"BJP's hollow threats will not shake us nor will we bow down to pressure tactics": D K Suresh
Bengaluru: Congress Karnataka unit president D K Shivakumar's brother and MP from Bengaluru Rural, D K Suresh on Monday said they were completely cooperating with CBI officials who are conducting searches at their properties, as he asserted that they will not rpt not bow down to BJP's "pressure tactics."
In a series of tweets, he also appealed to well-wishers to remain calm.
"CBI has searched our houses early morning today.We are cooperating completely with the officials as per law.
We will cooperate in the future as well," Suresh tweeted.
"At the time of elections, BJPs hollow threats will not shake us nor will we bow down to pressure tactics. We are ready to face any consequences.We request all well-wishers and party workers to remain calm.
"...We request you not to lose heart and let your blessings be with us always," he added.
Searches are underway by the CBI at 14 locations linked to Shivakumar in connection with allegations of acquisition of disproportionate assets.
According to sources, places that are being searched included properties of Suresh. Congress leaders have hit out at the BJP governments at the Centre and the state for the CBI searches, questioning its timing ahead of November 3 bypolls to Sira and R R Nagar Assembly segments.
Party workers are holding demonstrations in front of Shivakumar's residence and various places, against the CBI search, calling the agency as an "agent of BJP."
CBI has registered a fresh case against the Congress leader based on source information from another agency. The information relates to assets amassed during Shivakumar's tenure as a minister in Karnataka, officials said.
"CBI has registered a case against the then Minister of Karnataka Government and others on the allegations of acquisition of Disproportionate Assets.
Searches are being conducted today at 14 locations including 9 in Karnataka, 4 in Delhi, one in Mumbai," a statement by CBI said.
Earlier, Shivakumar was arrested on September 23 last year by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the money laundering case and was lodged in Tihar jail under judicial custody.
He was released from the jail on October 23 after the Delhi High Court order granted him bail.
At the time of elections, BJP’s hollow threats will not shake us nor will we bow down to pressure tactics. We are ready to face any consequences.
— DK Suresh (@DKSureshINC) October 5, 2020
We request all well wishers and party workers to remain calm.
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Nepal joins Singapore and Hong Kong in banning sale of Everest and MDH spices over safety concerns
Kathmandu: Nepal has recently taken steps to ban the consumption and sale of spices produced by Everest and MDH, following similar actions by Singapore and Hong Kong. The move comes amidst concerns over the presence of harmful chemicals in these products, particularly ethylene oxide, a known cancer-causing pesticide.
According to reports from ANI, Nepal's Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has initiated testing on spices from these two Indian brands for ethylene oxide. Mohan Krishna Maharjan, spokesperson for Nepal's food technology department, confirmed the ban, stating that it extends to both import and sale of the affected spices.
Maharjan highlighted that testing is currently ongoing, and the ban will remain in effect until conclusive results are obtained. This development reflects a growing international scrutiny on the safety of MDH and Everest spices, with concerns also raised in New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.
In New Zealand, where ethylene oxide usage for food sterilization has been phased out, authorities are investigating the presence of this chemical in MDH and Everest spices. Meanwhile, in April, the Hong Kong food safety body banned four spice products from these brands, followed by Singapore's recall of Everest's Fish Curry Masala due to excessive levels of ethylene oxide.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has responded by ordering quality checks on products from MDH and Everest. Additionally, it has reached out to food safety regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore for further information.
MDH and Everest spices have long been household names in India and are exported to various countries, including those in the Middle East.
