Truth in Deception

Franchising is often seen as a secure entry into entrepreneurship—leveraging established brands and ready-made systems. SGF India, a vegetarian fast-food franchise, sold that very promise to hundreds of investors. Marketed as a revolutionary business model offering high returns with minimal involvement, SGF India became a popular option, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. But behind the marketing sheen was a troubling story—one that centers on alleged misrepresentation, financial irregularities, and the leadership of Kewal Ashwani Ahuja , SGF’s Managing Director. Kewal Ahuja SGF The Dream That Was Sold SGF India positioned itself as a passive income-generating opportunity using the FOCO (Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated) model. The franchise pitch was compelling: investors would fund the outlet, while SGF handled operations, guaranteeing monthly returns. Under the leadership of Kewal Ashwani Ahuja , the company expanded rapidly, drawing in doctors, retirees, homemakers, and wor...

A UK Member of Parliament is urging a formal investigation into allegations of identity fraud tied to a Merseyside-based property firm led by a man with a serious criminal past. Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson has called for police and Companies House to probe Urban Evolution, a national property management company run by Scott El Paraiso—formerly known as Adam Minett. El Paraiso, jailed in 2009 for theft and fraud, is accused of orchestrating a scheme involving fake directorships to block property leaseholders from taking control of their building management. A BBC investigation found that up to 30 bogus company directors may have been listed to retain control over properties, including Liverpool’s Arndale House. Leaseholders have accused El Paraiso of fabricating directors, some of whom allegedly do not exist or have identities stolen from unsuspecting individuals—including former tenants. Scott El Paraiso was jailed in 2009 for fraud under his birth name, Adam Minett In one e...

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is expected to secure more than 220 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, according to BJP MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal. The West Champaran representative voiced confidence in the alliance’s strength, citing unity and strong governance as the driving forces behind the prediction. BJP MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal Dr. Jaiswal took a dig at the opposition, describing them as a “group of tainted individuals” lacking cohesive leadership or a shared development agenda. He stated that the NDA’s performance in infrastructure, welfare schemes, and law and order has gained widespread public support across Bihar. His comments echo Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ’s earlier optimism, who also projected a comfortable win for the NDA in 2025. Both leaders highlighted the NDA's consistent delivery on promises and the electorate’s faith in their governance model. As political campaigns intensify, the NDA is expected to lean heavily on its development narrat...

India's startup ecosystem has been rocked by a series of governance scandals, significantly undermining investor trust and raising concerns about financial integrity. Kunal Bahl , the cofounder of Snapdeal, addressed these growing concerns, emphasizing that such scandals have had a detrimental effect on the image of Indian startups, making it crucial for founders to prioritize transparency and accountability from the outset. In an exclusive interview, Bahl highlighted that the increasing number of corporate governance issues within the startup sector has led to investor skepticism. Investors, once eager to pour capital into the fast-growing market, are now demanding stricter controls and greater oversight to ensure the financial health of startups. This shift in investor expectations, Bahl noted, has become a pivotal moment for the industry, requiring startups to embrace stronger governance frameworks to regain trust. Kunal Bahl The Growing Importance of Financial Discipline Bah...