Fort Bend County Judge KP George stands accused of two counts of money laundering in addition to his prior charges for online impersonation.
Sari Connection ladies were at Hermann Park with the elephant exhibit. -- PAGE 9
FB Judge KP George Blasts DA for ‘Politically Motivated’ Charges
By claiRe Goodman
Richmond: Fort Bend County Judge KP George stands accused of two counts of money laundering in addition to his prior charges for online impersonation. Now, the judge and his attorneys are speaking out against the charges, calling them “politically motivated” by the Democratic Party.
Attorneys for George, a Democrat, at Tuesday’s Fort County Commissioners Court meeting railed against the Texas Ethics Commission, the Fort Bend District Attorney’s Office and the Democratic Party over George’s April 4 arrest.
George did not speak at the meeting regarding his arrest Tuesday, but released a statement last week calling the criminal investigation an “obvious political witch hunt.”
George, the county’s top elected official, faces two new indictments accusing him of “criminal activity, namely wire fraud,” and “tampering with governmental record” in the form of a campaign finance report.Both charges were committed with “intent to defraud or harm,” the indictments allege.George has maintained his innocence, arguing that he loaned personal funds to his own campaign and later repaid the loan, adding: “This is a standard and lawful practice.”
When a reporter asked why
George’s finance reports don’t show evidence of repayment, Jared Woodfill, one of George’s attorneys, said the Texas Ethics Commission should be investigating the matter, not the county.
If George was under suspicion for money laundering, said Woodfill, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office should have filed a complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission, not launch its own investigation.“The reality is, that’s what (the district attorney’s office) should have done,” Woodfill said. “Had it not been motivated by partisan politics, that’s what you would have done.”
Woodfill called the charges an “abuse of taxpayer resources,” arguing that George is under at-
tack from his own party for voting alongside Republican commissioners Andy Meyers and Vincent Morales on a recent redistricting agenda item.
“He voted with the Republicans, and so part of this, I believe, is motivated by that particular vote, and they want to take him out,” Woodfill added.
Woodfill also accused District Attorney Brian Middleton directly of targeting George, claiming that a family member of Middleton’s applied for a job at the county and was rejected by George, resulting in Middleton’s desire for retribution.
“A lot more is going to come out as we move forward,” Woodfill said.
The district attorney’s office on Friday issued a statement regarding George’s arrest, noting that the new charges came to light from their investigation into George’s alleged online misrepresentation.
“The district attorney’s office has continuously stated that the investigation was ongoing, and that investigation has now led to two thirddegree felony indictments for money laundering,” the statement said.
“Our office remains committed to the integrity our public deserves, and the ethics to which all prosecutors are sworn to.”The alleged money laundering offenses account for more than $30,000 but less than $150,000 and took place between Jan. 12, 2019 and April 22, 2019.
George took office as county judge on Jan. 1 of that year.The 61-year-old county executive, who has been a controversial figure in Fort Bend after being arrested for alleged online impersonation last year, was held on total bail of $20,000 for both counts.
George was accused last year of trying to injure the reputation
of a Republican opponent by collaborating with his former chief of staff, Taral Patel, to make fake social media posts.
Morales, commissioner for Fort Bend County Precinct 1, defended the district attorney’s office in a statement, and called for George to resign.
“As I stated last time and will repeat again on this new felony indictment, I have faith in our county’s district attorney and in the state law enforcement officials to fairly conduct this process,” the statement said. “I believe that the facts of these investigations and charges should be fully explored through the courts and our legal process.”
Dexter McCoy, Democrat and Precinct 4 Commissioner, said in a statement that he is disturbed by the allegations against the judge.
“I share in my fellow residents’ concerns about these allegations and its effect on public trust and our ability to conduct the people’s business,” the statement said.
“Holding positions of public trust mandate that we hold ourselves to a higher standard, and (the April 4) grand jury indictment demonstrates a clear breach of that standard.”
If convicted, George will have to leave his position as an elected official under Texas law. -- The Houston Chronicle
Fort Bend County Judge KP George (center) with his legal team, including Jared Woodfill (right)
BAPS Celebrates Ram Navami, Swaminarayan Jayanti Across N. America
houston: Devotees across North America gathered at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs to joyously celebrate the auspicious birth anniversaries of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram with deep spiritual fervor and devotion.
Observed on the Hindu calendrical day of Chaitra Sud 9—which fell on April 6 in 2025—these sacred birthdays commemorate the earthly manifestations of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. Bhagwan Shri Ram is revered for his exemplary virtues of righteousness, compassion, and courage, while Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, who established the Swaminarayan Hindu tradition in 1801, uplifted countless lives through his teachings and spiritual reforms, which continue to inspire individuals globally.
This year’s celebration embraced
the theme “Unity Begins Within,” encouraging introspection and the cultivation of unity in one’s spiritual life, family, and community.
In observance of the occasion, thousands of devotees across the continent undertook nirjala upvaas (a waterless fast) and engaged in continuous jap and dhun, chanting the sacred name of God throughout the day. These spiritual observances fostered a deep atmosphere of devotion and mindfulness, reinforcing the personal inner transformation at the heart of the celebration’s theme.
The festivities across BAPS Mandirs featured a vibrant blend of devotional rituals and cultural programs. From aarti and abhishek rituals to joyous processions, each element resonated with spiritual energy and reverence. Children and youth led inspiring cultural performances, including devotion-
al dances, musical presentations, and thoughtful skits that portrayed the lives and messages of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan.
At the heart of the programs were the four pillars of unity— mahima (glory), milan (togetherness), madad (support), and maafi (forgiveness). These were vividly illustrated through stories from the Ramayan and the Swaminarayan tradition. Shabri’s unwavering faith embodied mahima, Sugriva’s alliance with Ram reflected madad, and Kaikeyi’s redemption demonstrated maafi. Parallel narratives from Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s interactions with devotees like Dada Khachar, Jivan Koli, and Jhinabhai Thakor illustrated the same virtues in everyday life. Swamis offered impactful discourses on these themes, emphasizing the relevance of these
Tahawwur Rana to Face Justice in India
chicaGo: A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team is now in the United States to take custody of 2008 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana.
The United States Supreme Court last month rejected Rana’s plea against his extradition to India.
Rana, 64, had filed an “Emergency Application For Stay” after President Donald Trump approved his extradition following his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February.
Rana is being extradited on the basis of the India-US Extradition Treaty signed by the two countries in 1997. The NIA team left India for the US on Sunday after receiving confirmation of the ‘surrender warrant’, sources said.
A surrender warrant in the US is the document required to surrender a fugitive criminal to a foreign state.
Rana is accused of aiding and abetting the reconnaissance for the 26/11 attacks carried out by David Coleman Headley, with whom he went to school in Pakistan, and of
participating in the conspiracy.
Rana was arrested in Chicago in October 2009 for his involvement in the 26/11 attacks, in which more than 180 people were killed. He was also accused of providing material support, during 2008-09, to an attack planned by would-be Islamist terrorists on the Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten.
The Jyllands Posten plot was busted in December 2010, and the plotters, who had allegedly planned a “Mumbai-style” attack, were arrested. The Islamist militants had allegedly planned to punish the
Copenhagen-based newspaper for having published cartoons depicting the Prophet in 2005.
A jury acquitted Rana of the charge of conspiring to provide material support to terrorism in India, but convicted him on the other two counts. On January 17, 2013, Rana was sentenced to 168 months (14 years) in prison.
Finally, after Trump announced his extradition last month, Rana filed the emergency application in a last-ditch attempt to stay in the United States.
values in navigating modern challenges and nurturing harmonious relationships.
The celebrations saw enthusiastic participation from people of all backgrounds—families, children, youth, and seniors—underscoring the inclusive spirit promoted by Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. Hindu organizations from various communities also joined in the festivities, attending the commemorative aarti held at the exact birth time of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra. Across North America, the celebration drew the presence of various dignitaries. In Robbinsville, New Jersey, New Jersey State Senator Michael L. Testa Jr. and Consul General of India in New York, Mr. Binay Srikanta Pradhan, attended and shared their appreciation for the cultural and spiritual richness of the program.
Notably, Canada’s Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Mark Carney, also visited the celebration in Toronto, Canada, recognizing the importance of these values in fostering unity and mutual respect in society.
These joyous occasions were not merely tributes to the divine lives of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, but also powerful reminders of the timeless values that continue to guide humanity toward peace, harmony, and love.
Under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, and following the legacy of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, these celebrations underscored a profound truth: Unity does not begin externally—but within each individual—through humility, service, and spiritual realization.
Beware of fraudulent calls claiming to be from the Consulate General, Houston. Scammers may ask for personal information, payments, or threaten legal action.
The Consulate NEVER asks for money or sensitive details over the phone. Please report any suspicious activity to info.houston@ mea.gov.in.
Ram Navami celebrations at BAPS temples in Houston (left) and Dallas.
Introducing Hidden Ridge Productions’ Sanatan Kadakia
Getting to know the new Executive Producer, Sanatan Kadakia of Hidden Ridge Productions with some of the biggest projects in drama, horror, and thriller genre.
Sanatan Kadakia of Hidden Ridge Productions has invested in six feature films, a documentary, and has joined the Broadway team “The Last Five Years” as an investor which stars Tony winner Adrienne Warren and Grammy winner Nick Jonas which had its opening night on April 6, 2025, at the Hudson Theatre (NYC).
Murder among the Mormons
His first investment is the 2021 Netflix documentary Murder among the Mormons, an American true crime documentary television mini series on the 1985 Utah Bombings.
Watch it on Netflix : https:// www.netflix.com/title/81226889
In 2022, Sanatan began executive-producing numerous genres and indies from around the world.
Scrap (2022) Drama
After getting laid off, young single-mom Beth finds herself living in her car and struggles to hide her homelessness from her estranged brother Ben. Starring Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery/Dazed and Confused), Vivian Kerr (Grey’s Anatomy/Castle)
Lana Parrilla (Once Upon a Time/ Boomtown) and Beth Dover (Orange is the New Black).
Watch it on Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/
us/movie/scrap/umc. cmc.4zwfgq5xrtuhk0cebcyrjllvf
Control (2023) Action/Thriller
British Home Secretary Stella Simmons drives home one night while engaging in an affair with the Prime Minister. A mysterious man remotely hijacks her selfdriving car, forcing her on a rampage through London. Stars Kevin Spacey as ‘The Voice’; Lauren Metcalfe Mark Hampton, Eire Farrell, and Natasha Kemball. Watch it on Prime Video https:// www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CW8783D7/ref=atv_dp_ share_cu_r
SPITHOOD (2024) Horror/ Thriller
Australia’s first film written by First Nation people without referencing their roots and starring three indigenous characters leading this new horror film.
A mental health worker is forced to confront her troubled past and a violent patient after he escapes his confinement and goes on a determined rampage.
Watch it on Prime Video: https:// www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DBHKTR6B/ref=atv_dp_ share_cu_r
Winter Island (2024) Horror
When a young girl is found dead on a small, wooded island, her teenage brother’s postmortem visions point to an evil presence within their own family.
Watch it on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/ video/detail/B0DDNKZQ5C/ ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
Seance (2024) Horror/Mystery & Thriller
The film stars Jilon VanOver. Scottie Thompson, Connor Paolo and Vivian Kerr.
In 1892 California, a Victorian woman contemplating adultery is
forced to take refuge from a storm at the home of her first husband and his unstable wife, who claims to be haunted by their dead child. Is there a film website for this yet?
More info :-> https://www.imdb. com/name/nm2765658/ The Baby in the Basket (2025) Drama
A baby in a basket is left on the steps of an isolated monastery on a Scottish island. The nuns take it in, planning to care for it until a storm passes. Soon though, strange and unexplained events begin to happen at the convent. Starring Amber Doig-Thorne, Michaela Longden , Elle O’Hara, Lisa Riesner and Nathan Shepka alongside veteran British talent Annabelle Lanyon, Maryam d’Abo and Paul Barber. Watch it on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/ movies/100034191/the-baby-inthe-basket
Website: https://sanatankadakia. com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanatankadakia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanatankadakia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin. com/in/sanatankadakia/ Twitter: https://x.com/sanatankadakia1
YouTube: https://www.youtube. com/@sanatankadakia1233
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/ name/nm10067735/
Sanatan Kadakia at Winter Island movie premiere.
7th Annual “Puranava” India Art & Culture Fest at Pearland Town Center
PeaRland: The free, 7th annual Puranava India Art & Culture Fest will be held at Pearland Town Center Pavilion, on Saturday April 19 from 11 am through 6 pm. The colorful event aims to provide an experience of India’s vibrant, diverse, age-old culture which is still a living, integral part of modern India.
This unique art and culture fest will showcase classical and folk dances and music from India’s diverse regional cultures from the north, south, east, and west, through both stage and street presentations. Kids can have fun and learn at our exclusive “Kids Zone” where kids can make and take special artwork and crafts, play several traditional Indian games, take home goodies, etc. Visitors can also shop for ethnic Indian wear, jewelry, crafts at the bazaar; taste delicious, exotic Indian food and beverages from the entirely volunteer-run “Kicha’s Kitchen”; try henna art; take photos in the photo booth, and more.
A highlight of this festival is a Chariot Fest - scheduled to begin at approximately 4:30 pm – similar to what is celebrated even today in temples in India. Here everyone can pull a divine chariot, join in kirtan and chants, and watch numerous street folk and classical performances. Youth and kids’ competitions in Chess, Art, Indian Classical Dance, Indian Classical Music, Ethnic Indian Costumes and a written Quiz will be held during the day (10 am to 3 pm). Advance
registration for these needs to be done at www.puranava-usa.org.
Kids and youth of all ages and cultural backgrounds are welcome to participate in the competitions. Conducted by nonprofit Global Organization for Divinity, the event is supported by a cultural arts grant from the City of Pearland through the Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Mayors of the cities of Pearland and Manvel, and other dignitaries from the Greater Houston area are also expected to attend the event.
As part of sister organization, Love to Share Foundation America’s annual giving program, a drive is being conducted currently to support The Sanctuary Foster Care Services (in Sugar Land and
Representatives from both the organizations will receive donations collected, during the Puranava 2025 event on April 19. To support these organizations through our drives, please reach out to 281923-4861.
“Pura” means ancient and “Nava” means new or modern. True to its name, this event, which
Sari Connection Ladies Pose with Migrating Elephants
Ladies of the Sari Connection group were at Hermann Park earlier this week in their traditional Indian saris, representing different states, to promote the Great Elephant Migration exhibit on display all through the month of April.
is presented in various formats
by Global Organization for Divinity in several cities and countries across the world, endeavors to do its part in bringing India’s exquisite indigenous arts to the forefront and presenting to local communities here in the USA the beauty of these traditions, many of which are still being actively practiced not only in India itself but also by people of Indian origin around the world.
More information about this year’s event, registration for the competitions, vendor registration, etc. can be found at www. puranava-usa.org. For real-time info about Puranava, visit our Facebook Event page and for more information about Global Organization for Divinity Houston and its activities, please visit our Facebook page, GOD Namadwaar Houston.
Clearlake) and Sunnyside Street Dogs in Houston.
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Tumko Meri Kasam’: Story Needed Sharp Execution
By dhaval Roy
Story: A fertility specialist’s life is upended when he is accused of attempted murder. The courtroom drama chronicles his journey as a pioneer in IVF treatment while simultaneously questioning whether he will emerge unscathed from the legal battle that threatens to destroy his legacy.
Review: What happens when someone revered for bringing hope to countless childless couples finds himself at the centre of a scandal? Director Vikram Bhatt’s Tumko Meri Kasam tells one such tale—of visionary IVF specialist Dr. Ajay Murdia (Anupam Kher), who faces allegations of attempted murder. The film navigates dual narratives—his groundbreaking contributions to fertility treatment and the intense courtroom battle that could unravel his life’s work. Based on a true story, the film sets the stage for a gripping legal drama intertwined with a heartfelt love story from the outset. Rajeev Khosla (Meherrzan Mazda) accuses Dr Murdia of attempted murder, aiming to usurp his position as chairman of Indira IVF, a vast chain of fertility clinics. Running parallel to this conflict is the doctor’s early journey, where a younger Ajay (Ishwak Singh) battles scepticism and social stigma in the 1980s, a time when fertility clinics were often dismissed as ‘sex clinics.’ Facing opposition from peers
and family, Ajay finds unwavering support in his wife, Indira (Adah Sharma). Together, they risk everything to revolutionise fertility treatment and bring hope to struggling couples.
While emotionally engaging, writer-director Bhatt’s storytelling wavers between poignant and dramatic. As the story shifts between romance, tragedy, and the legal battle, the ride doesn’t always feel seamless. At two hours and fortysix minutes, the narrative feels long-drawn and follows a formulaic path with songs. The courtroom sequences oscillate between sharply executed and contrived. However, the film’s emotional core remains intact, especially in moments of personal loss, where the younger Ajay and Indira’s bond is portrayed with tenderness, leaving you teary-eyed.
Anupam Kher delivers a solid performance as the steadfast and betrayed Dr Murdia, fiercely fighting for his clinic and reputation. Esha Deol brings finesse as his defence attorney, Meenakshi,
though her role lacks depth beyond the courtroom exchanges. Ishwak Singh as the younger Ajay is a standout—his portrayal captures both the empathy and determination of a doctor ahead of his time. His chemistry with Adah Sharma is natural and compelling, making their love story one of the film’s strongest elements. The duo shines in both romantic and emotionally charged scenes, embodying resilience and unwavering faith in each other.Durgesh Kumar (Bhushan from Panchayat) makes a brief yet powerful impact in a pivotal courtroom scene. Meherrzan Mazda, playing the antagonist, has a substantial role, yet his motivations feel underexplored. His resentment toward Ajay lacks the complexity needed to make him a formidable adversary.
Tumko Meri Kasam has a strong premise but uneven pacing and a lengthy runtime make it less immersive than it could have been. Still, the film is backed by emotional depth and strong performances.-- ToI
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