Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat and TV actor Pooja Banerjee were recently questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case involving Magicwin. This betting platform, reportedly operated by Pakistani nationals, was allegedly linked to illegal activities, including streaming cricket matches and diverting funds through shell companies.

Sherawat and Banerjee were summoned for their promotional associations with the portal. While Sherawat emailed her statement, Banerjee appeared in person at the ED office. The investigation revealed that Magicwin misused bettors’ funds, routing them offshore or investing in cryptocurrency. However, no direct involvement of the actors in illegal activities has been established.

The probe also highlighted how the platform leveraged celebrities for endorsements to attract users. The ED suspects several other Bollywood and television personalities might be connected to Magicwin through promotional engagements. These associations are scrutinized to determine their awareness or participation in illicit operations.

Magicwin’s operators, allegedly based in Pakistan, used complex financial routes to launder money. Indian nationals in Dubai are believed to have played key roles in facilitating transactions. The ED is expanding its inquiry to uncover the full extent of the betting syndicate and its money laundering networks in the Mallika Sherawat and Pooja Banerjee case.

The case has brought attention to the role of celebrity endorsements in promoting such platforms, raising questions about accountability. Both Sherawat and Banerjee maintain their innocence, stating they were unaware of any illegal activities associated with the platform.

Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has confirmed that Kohli, wife Anushka Sharma, and their children, Vamika and Akaay, plan to relocate to London. Sharma revealed that the cricketer envisions settling in the UK post-retirement. Virat Kohli frequently visits London, where their son Akaay was born earlier this year on February 15.

The couple owns property in London, where they are expected to reside after the move. “Yes, Virat plans to move to London with his family soon. However, he is currently focused on cricket and spending time with his family,” Sharma stated.

Kohli has balanced cricket commitments and family time this year. After the birth of his son, he returned to India following the T20 World Cup in June and played series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Currently participating in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his next major assignment is the Champions Trophy, followed by IPL 2025.

Despite a dip in form during recent matches against Australia, Sharma expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to deliver. “Virat scored a brilliant century in Perth and will bounce back in the Boxing Day and Sydney Tests,” Sharma said.

Regarding Kohli’s career longevity, Sharma dismissed retirement rumors. “Virat is fit and will continue playing for at least five more years. He will likely participate in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa,” he added. Sharma emphasized Kohli’s passion for cricket and his ability to perform under pressure.

As Kohli continues to shine on the field, his potential relocation marks a new chapter for the cricket icon and his family.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that the BJP orchestrated distractions to avoid discussing the Adani Group’s indictment in the United States. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he accused the ruling party of creating diversions to shield “Narendra Modi’s friend Gautam Adani.”

Gandhi referred to a scuffle between MPs outside Parliament, blaming BJP MPs for blocking their path. “This is a new way of creating a distraction. The main issue they are trying to hide is the legal proceedings against Adani in the United States. Modi is selling India to Adani, and the BJP doesn’t want a discussion on this,” he said.

The controversy began after allegations surfaced in the U.S. Department of Justice and SEC indictments against Gautam Adani and his associates for bribery and misleading investors. The Adani Group has denied the charges, calling them “baseless.”

Simultaneously, BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi pushed and injured its MP Pratap Sarangi during protests. Congress countered, accusing BJP MPs of manhandling LoP Mallikarjun Kharge. Both parties filed police complaints following the scuffle.

Gandhi also criticized BJP for its alleged anti-Constitutional mindset, citing Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in Parliament that appeared to downplay Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge condemned these comments, calling them a reflection of BJP’s mindset.

The Adani issue has fueled a broader narrative about crony capitalism under the Modi government, with Gandhi consistently linking the conglomerate to the ruling party. Protests and debates in Parliament continue to highlight opposition demands for transparency.