It is easy to preach
It was shocking to read about the $1.8 billion (Dh6.2 billion) scam, allegedly involving Indian jewellery designer Nirav Modi (“How did Nirav Modi pull off $2b bank fraud?”, Gulf News, February 20). No doubt, Punjab National Bank (PNB) has definitely erred. At the same time, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the country’s Ministry of Finance cannot hide, as apart from the bank audit every year, the RBI, in their periodic inspection, should have unearthed this fraud earlier. I feel this might be the tip of the iceberg. All the directors of PNB, including those of the RBI and Ministry of Finance, should be made accountable for this scam. At the same time, it is ridiculous for Congress leaders to try and pin this on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to say that there have been many scams under his tenure. Have they forgotten their hand in the escape of Union Carbide Corporation chairman Warren Anderson, after the Bhopal gas tragedy, or the debacle with businessman Lalit Modi at the Indian Premiere League? These people escaped the clutches of the law during their tenure. It is easy to preach, sitting in the position of the opposition, rather than to put laws in place to nail culprits. Hence, people sitting in glasshouses should refrain from throwing stones. The people who ultimately suffer are the honest taxpayers in India.
From Mr N. Viswanathan
India
Sad state of affairs
Today, there seem to be more con men spreading in India than ever before, and one example is the recent Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. This scam in the banking sector was painful to read about. In India, certain individuals take huge bank loans and do not bother with paying them back. If they feel any pressure, they disappear from the country, and we have witnessed this happen in two earlier cases. The opposition parties are targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi appeared to be scot-free in Davos; there was picture-based evidence too. However, according to PNB’s statement, this fraud was committed in 2011 and today, it is worth billions. It was revealed that some PNB officers were involved in this scam and were helping Nirav Modi by issuing him credit letters. In India, the common man finds it difficult to get a loan from banks, and has to go through many formalities, but people like Nirav Modi get away with millions of rupees. This is highly unacceptable. Today, looting public organisations has become a common fact and it is sad. I hope the Indian government will act fast in this matter and save the public’s money. Those involved in this scandal should be punished. These types of criminals should be prosecuted immediately, without prolonging the verdict. It is a sad and painful state of affairs.
From Mr K. Ragavan
India
Gun control and mental health
Wednesday’s horrific carnage in Florida, US, which resulted in the death of 17 people, once again points to the failings of the US administration towards gun control (“Indian-American teacher hailed for saving students during Florida shooting”, Gulf News, February 18). US President Donald Trump was silent on the issue and said the country must tackle the difficult issue of mental health. However, I believe that it is those in power who seem to have more serious mental issues here. I am talking about the politicians who refuse to admit the nexus they have with the National Rifle Association (NRA) and who refuse to amend the archaic gun control laws of the US. Trump needs to seriously rethink who really needs mental rehabilitation here.
From Mr Ranjan Matthew
Dubai
No smartphone craze
My sister can live without her phone (“Poll: Can you live without your phone?”, Gulf News, February 18). She still uses an old Nokia. She has neither used a smartphone, neither does she wish for one. She says she isn’t comfortable with the touch screen, although she is highly educated and fully aware of current technological advancements. She is working, but still chooses a simple phone over a smartphone. She does not use any social networking sites and is still very happy in life.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Love conquers all
It was rebirth for Pramodini Roul, a 24-year-old acid attack victim who became engaged to Saroj Sahu, the man who looked after her (“Love triumphs as acid attack victim gets engaged on Valentine’s”, Gulf News, February 15). He was the medical representative at the hospital she was admitted to, when she was attacked. Roul suffered 80 per cent burns and partially lost her eyesight. Sahu’s support has healed her emotional scars and the medical treatment she has received has improved her health. She has partially regained her eyesight now. In a wider sense, we can say that love is sacrifice and it should be unconditional. Sahu proposed to Pramodini on Valentine’s Day and we hope that they both keep their promises to help stop acid attacks from happening, and to provide relief and care for the victims. I wish this young couple all the best.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
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