Latest news with #Punia
News18
23-07-2025
- News18
Delhi Sub-Inspector Goes On The Run With Rs 2 Crore, Travels To Goa, Manali With Girlfriend
Last Updated: A sub-inspector with the Delhi Police got the money released from the court by submitting fake documents and eloped with his girlfriend. Both of them are married. A sub-inspector with the Delhi Police, who helped solve several cyber fraud cases, allegedly stole Rs 2 crore and fled with his sub-inspector girlfriend. He is believed to have used the stolen money to travel to prominent tourist hubs like Goa, Manali and Jammu and Kashmir. According to a report by NDTV, the sub-inspector, identified as Ankur Malik, was posted at Cyber Thana, North-East district. He secured the release of the stolen money by obtaining a court order using fake complainants' names, then redirected the funds to bank accounts belonging to his acquaintances. The 2021 batch officer went on a seven-day medical leave and never returned. At the same time, sub-inspector Neha Punia of the same batch, posted at the GTB Enclave police station, also went missing. After a missing report was filed, an ensuing investigation revealed that Malik had siphoned off crores from cyber-fraud recoveries and had an affair with Punia. Both Malik and Punia are married – Malik's wife resides in Baraut, Uttar Pradesh, while Punia's husband lives in Delhi's Rohini. Malik and Punia became friends in 2021 and allegedly planned the fraud around that time, as per the investigation. The police traced down the missing sub-inspectors through technical surveillance and intelligence inputs. The duo were tracked and arrested in Indore after four months of search, where it was revealed that they wanted to start a new life under fake identities. Gold worth Rs 1 crore, 11 mobile phones, a laptop, three ATM cards and other items were recovered from their possession. Three others, identified as Mohammad Ilyas, Aafi alias Monu and Shadab, whose accounts were used by the accused to transfer funds were also taken into custody. Police said Malik knew no one would claim the money, so he got it released from the court by submitting fake documents and fled, NDTV reported. He vacationed with his girlfriend in Goa, Manali and other places. After reaching Indore, he bought gold in exchange for the cash to make it harder for authorities to track them, police said. They had intended to get fake IDs to start a new life in Madhya Pradesh. They are currently under interrogation. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Nationwide SIR aims to snatch voting rights of those who won't vote BJP: Opposition
NEW DELHI: With the Election Commission activating its poll machinery across states for a possible roll out of pan-India special intensive revision (SIR), Opposition parties have vehemently condemned the move, calling it a strategic attempt to disenfranchise 'sections' of people in a targeted manner. They said that the poll body should be transparent and address the concern of people and political parties as it is going to have a 'serious repercussions'. Congress spokesperson PL Punia said that with the revision exercise, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to sanitise the voters list to retain power. 'All this is an excuse as the BJP wants to remove its opponents from the voter list by declaring them Bangladeshis, Nepalis, or something. The problem is that the BJP has always wanted political power, thus it is moving ahead strategically. They know that the Election Commissioner is their (BJP) man. They can do it without difficulties,' Punia told TNIE. Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, what the EC had done Maharashtra assembly elections behind closed doors— arbitrary removal of name from electoral rolls--it is being done openly in Bihar and that the EC further wants to carry out similar exercises across states. 'They (EC) will have to ensure that the transparency and the questions and doubts that are in the citizens' minds, as well as the minds of political parties, are addressed convincingly, which till now we have noticed the Election Commission has avoided to do. So while this exercise could be a mandated exercise, it seems to be an attempt to get voter deletions happen on the basis of who they choose to vote for,' she said.
Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Bajrang Punia joins Hulk Hogan's Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion
Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia has joined Real American Freestyle, a wrestling promotion led by pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, former World Championship Wrestling senior vice president Eric Bischoff and wrestling coach Izzy Martinez. The 31-year-old wrestler from Haryana will be fighting in the debut event of the promotion called 'Real American Freestyle 01 or RAF01' in Cleveland on 30th August. The promotion has a large roster of Olympic champions and world champion wrestlers such as Aaron Brooks, Ben Askren, Kenneday Blades, and Sarah Hildebrant. Punia, who is serving a four-year doping ban for refusing to provide samples for dope tests during the national selection trials, will face the 2022 UWW World Championship silver medallist Yianni Diakomihalis. Last time, both wrestlers met at the 2022 World Championships, with Yianni defeating Punia 10-0 in the quarter-finals. Punia had won a bronze medal at the same tournament after going through repechage. Apart from the wrestlers, the promotion has also roped in multiple MMA fighters such as Bo Nickal of UFC, former Bellator MMA champion Darrion Caldwell and ex-Professional Fighters League title holder Lance Palmer. They have also roped in former UFC star Chael Sonnen as part of the commentary team. A post shared by Real American Freestyle (@rafwrestlingusa) // RAF was started by WWE and pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, former WWE executive Eric Bischoff and wrestling coach Izzy Martinez. The organisation's mission is to 'professionalise competitive wrestling and create a platform for elite athletes to compete in front of millions of fans.' 'We set out to make history with Real American Freestyle, and with these matches, we're doing just that,' Izzy Martinez, Chief Operating Officer of Real American Freestyle, said in a press release. 'We've got the best wrestlers, the best promoters, the best storytellers, the best production, and the best team, and we're going to give audiences the thrill of a lifetime on August 30 with RAF01.' The debut event will be held on 30th August in Cleveland, Ohio, with UFC star Bo Nickal, Lance Palmer, Olympic Champion Sarah Hildebrandt and Kennedy Blades headlining the event. RAF01 Announced Bouts: – Bo Nickal vs. Jacob Cardenas – Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia – Darrion Caldwell vs. Real Woods – Austin Gomez vs. Lance Palmer – Kennedy Blades vs. Alejandra Rivera – Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Zeltzin Hernandez
India Gazette
27-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
"We'll be prepared for major tournaments": Deepak Kumar Punia thanks RPL
By Diptayan Hazra Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 27 (ANI): Deepak Kumar Punia, a rising star in Indian rugby, hails from Kanoi village in Hisar, Haryana. He made his mark by captaining the Haryana men's rugby sevens team to multiple national titles, including a gold medal at the National Games. In April 2024, his leadership journey reached a new milestone when he was appointed captain of India's men's 15s team for the Asia Rugby Division 1 Championship in Sri Lanka. A natural leader, Punia had earlier served as vice-captain of the national rugby sevens team. Having overcome early challenges in his career, he established himself as a key figure in both the sevens and fifteens formats. Under his captaincy, the Indian 15s side faced off against Sri Lanka, Qatar, and Kazakhstan, a pivotal campaign in India's steady progress toward joining Asia's rugby elite. Punia believes the launch of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) has the potential to revolutionize the sport in India. 'Right now, I believe the RPL might bring a real change,' he said. 'The number of players is increasing, and current Indian players are receiving massive support through the league. We're getting valuable exposure and experience by sharing the field with some of the world's best athletes, top rugby players who are the best in the world,' he added. This level of competition, he feels, has been eye-opening not just in terms of performance, but also in understanding professionalism. 'We're learning what needs to be done both on and off the field. Thanks to the RPL, we'll be much better prepared for major tournaments like the Asia Trophy and Asia Championship in the future,' he noted. Currently representing Delhi Redz in the RPL, Punia finds himself at home. 'I live in Delhi, so it feels great to play for the Delhi Redz. We have players from different states and countries, and now we all got together so we all are playing in this RPL as a team and we have a very good communication with each other and we are having a lot of fun playing together,' Deepak said. Despite the recent momentum, Punia acknowledges that Indian rugby still has a long way to go. He is a firm advocate for prioritizing grassroots structures, especially club-level competitions. 'Clubs are where rugby players are made,' he said. 'More importance must be given to club tournaments and alongside that, the Indian team needs to get more exposure by playing tournaments abroad. The more matches we play, the more experience we gain, and that's how our game will develop,' he added. Punia is also passionate about breaking stereotypes associated with rugby and encouraging youth, especially from smaller towns and villages, to take up the sport. 'Rugby in India is still growing, and it welcomes every skilled person,' he explained. 'Any height, any body shape, there's a position for you in rugby. You don't have to be tall or bulky to play, no matter what your body shape is, you can adjust in rugby,' he added. He pointed out that many young players who've competed at the national and international levels have already secured stable government jobs, making rugby not just a passion but a viable career path. 'Playing nationally and internationally, a lot of kids have got government jobs. So, in the future, you can also say that by playing rugby, you can also set your life. So, in the future, there is a lot in rugby,' he noted. As a fly-half, Punia plays one of the most crucial leadership roles on the pitch. His experience captaining both sevens and fifteens teams has taught him the value of communication, discipline, and preparation. 'Leadership is about keeping the team together, building strong communication, and making sure we're all aligned in what we need to do, and what we can do better as a team and what we have to do in the upcoming matches and tournaments and how we can prepare for games off the field. So, that comes in leadership,' Deepak said. 'These are things maybe I've learned from my senior players, and now I try to pass them on to my teammates,' he added. Punia's introduction to rugby was unplanned, but life-changing. Originally drawn to cricket, he began his sporting journey with his elder brother at an academy in Delhi after moving from Hisar. 'One day it rained, and we couldn't play cricket,' he recalled. 'So, our cricket coach got us to do some fun activities with a tennis ball like agility drill. So, from there he suggested I try rugby. He told me it was a growing sport and that I might do well,' he said. That one suggestion led Punia to the Delhi Hurricanes Rugby Club, and from there, his rugby career was born. 'So, he got me admitted to Delhi Hurricanes Rugby Club. So, my rugby started from there,' he noted. (ANI)
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Named as AICC secy in Cong meet, PU's spokesperson under lens
1 2 Chandigarh: Panjab University's official spokesperson attended a closed-door Haryana Congress event during Rahul Gandhi's visit to Chandigarh on June 4 — with his name not only on the official attendee list but also mentioned as AICC Secretary, raising serious concerns over political involvement by a serving university official. Vineet Punia, director of public relations at the university, is named on page 2 of the list titled 'Meeting of Senior Leadership at Chanakya Hall, HPCC,' signed by Haryana Congress incharge B K Hariprasad. The Indian National Congress website also identifies him as AICC secretary (communication, publicity, media). Photographs accessed by this reporter confirmed his presence at the June 4 event. University officials confirmed that an internal inquiry into Punia's political activities is already in progress. According to top PU officials, he has reportedly denied holding any official party position even during the inquiry, but the documentation suggests otherwise. Registrar Prof YP Verma said, "Each employee of the university is bound by the service rules and regulations of the university. If there is violation, university will act as per PU rules." While PU service conduct is not specific on employee holding position in a political party, it states that "no employee shall take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any way any political movement." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The same rules require employees to seek prior approval before contesting elections to any legislative or local body. Breach of these rules may invite disciplinary action. Punia did not respond to queries. BOX- HOLDING PARTY POSITION NOT RIGHT: VC PU vice-chancellor Prof Renu Vig said holding a political position while serving in the university is wrong and should not be allowed to go unchecked. "We will look into the matter. While affiliations may exist, holding a position in a political party while serving in the university system is not appropriate and raises serious concerns," she said.
