‘Realised what the guy was’: Hardeep Puri says met Jeffrey Epstein as part of IPI delegation

Union Minister Hardeep Puri addressed media inquiries regarding his past meeting with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which occurred during an International Press Institute (IPI) delegation visit. During a recent press conference, Puri expressed his regrets about the encounter, stating he had 'realized what the guy was' in hindsight. He emphasized that he did not visit Epstein’s notorious private island, Little St. James, countering speculations surrounding his association with Epstein. Puri's remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over Epstein’s connections with various public figures. The minister's clarification aims to distance himself from Epstein's controversial legacy as he navigates public and media perceptions, particularly in light of the ongoing discussions about accountability and transparency in political circles. This incident underscores the complexities faced by politicians when past associations are brought into the spotlight, raising questions about the implications of such connections in the current socio-political environment in India.