Exposed: Hardeep Puri's Epstein Connection – Claimed 3-4 Meetings, But Records Show 62 Emails and 14 Face-to-Face Encounters! How Rahul Gandhi's Team, Led by Pawan Khera, Caught the Lie

Exposed: Hardeep Puri's Epstein Connection – Claimed 3-4 Meetings, But Records Show 62 Emails and 14 Face-to-Face Encounters! How Rahul Gandhi's Team, Led by Pawan Khera, Caught the Lie

-Friday World | 18th February 2026

When Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri downplayed his links to Jeffrey Epstein, describing meetings as just "3-4 times" and emails as "one or two," it seemed the controversy might fade. However, Rahul Gandhi's team—particularly Congress leader Pawan Khera—dug deep into the US Department of Justice-released Epstein files and uncovered a stark contradiction. Official records from 2014 to 2017 reveal 62 email exchanges and 14 in-person meetings, far beyond Puri's claims. This is not mere political mudslinging; it's grounded in publicly available documents that seriously question the minister's credibility. 

Background on the Epstein Files: What Sparked the Controversy?

 Jeffrey Epstein, the American financier convicted of sex trafficking and child sexual abuse, died in custody years ago. In 2026, the US Department of Justice released millions of pages from related files, naming numerous high-profile figures worldwide. In India, the storm erupted when Hardeep Singh Puri's name surfaced. As India's former Ambassador to the UN and later a key Modi government minister, Puri described his interactions with Epstein as strictly "professional" and "limited," tied to work with the International Peace Institute (IPI) and multilateral commissions, with no link to Epstein's crimes. Congress swiftly challenged this narrative as misleading. 

 Pawan Khera's Explosive Revelation: How the Lie Was Uncovered

In a high-profile press conference, Congress Media and Publicity Head Pawan Khera presented detailed evidence from the Epstein files: Puri sent 32 emails and received 30 from Epstein—totaling 62 exchanges between 2014 and 2017. The meetings are even more striking—9 recorded in 2014 alone, with a cumulative 14 by 2017. Specific dates highlighted include June 5, 6, 8, and 9; September 19, 23, and 24; and October 9 and 10 in 2014. Khera questioned: "What was discussed in these meetings? Puri claimed 3-4 meetings and one or two emails—yet the records tell a different story." 

 Khera further pointed out inconsistencies in Puri's interviews: He called Epstein "two-faced" and claimed he wasn't the "right person," yet emails show Puri seeking advice with phrases like "Any advice?" Congress argues this pattern of minimization raises suspicions—what exactly is being hidden? 

Puri's Defense and Congress's Counter-Attack

 In his own press conference, Puri insisted meetings occurred in delegations, emails were minimal (one main exchange, copied to Reid Hoffman), and there was no malicious intent. He accused Rahul Gandhi of a "smear campaign" and "buffoonery." Congress fired back: "If everything is so transparent, why not resign? How do 62 emails and 14 meetings shrink to 3-4?"

 Given Epstein's grave crimes involving child sexual exploitation, Congress emphasized the moral dimension: "Frequent contact with someone convicted of such offenses— is this ethically acceptable? Shouldn't the government demonstrate accountability?" 

Political Fallout and the Bigger Question

 The controversy extends beyond Puri alone. Rahul Gandhi raised it in Parliament, warning that such connections could impact India-US trade negotiations. Opposition leaders frame it as a "moral issue," not just legal, demanding transparency. Puri rejected resignation calls, but Congress persists: "The truth is out—resign now." 

 The Epstein files have shaken global figures, but in India, they've ignited a major political firestorm. Is this pure politics, or does it point to a genuine cover-up? Time will tell. For now, Puri's "3-4 meetings" claim lies in tatters, thanks to Rahul Gandhi's team and Pawan Khera's meticulous scrutiny.  

This episode serves as a stark reminder: In public life, transparency is non-negotiable. Lies unravel quickly once documents surface. The public now asks—will the minister provide full answers, or maintain silence? 

Sajjadali Nayani ✍

 Friday World | 18th February 2026