2 J&K MLAs, kin owe ₹32 cr to PNB, declared wilful defaulters
The bank got a notice published in one of the leading dailies against four persons, including MLA Abid Hussain Ansari and his MLA nephew Imran Reza
Two sitting legislators of Jammu and Kashmir and their two relatives have been declared wilful defaulters by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) as they owe ₹32 crore to the bank.
On Friday, the PNB got published a notice in one of the leading dailies of the state against four persons — Amjid Abas Ansari, Abid Hussain Ansari, Imran Reza Ansari and Kumail Hussain Ansari.
According to the notice, all four are directors of Highland Automobiles Pvt Limited and Ansari Complex, Sonwar. Legislator from Zadibal constituency of Srinagar Abid Hussain Ansari and his nephew Imran Reza, a legislator from Pattan, were members of PDP and had revolted against former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.
As per the bank notice, the four directors owe ₹32,47,93,581 without interest and were declared wilful defaulters by the bank on March 19, 2014.
The notice mentioned that they have been declared Non Performing Assets (NPA), December 31, 2008.
“The bank has initiated recovery proceeding against them. In the public interest, it is being informed that having been declared as wilful defaulter by the bank, the borrowers are not entitled for financial assistance from any other bank/financial institution,” reads the notice issued by deputy circle head of the bank.
However, the legislators refute the claim made by the bank.
Abid Ansari told Hindustan Times that he has nothing to do with the company, instead the company is owned by his brother Amjid Hussain Ansari.
“I resigned from the company when I was elected as assembly member. I have not borrowed any money.”
Amjid Abas Ansari said his brother Abid Hussain Ansari and his nephew Imran Reza Ansari have nothing to do with the company.
“This company is owned by me and my other nephew Kumail Hussain Ansari, son of Abid Hussain Ansari. The names of two sitting legislators have been deliberately put in the list of defaulters to make it news worthy.”
He said more than 1,000 people owe money to the Punjab National Bank in the state and notice has only been issued against them.
“Our company took the loan for business and due to Amarnath land row in 2008, we suffered losses and couldn’t return the money. The amount reflected in the notice is exaggerated,”he added.
Imran Reza Ansari, meanwhile, didn’t respond to the calls despite repeated attempts.
I have nothing to do with the company, it is owned by my brother Amjid Hussain Ansari. I resigned from the company when I was elected as assembly member.
ABID HUSSAIN ANSARI, legislator