Hardeep Singh Puri Refutes Rahul Gandhi’s Epstein Files Allegations in Lok Sabha Clash

In Shorts

• Hardeep Singh Puri rejects Rahul Gandhi’s claims about his name appearing in the Epstein files.
• The minister says interactions with Epstein were limited to 3–4 professional encounters years ago.
• Puri accuses Gandhi of making unsubstantiated allegations during the Lok Sabha debate.

New Delhi: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri issued a firm rebuttal to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s allegations involving his name in the so-called Epstein files, escalating a political confrontation in Parliament.

During the Budget session on Wednesday, Gandhi raised questions about individuals allegedly connected to controversial American financier Jeffrey Epstein, including businessman Anil Ambani and later Hardeep Singh Puri. Gandhi suggested there were links that merited scrutiny.

In response, Puri called the allegations “baseless” and clarified that his interactions with Epstein were minimal and strictly professional. He said the references to his name in the extensive document releases stemmed from three or four meetings during his diplomatic tenure linked to the International Peace Institute delegation, and that he had exchanged just one email. Puri stressed these engagements had no connection to any criminal conduct cited in the Epstein case.

Speaking to reporters after the Lok Sabha session, Puri reiterated that all relevant information regarding his interactions was already in the public domain and emphasized that the documents included millions of emails released by the US Department of Justice. He described his encounters with Epstein as part of official multilateral engagements and unrelated to the sex trafficking allegations for which the disgraced financier was charged and later died while in custody in 2019.

Puri also took a swipe at Gandhi, accusing him of repeating unverified claims and avoiding substantive debate after delivering his speech in the House. The minister said the opposition leader has a pattern of making unsubstantiated accusations and leaving without listening to rebuttals.

Political analysts say the exchange underscores rising tensions between the ruling party and opposition as Parliament continues deliberations ahead of key budgetary decisions.