Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Issues Stern Warning on Dalai Lama-Epstein Link
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday issued a strong caution against attempts to associate the Dalai Lama with the recently disclosed Epstein files. He emphasized that the revered spiritual institution must not be entangled in unrelated controversies aimed at tarnishing its sacred reputation.
Rijiju's Social Media Statement
In a post on the social media platform X, Rijiju articulated his concerns clearly. "The revered institution of 'The Dalai Lama' should not be casually linked with the 'Epstein Files' or any other issues, with the motive of damaging the sacred institution," he wrote. The minister further warned, "We shouldn't become the casualties of immoral-lifestyle, hookup-culture and unconventional-relationships."
Background of the Global Debate
Rijiju's remarks come amid a renewed international discussion following the latest release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein by the US Justice Department. The disgraced financier's files have brought a fresh wave of prominent names into the public eye, including political leaders, business magnates, and celebrities, sparking widespread scrutiny and speculation across the globe.
Dalai Lama's Office Issues Firm Denial
Prior to Rijiju's statement, the office of the Dalai Lama had already released a clarification firmly denying any connection to Epstein. Responding to media reports and social media posts suggesting the Tibetan spiritual leader's name appeared in the files, the office stated unequivocally that such claims are baseless.
"Some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the 'Epstein files' are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein. We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorised any meeting or interaction with him by anyone on His Holiness's behalf," the official statement declared.
Scope of the Epstein Document Release
The latest batch of documents, released in late January under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, is extensive, comprising:
- More than three million pages of material
- Over 2,000 videos
- Approximately 180,000 images
This represents the largest and final scheduled disclosure of federal records related to Epstein and his associates, marking a significant moment in the ongoing investigation.
High-Profile Names Mentioned in the Files
The Epstein documents have referenced numerous notable individuals, including but not limited to:
- US President Donald Trump
- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates
- Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk
- Britain's Prince Andrew
- Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers
- Musician Michael Jackson
- Actor Kevin Spacey
Legal Context and Expert Clarifications
Legal experts and victim advocates have consistently emphasized that being named in these documents does not automatically imply criminal wrongdoing. They point out that the material encompasses a broad range of records, such as:
- Contact lists
- Correspondence
- Travel logs
- Third-party references
Many of these documents do not establish any direct involvement in Epstein's criminal activities, highlighting the importance of careful interpretation.
Historical Context of the Epstein Case
Jeffrey Epstein was arrested in 2019 on sex-trafficking charges and subsequently died in custody. The document release is part of ongoing efforts by US authorities to address sustained public pressure for transparency. Under the Transparency Act, the Justice Department was mandated to disclose relevant investigative material, with appropriate redactions to protect victims and sensitive information.
The intersection of spiritual leadership and global scandal has thus become a focal point, with Rijiju's intervention aiming to safeguard the integrity of the Dalai Lama's institution amidst swirling controversies.
