Delhi minister Jain gets I-T summons over `16-cr transactions
NEW DELHI: The income tax (I-T) department has summoned Delhi’s health minister Satyender Jain in connection with transactions worth `16.38 crore involving three companies promoted by him, a move that could trigger another political slugfest between the AAP government and the Centre.
Summons dated September 22 asked Jain to appear before the department on October 4 with the books of accounts and other documents of the three companies — Indo Metallimpex, Paryas Infosolution, Akinchan Developers.
Officials said the details of the transactions and a possible involvement of Jain came from the income tax department’s Kolkata branch, where a hawala dealer, identified as Jevinder Mishra, was being investigated. Jain denied any wrongdoing. “As an investor, I had made investment in these companies four years ago, but I have nothing to do with these companies since 2013. I have done nothing wrong,” Jain told reporters. “I have only been summoned as a witness. It is just reassessment not investigation.”
According to Registrar of Companies filings, Jain resigned from these companies on July 31, 2013. The tax department has asked Jain to furnish details of three years from 2011-13.
Reacting to the news reports, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “I summoned Satinder this morning. Saw all papers. He innocent, being framed. If he were guilty, we wud have thrown him out. We stand by him.”
The BJP accused Jain of being involved in money laundering and demanded that Kejriwal must live up to his claims of taking action against corrupt leaders. BJP secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said `5 crore was the total value of immovable assets declared by Jain in his election affidavit in 2015, contrary to his present claims that he had invested `17 crore in 2013.
“Why 2013 investments were not reflected in the 2015 affidavit? Why did he hide the facts behind which he is taking refuge now,” Singh asked. The BJP leader said Kejriwal sat on a dharna outside the then BJP chief Nitin Gadkari’s residence over false charges, but was hesitant in acting against his minister. “Why not action against Satyender Jain? Kejriwal owes an explanation,” Singh said. BISADA: A group of youngsters stops the car at the entrance of Bisada village in Uttar Pradesh’s Dadri, about 50km from New Delhi. They demand to know who you wish to see, and why.
After the interrogation and a few phone calls, they let you pass, but with a warning.
“Do not roam around for too long, especially in the area where the Muslims live.”