The Union government has taken seriously the allegations linking Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to the so-called “Epstein Files” and has conducted an internal review into the matter, according to official sources.
Sources said the entire episode was examined at an internal level and Puri’s version was recorded in detail during the process. Based on the preliminary findings, the government is satisfied that no objectionable or criminal involvement has emerged against the minister.
The controversy follows certain media reports claiming that files linked to the US Department of Justice mention Puri’s name multiple times, including references to private meetings and email exchanges. It was also alleged that recently surfaced “Epstein Files” contain references to him.
The Congress party has accused Puri of exchanging 62 emails with disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein between 2014 and 2017. According to the party, 14 meetings were recorded during this period. It claimed that 32 emails were sent by Puri and 30 by Epstein, and demanded that the nature of these alleged interactions be clarified. The party has also sought his resignation on moral grounds.
Puri, however, has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as “baseless” and a “political conspiracy.” He said claims that his name appeared 163 times in connection with the case were misleading. The minister acknowledged that there may have been up to four meetings, but maintained these would have been in an official or professional context.
Government sources reiterated that the Internal verification has not revealed any wrongdoing. As such, there is no question of action against Puri or his removal from the Union Cabinet.
Politically, another dimension to the issue is that Puri’s term as a Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh is set to end on November 25. It remains to be seen whether the Bharatiya Janata Party renominates him to the Upper House. In 2022, senior leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was not renominated to the Rajya Sabha, following which he exited the Cabinet. Similarly, former minister RCP Singh demitted office after his Rajya Sabha term ended.
For now, the government’s position remains firm: the internal review has found nothing objectionable, and there is no immediate threat to Puri’s position. Any future political decision will rest with the party leadership.
