New Delhi ,23 Feb 2026 : The political temperature in the national capital has risen sharply after fresh revelations emerging from the so-called “Epstein files” allegedly brought Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri under renewed scrutiny.
The latest claims, circulating on social media and political platforms, suggest that Puri wrote a personal letter in 2013 to an individual reportedly close to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, thanking him for a gesture made on behalf of his daughter.
According to documents that have recently resurfaced online as part of the broader Epstein files disclosures, the communication dates back to 2013 the period when Puri had just retired from his diplomatic assignment as India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
The letter, now widely shared on social media, has triggered fresh political debate, with opposition parties and civil society voices demanding clarity.
The controversy gained momentum after social activist Kunal Shukla posted what he described as Puri’s personal letter on X (formerly Twitter). In his post, Shukla alleged that Puri was engaged in efforts to promote his daughter’s business interests in New York following his retirement from diplomatic service.
The authenticity of the document and the context of the communication, however, have not yet been independently verified by official sources.
Further intensifying the controversy are reports suggesting that an individual identified as Robert Milord, described in some accounts as a close associate of Epstein, allegedly invested approximately ₹2,400 crore in a business venture linked to Himani Puri, the daughter of Hardeep Puri.
These claims, circulating in sections of the media and online platforms, have added a financial dimension to the political storm. There has been no official confirmation from investigative agencies regarding the nature, scale, or legality of the purported investment.
Hardeep Singh Puri, who has previously addressed other allegations in public forums, has not yet issued a detailed statement responding specifically to these latest claims. In earlier instances, he has maintained that any attempts to link him to wrongdoing are politically motivated and devoid of factual basis.
Meanwhile, the opposition Congress party has adopted a cautious stance. Pawan Khera, head of the party’s communications department, refrained from making immediate allegations. Speaking briefly to reporters, Khera said the party’s research team is examining the newly surfaced material and will respond only after verifying all relevant facts. “We do not want to jump to conclusions. Once all details are clear, the party will present its position,” he said.
Political analysts believe the issue could escalate if documentary evidence is substantiated or if central agencies take cognizance of the claims. With Parliament sessions often marked by sharp exchanges over allegations of impropriety, the controversy may well spill into the legislative arena in the coming days.
As of now, the matter remains at the level of claims and counterclaims circulating in the public domain. Whether these revelations lead to formal inquiries or remain confined to political rhetoric will depend largely on the emergence of verifiable evidence and official clarification.
