The Centre today named in the Supreme Court two persons
and a company that it alleges have parked untaxed or black money in foreign
accounts.
Pradip Burman of the Dabur India group, Rajkot-based
bullion trader Pankaj Chimanlal Lodhiya and five members of Goa-based mining
firm Timblo have been named in the government's affidavit on black money in
court. They are being prosecuted for tax evasion as unaccounted for money was
found in their foreign accounts, the government has said.
Mr Burman is no longer a part of Dabur, one of India's
top consumer goods companies, but he is listed as a promoter.
"We wish to state that this account was opened when he
was an NRI, and was legally allowed to open this account. We have followed all
the laws and the complete details regarding the account have been voluntarily,
and as per law, filed with the Income Tax Department, and appropriate taxes
paid," a Dabur spokesperson said.
Pankaj Lodhiya also denied any wrongdoing, saying,
"I do not have any Swiss account. I have declared all assets and I have
not been served any notice."
Timblo company's Radha Timblo said, "At different
times there were some searches, raid and everything but we have to see the
affidavit on what basis it has come in our name."
The government told the court in its affidavit that it
has no intention of withholding names and they would be revealed in cases where
tax evasion was established.
"Every foreign account held by an Indian may not be
illegal and names cannot be disclosed unless there is prima facie evidence of
wrongdoing," the government said.
The ruling BJP had faced opposition criticism when it
earlier told the court that tax treaties don't allow the disclosure of names
till charges are framed in court. The Congress then alleged that the BJP's
promise of bringing back black money to India within 100 days of coming to
power was bluster.
Today's disclosure comes as sources suggest that four
Congress leaders, including a former junior minister, are under investigation
for black money.
SOURCE- www.ndtv.com
NDTV | Updated On: October 27, 2014 15:48 (IST)
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