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.

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.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s, one of India’s greatest cricketers, has retired from international cricket. He ended a stellar career as the nation’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Ashwin, known for his exceptional spinner skills and vital contributions with the bat, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations of cricketers.

The 37-year-old debuted in 2011 and quickly became a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. Over the years, Ravichandran Ashwin’s amassed an impressive 489 Test wickets, second only to Anil Kumble in India’s all-time rankings. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart some of the best batsmen in the world earned him accolades across all formats.

Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His sharp mind and innovative bowling strategies often made the difference in crucial matches, particularly in Tests. Besides his bowling prowess, Ashwin contributed significantly as a lower-order batsman, scoring five Test centuries.

“This will be my last day as an Indian cricket in all formats of the game at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me in a cricketer. I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket. So this will be my last day. I have had a lot of fun. I must say I’ve created a lot of memories alongside Rohitt and several of my teammates,” Ashwin said at the press conference.

“Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank. But, I would be failing in my duty if I didn’t thank the BCCI and the rest of my teammates. I want to name a few of them and all the coaches — Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, and Pujara who have taken all those catches in the slips to help me get those wickets.”

Ashwin also thanked the Australian cricket team for being fierce competitors over the years.

“Also a big thank you to the Australian cricket team. They have been very fierce competitors. I have enjoyed playing alongside them.

“I won’t be taking any questions, but certainly, it’s a very emotional moment.”

Speculation about his retirement was rife after he was seen hugging former captain Virat Kohli in the dressing room at Gabba during a rain interruption on Wednesday. Ashwin and Kohli had an intense chat in the dressing room, leading to rumors on social media.

Ashwin ensured the rumors did not stay for long as he confirmed the call right after the third Test ended in a draw.