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Epstein – A political dispute surfaced in Parliament on Monday after a Congress lawmaker sought an urgent discussion in the Lok Sabha over references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi found in an email attributed to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The issue stems from recently released documents in the United States that have triggered international attention and political reactions in India.

Adjournment Motion Filed in Lok Sabha

Congress MP Manickam Tagore moved an adjournment motion requesting the House to take up the matter, arguing that the alleged reference to the Prime Minister raises questions that deserve parliamentary scrutiny. According to the motion, an email dated July 9, 2017, reportedly authored by Epstein, includes mentions of diplomatic engagements involving Prime Minister Modi, the US President, and an official visit to Israel later that month.

Tagore said the circulation of such claims globally could have implications for India’s international standing and constitutional credibility. He maintained that Parliament should not ignore issues that are being discussed beyond the country’s borders, especially when they concern the office of the Prime Minister.

Questions Raised on Authenticity and Clarity

In his submission, the Congress MP sought specific answers from the government. He asked whether the communications attributed to Epstein had been verified and whether Epstein had any direct or indirect interaction with the Prime Minister or Indian officials at any point. He also questioned whether any individuals linked to Epstein played a role, formally or informally, before the Prime Minister’s meetings with US leadership in June 2017 or the Israel visit the following month.

Tagore further referred to a phrase in the purported email, asking the government to clarify its meaning and explain why no detailed response had been offered despite what he described as widespread international discussion.

Government Dismisses Allegations

The Ministry of External Affairs responded strongly, rejecting the claims outright. Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the references beyond the factual record of the Prime Minister’s official visit to Israel in July 2017 were baseless and unworthy of serious consideration.

The ministry characterised the statements in the email as unfounded assertions made by a convicted criminal and said they should be treated with contempt. Officials emphasised that no credibility should be attached to such material beyond verifiable facts already in the public domain.

Congress Seeks Further Explanation

Despite the government’s response, senior Congress leaders indicated that their concerns had not been fully addressed. Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh noted that the Prime Minister’s name appeared multiple times in the latest set of documents released by US authorities, prompting the ministry to issue a statement.

He said that while an official reaction had been given, several questions remained unanswered, suggesting the matter required greater transparency.

Background on the Document Release

The controversy follows a large-scale release of investigative material by the US Department of Justice last week. The disclosure included more than three million pages of records, along with thousands of videos and a substantial collection of images linked to Epstein’s activities.

The release is part of ongoing efforts in the United States to make public records connected to high-profile investigations, many of which have drawn renewed scrutiny due to the names mentioned in the documents.

Epstein Case Overview

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with extensive international connections, died in a New York jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled an apparent suicide. Earlier, in 2008, he had served a 13-month sentence in Florida following a controversial plea agreement related to sex offences.

The renewed focus on documents linked to Epstein has led to political and media debates in several countries, as public figures named in the material face questions about the context and credibility of the references.