the Congress party from my old Assembly constituency, Margherita. That's my hometown in Assam. But I have no idea because I haven't had a word with him. These days, he doesn't talk much to me." Meanwhile, the BJP has nominated Pradyut Bordoloi from the Dispur Assembly constituency, marking a significant shift in the political landscape ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. As per IANS, in a related development, Prateek Bordoloi on Thursday withdrew his candidature from the Margherita Assembly constituency. He cited “present circumstances” following his father’s decision to leave Congress and join the BJP. In a letter addressed to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who also chairs the party’s Central Election Committee, Prateek Bordoloi conveyed his decision with “utmost respect and a deep sense of responsibility towards the party.”   (Inputs from IANS)

19 March,2026 03:56 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondent
President Droupadi Murmu at Ayodhya Ram Mandir and installed 150 kg gold plated Ram Yantra. Pic/X

President Murmu installs 150 kg gold-plated Shri Ram Yantra at Ayodhya temple

President Droupadi Murmu visited the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Thursday and installed a 150-kg gold-plated metal plate called the 'Shri Ram Yantra' as part of special religious ceremonies. "President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in the sacred Ayodhya Dham," was posted on the official X handle of the President of India, as per PTI. "On this occasion, she installed the 'Shri Ram Yantra' in the divine temple, in the presence of the Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mata Amritanandamayi, and other dignitaries. She offered prayers and performed the aarti at the Ramlala Temple, praying to Lord Ramlala for the happiness and prosperity of all," the post added. President Murmu in Ayodhya as Ram Temple unveils gold-plated vedic plate According to an official post by the president's office on X, Murmu was received in Ayodhya by Patel, Adityanath, and Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak. Temple trust member Anil Mishra said the metal plate, based on Vedic mathematics, is designed to generate positive spiritual energy and symbolises the divine presence of Lord Ram. The 150-kg gold-plated square metal plate features engraved Vedic and 'beej' mantras. It has been modelled on the Shri Ram Yantra of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham and was crafted under the guidance of Swami Vijayendra Saraswati, Mishra said, reported PTI. He added that the metal plate was brought to Ayodhya in a ceremonial procession from Tirupati Devasthanam about two years ago and has since been worshipped daily. It will be installed on the second floor of the temple during the auspicious 'abhijit muhurat', as part of rituals linked to Chaitra Navratri and the Hindu New Year. Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Ayodhya for the president's visit. Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover stated that over 7,000 personnel have been deployed at the temple complex and across the city, with additional forces stationed at sensitive locations. As per PTI, traffic restrictions have also been imposed, with authorities urging residents and devotees to cooperate and avoid restricted zones, officials said. (Inputs from PTI)

19 March,2026 03:25 PM IST | Ayodhya (UP) | mid-day online correspondent
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. File Pic

Railway to crack down on unauthorised catering with QR based system: Vaishnaw

Indian Railways has introduced QR code-enabled identity cards and digitally traceable food packets to improve passenger safety and eliminate unauthorised vending on trains, reported the IANS. The move was highlighted in Parliament on Thursday by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. To ensure that only authorised staff serve passengers, Indian Railways has made it mandatory for all onboard catering staff, vendors, and helpers to carry QR code-enabled identity cards. These QR codes allow passengers and officials to verify the authenticity of vendors. The QR code displays important details such as the vendor’s name, Aadhaar number, medical fitness status, and police verification records. This step is aimed at building trust and ensuring that passengers are served only by verified personnel, according to the IANS. Digitally traceable food packets In addition to ID cards, QR codes have also been introduced on food packets. These codes provide information about the source of the food, including the name of the kitchen and the date of preparation, the news agency reported. This system helps passengers check the quality and freshness of the food they consume, while also discouraging unauthorised vendors from selling unverified items on trains. Focus on hygiene and food safety Indian Railways has also taken several steps to improve hygiene and food quality. Meals are now being supplied from designated base kitchens, many of which have been upgraded with modern facilities as per IANS reported. CCTV cameras have been installed in these kitchens to monitor food preparation. The use of standardised and branded raw materials such as cooking oil, flour, rice, and dairy products has also been encouraged to maintain consistency and quality. Additionally, Food Safety Supervisors have been deployed at base kitchens to ensure that hygiene standards are strictly followed during food preparation. Mandatory certification and inspections To further strengthen food safety, all catering units must obtain certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Regular inspections and food sampling are conducted to ensure compliance with safety norms, the news agency reported. Third-party audits are also carried out to evaluate hygiene standards in pantry cars and kitchens. Passenger feedback is collected through customer satisfaction surveys, helping authorities improve services based on real experiences. Training and skill development The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation regularly conducts training programmes for catering staff. These sessions focus on improving customer service skills as well as maintaining hygiene and professionalism onboard. With these measures, Indian Railways aims to provide safer, cleaner, and more reliable catering services to passengers. The use of technology like QR codes not only ensures transparency but also helps eliminate unauthorised vendors, making train travel more secure and comfortable. (With IANS Inputs)

19 March,2026 03:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Anil Ambani arrived at the agency headquarters this morning for questioning in the case. File Pic/PTI

CBI questions Anil Ambani in Rs 2,929 crore SBI case

Industrialist Anil Ambani appeared at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters on Thursday in connection with an alleged Rs 2,929 crore cheating case involving Reliance Communications Ltd, reported the PTI. Anil Ambani arrived at the agency headquarters this morning for questioning in the case. The agency has alleged fund diversion, misappropriation and other irregularities in the loan funds issued to the company by the bank, officials said. The case was filed on a complaint by the State Bank of India (SBI), and Anil Ambani is being questioned on March 19 and 20, according to his spokesperson, who emphasised his full cooperation with the agency. The CBI has alleged that loans sanctioned to Reliance Communications were misappropriated and diverted, causing substantial financial loss to SBI. The complaint suggests that the company had an outstanding of over Rs 40,000 crore to various lenders, with SBI alone facing a loss of Rs 2,929.05 crore as per 2018 figures, according to the PTI. Charges filed against Ambani and RCom include criminal conspiracy, cheating, and criminal breach of trust. The CBI claims that credit facilities were sanctioned based on misrepresentations made in favour of Reliance Communications. Background of the case The case dates back over a decade. Ambani, at the relevant time, was a non-executive director with no involvement in day-to-day operations of the company, as per the PTI. The matter has been sub-judice for the past six years, pending before the National Company Law Tribunal and other judicial forums, including the Supreme Court of India. Ambani has challenged SBI’s declaration through proper judicial channels. Previous probe and searches The CBI had earlier conducted searches at Ambani’s Mumbai residence, ‘Sea Wind’ at Cuffe Parade, as part of the probe. The other side While the agency continues its investigation, Ambani’s spokesperson reiterated that he denies all allegations and will defend himself in the matter. "Anil Ambani will be appearing before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Delhi on 19th and 20th March, 2026 for examination, in connection with the FIR registered on the basis of a complaint filed by the State Bank of India regarding Reliance Communications Ltd. (RCOM)," the spokesperson for Anil Ambani said in a statement, the PTI reported. (with PTI inputs)

19 March,2026 02:57 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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