Protests Erupt In New Delhi Over Indian PM’s Name In Epstein Files

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in India’s capital of New Delhi on Tuesday after media reports and a newly released tranche of US documents linked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name to communications associated with the Jeffrey Epstein files, sparking political outrage and calls for clarification from the government.

Members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) gathered at Jantar Mantar, a traditional protest site in central New Delhi, demanding Prime Minister Modi address the controversy and explain the nature of his alleged mention in the files. Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans, accusing the government of a lack of transparency and warning that the issue could harm India’s international reputation.

“We want answers. The silence from the Prime Minister’s Office is unacceptable,” said one Youth Congress organiser at the rally, according to social media footage and eyewitness accounts.

The demonstrations followed the release of millions of documents connected to the late U. financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of soliciting prostitution and died in a New York jail cell in 2019. The files reportedly include names and communications involving influential global figures. Among individuals named in the document dump are political leaders and business executives from several countries. None of those named have been charged with crimes related to Epstein’s activities.

In New Delhi, the protests swiftly acquired a political edge. Youth Congress leaders accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of a cover-up and demanded a formal inquiry. “This controversy is tarnishing the international image of the Indian government,” said Zeenat Shabrin, President of the Mumbai Youth Congress, arguing that Modi should resign if he cannot satisfactorily explain the references.

The opposition Congress party also moved a formal adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of Parliament, seeking urgent debate and government clarification over the alleged mentions. Parliamentary discussions have been heated, with opposition members criticising the government’s response and questioning its handling of foreign policy and national security issues.

For its part, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has so far not directly addressed the allegations, and government officials have dismissed the controversy as politically motivated rumours arising from misinterpretation of released documents.