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Dayanidhi smells ‘political vendetta’ behind ED’s actions
MUMBAI: A day after India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued an order to attach properties and assets worth Rs 742.58 crore belonging to South Indian media baron Kalanidhi Maran and his brother, the former Union Telecom Minister Dayanidhi, the latter has alleged “political vendetta” and accused the ED of acting like a “puppet” in the hands of “someone.”
“ED ‘flouted’ rules. It shows that somebody is behind it,” he told PTI on 2 April. He also said that he will take a legal recourse and come out clean in the case.
Dayanidhi in a statement alleged that “someone was directing the ED from behind.”
He said that while it was “evident” that he had no ownership in or connections to direct to home (DTH) platform Sun Direct or South Asian FM, the professional investments in these were “distracted.”
Dayanidhi went on to add that foreign investments in a domestic company couldn’t be done without the approval of the Centre. “It cannot be but politics painting colours to such a business transaction. ED had ignored certain legal provisions in this matter,” he told PTI in Chennai on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, DMK has denied any link to the Aircel-Maxis deal case, saying it has nothing to do with Sun TV or the deal. The party however, according to the report, will be fine tuning its strategy to ensure that its campaign for the upcoming elections is not marred.
Contrary to the expectations, even after all the controversies Sun TV shares saw a hike of 3.20 per cent, closing at 453.85 up from 440.65 on 2 April.
Sun TV also has a stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad and it remains to be seen if ED intervention will have an impact on the fast approaching multimillionaire league.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
