New Delhi: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday distanced himself from his brother Gopal Joshi after an FIR was registered against his family members. Speaking at a press conference, Joshi clarified that he had legally and publicly severed ties with Gopal more than three decades ago.
Joshi highlighted an error in the FIR, stating, “At the outset, I would like to point out a glaring mistake: the FIR mentions someone named Vijayalakshmi as my sister. This is incorrect, as I do not have a sister.”
Separation from Gopal Joshi
The Union Minister elaborated that he has only four brothers, one of whom passed away, and that he and Gopal have been estranged for over 32 years. “I secured an injunction from a Bengaluru civil court to prevent any association of my name with Gopal due to past allegations against him,” Joshi said.
He shared that a Family Arrangement Deed (Vaivastha Pathra) was executed on March 17, 2012, confirming their separation socially and financially. “I also published public notices in 2012, warning that any claims linking my name to his activities or financial dealings were invalid,” he added.
Joshi reiterated, “We have not been in contact for over three decades. I want to emphasize that I am in no way connected with Gopal or any transactions linked to him.”
The FIR and Investigation
The FIR filed at the Basaveshwar Nagar police station names Gopal Joshi, Vijayalakshmi, and Ajay Joshi (Gopal’s son) for allegedly offering a BJP ticket in the Lok Sabha elections to Sunita Chauhan’s husband, Devananda Pul Singh Chouhan, claiming to use Joshi’s influence.
Joshi concluded by saying, “Since an FIR has been filed, the investigation should proceed. I will not interfere and allow the law to take its course.”
