Atlas Ramachandran, Kerala-born businessman and film producer passes away in Dubai
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 3: A well-known NRI businessman from Kerala who once ran a chain of jewellery stores in Kerala and abroad, passed away due to age-related ailments in Dubai, UAE, on Sunday.
The demise of Atlas Group chairman M M Ramachandran, popularly known as 'Atlas' Ramachandran, was condoled by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other political leaders, including BJP state president K Surendran.
Ramachandran, who was 80 years old, was planning to revive his defunct jewellery business which had gone bottoms up after he was jailed in Dubai from 2015 to 2018 for failing to settle the outstanding amount of two bounced cheques worth USD 9.2 million.
As news of his death became public, social media was rife with comments by people who expressed their sadness over his demise and said they were expecting him to make a successful comeback.
People, on social media platforms, also said that he was a humble and innocent man who was betrayed leading to his downfall.
Vijayan, in a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), said the businessman was active in public forums and cultural gatherings in Dubai and had close contacts with the non-resident Malayalis.
He also helped the poor, the Chief Minister said in the statement.
Expressing his condolences, he said Ramachandran, who was a jeweller and also a film producer, died before he could realise his desire to return to his native land of Kerala.
The businessman is well known for his tagline -- 'trusted institution of crores' -- and besides producing movies, has also acted in some.
Ramachandran, born in Thrissur district of Kerala in 1942, started his career as a bank employee before moving into the jewellery business, the CMO statement said.
Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan said:"Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Atlas Ramachandran, Gulf based Keralite entrepreneur noted for contribution to philanthropy and culture. May his soul attain Mukti ":PRO, KeralaRajBhavan pic.twitter.com/lcLEKiPJTi
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) October 3, 2022
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Will study US “chargesheet reports”, act on it, says Andhra CM on Adani bribery case
Amaravati (PTI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said the state government is in possession of the "chargesheet reports" filed in the US related to the alleged bribery scam involving the previous YSRCP government and the Adani Group, and “promised” to act on the irregularities.
Business tycoon and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani has been charged by the US Department of Justice over his role in an alleged years-long scheme to pay USD 250 million bribe to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts, an allegation refuted by the Indian conglomerate.
The previous YSRCP regime is embroiled in the alleged scam with claims that government officials received bribes from the Adani Group.
Addressing the Assembly, the Chief Minister said his government will study those charges and act on them.
"I have all the chargesheet reports filed there (US). It is in the public domain. Will study it (the allegations and indictment). Will act on it and inform you,” said Naidu.
He noted that over the past five months, the TDP-led government has been discussing the alleged corruption that took place between 2019 and 2024.
The YSRCP had on Thursday dismissed the allegations made against the government headed by it and said there was no direct agreement with the Adani group.
Highlighting that the allegations involving the YSRCP regime and Adani group, have hurt the prestige and brand image of the southern state, Naidu termed it as a "very sad development".
Some members in the House wanted former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy to be held accountable if the charges against him are proven.
