National

Lithuanian Crypto Kingpin Arrested in Kerala: Frequent Visitor to Varkala

Published

1 year ago

March 16, 2025

Aleksej Besciokov, a 46-year-old Lithuanian national sought by the U.S. Department of Justice for financial fraud, was apprehended by Kerala Police in Varkala, near Thiruvananthapuram. His arrest was executed following a Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol, based on a warrant from the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) at Patiala House Court, requested by U.S. authorities.

Thiruvananthapuram Range DIG Ajeetha Begum confirmed that Besciokov had frequently visited Varkala. He allegedly attempted to bribe Jojin Raj, a civil police officer with the Tourism Police, with a wad of cash when the officer knocked on his door. The officer declined the bribe, resulting in Besciokov’s subsequent arrest.

Besciokov had been living in Varkala with his wife, two daughters, and an unidentified acquaintance. His family departed India on Monday, and he was scheduled to leave the country the following day before his arrest at a homestay. Earlier in 2023, three Russians, including a woman associated with him, were deported from Varkala, but investigations at that time did not link back to Besciokov.

Local residents expressed shock upon learning that a man accused of defrauding hundreds of millions had been living among them for years. Although he occasionally traveled abroad, he remained reclusive, spending most of his time at his homestay with family and Russian associates.

The police had previously raided this homestay two years ago in connection with drug trafficking, which led to the deportation of three Russians. Although the deportation notice identified the homestay, known as Zoya, as their address, investigations failed to connect Besciokov to any crimes until Interpol’s notice shed light on his extensive criminal activities.

Besciokov faces numerous charges, including money laundering in the United States, and was apprehended during a coordinated operation between Kerala Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). While he holds Lithuanian citizenship, he is also a permanent resident of Russia. His arrest has been officially recorded by the Varkala police, and he was transferred to the CBI on Saturday. Reports suggest he is refusing to provide the password for a seized laptop.

As one of the co-founders of Garantex, a cryptocurrency exchange sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2022, Besciokov is accused of playing a significant role in laundering billions of dollars for transnational criminal and cybercriminal groups. On March 7, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against him, and he appears on the U.S. Secret Service’s Most Wanted list. The indictment also includes Aleksandr Mira Serda, a 40-year-old Russian national based in the United Arab Emirates, as a co-founder of Garantex. Moreover, Besciokov is accused of breaching the servers of 600 major corporations worldwide and defrauding them, with his latest fraud targeting water and electricity distribution companies across Europe, North America, and Australia.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.