What happened
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri rejected allegations made by Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha that linked him to the “Epstein Files.”
Puri stated he met Jeffrey Epstein only in a professional capacity while associated with the International Peace Institute (IPI).
Puri’s explanation
He said his former superior at IPI, Terje Rød-Larsen, knew Epstein.
Puri claimed he met Epstein only 3–4 times, strictly as part of official delegations.
He emphasized the interactions were professional and unrelated to Epstein’s crimes.
On documentary evidence
Puri referenced the release of millions of US Department of Justice documents, saying:
Over roughly eight years, there were only three or four references to meetings.
Only one email exchange involved Epstein.
He read excerpts of emails to argue the exchanges were about economic and internet-related discussions, not personal matters.
Additional claims by Puri
He said one email showed Epstein calling him “two-faced,” which Puri used to argue he was not aligned with Epstein’s activities.
He stressed the Epstein Files concern criminal wrongdoing, particularly sexual offenses, and insisted his name’s presence does not imply misconduct.
Political context
Rahul Gandhi reportedly cited Puri’s name during a Lok Sabha speech, prompting the press conference response.
The Epstein case remains globally sensitive due to associations with numerous public figures.
Background mentioned
Jeffrey Epstein was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019 and died in jail the same year.
