Fact-check: Did Billionaire Asif Aziz really donate ₹5000 Crore to Ayodhya Mosque?
London: In recent days, unconfirmed reports have surfaced on various social media platforms suggesting that Asif Aziz, the London-based billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Criterion Capital, has made a substantial contribution of ₹5000 crore towards the construction of the upcoming mosque in Ayodhya. However, a thorough fact-check reveals that these claims remain unverified and lack official confirmation.
Asif Aziz, renowned for his transformative role in shaping London's skyline with iconic landmarks like the London Trocadero, Pavilion, and Criterion Building, has not made any public statements addressing these rumors.
Despite the widespread circulation of these reports, it is crucial to note that there has been no official statement from Asif Aziz or any representative confirming the alleged ₹5000 crore contribution to the Ayodhya mosque. The absence of an official confirmation underscores the need for caution and emphasizes the importance of verifying such information from reliable sources.
As of now, there is no credible evidence supporting the claim of Asif Aziz's donation to the Ayodhya mosque. The lack of official confirmation suggests that the reports may be speculative or potentially inaccurate.
It's important to acknowledge that rumors concerning high-profile individuals are not uncommon in the media. In this case, until an official announcement is made by Asif Aziz or his representatives, the reported ₹5000 crore donation remains unverified and should be treated with caution.
Asif Aziz was earlier in headlines in 2023 regarding his plan to conversion of London's entertainment quarter The Trocadero into a mosque. The area was also known for its concentration of bars, nightclubs, gay venues and strip joints.
However, the decision to build the mosque had also sparked a debate, with critics questioning its "sleazy" location.
Nonetheless, Asif Aziz, originally from Malawi, remains steadfast in his plans and is spearheading the project through his charitable foundation, the Aziz Foundation.
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
