‘Lottery King’ under investigation for money laundering emerges as top buyer of electoral bonds
New Delhi: A recent analysis of data released by the Election Commission of India has uncovered India's leading lottery company, led by a controversial businessman, as the primary purchaser of electoral bonds. Among other notable buyers are Hyderabad-based infrastructure giant Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited, a Reliance-linked company QwikSupply Chain, mining conglomerate Vedanta, and a subsidiary of the Kolkata-based Sanjiv Goenka group, among others.
Future Gaming and Hotel Services, a prominent lottery giant, emerged as the top purchaser, acquiring 1,208 bonds amounting to Rs 1,208 crore. The company, with a turnover of Rs 7,000 crore, is headed by Martin Santiago, commonly known as 'Lottery King' Martin. However, Future Gaming has been under investigation for alleged money laundering activities.
Following closely behind is the Megha group of companies, which includes Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) and Western U.P. Power Transmission Company Ltd (WUPPTCL). MEIL purchased 966 bonds, each worth Rs 1 crore, totaling Rs 966 crore, while WUPPTCL acquired bonds worth Rs 220 crore, bringing the Megha Engineering's total contribution to Rs 1,186 crore. The Hyderabad-based Megha group has secured numerous government projects, notably including roles in the Rs 1.15 lakh crore Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in Telangana and the Rs 14,400 crore Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Project in Maharashtra.
Qwik Supply Chain Private Limited, headquartered in Maharashtra, emerged as another significant buyer, acquiring bonds worth Rs 410 crore. Notably, one of the company's directors, Tapas Mitra, also holds directorial positions in various Reliance-affiliated entities.
Other notable purchasers include Haldia Energy Limited, Vedanta Limited, and Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital based in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad.
This report is part of a collaborative effort involving three news organisations – Newslaundry, Scroll, The News Minute – and freelance journalists and is subject to further developments.
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
