Industrialist Yash Birla and Gurjit Singh Kochar are among seven Indians whose names have been disclosed in Switzerland’s official gazette. Kochar is the son-in-law of the late realty and liquor baron Ponty Chadha. The names have been made public with regard to the ongoing tax evasion probe in India.
Sayed Mohamed Masood and Chand Kauser Mohamed Masood, named in the famous City Limousines scam, Delhi-based businesswoman Ritika Sharma and two others -- Sneh Lata Sawhney and Sangita Sawhney-- are the other Indians whose names have been made public.
Details about the Masoods were shared by the Swiss authorities in the past too.
Their accounts were also frozen a few years ago following a request from the Enforcement Directorate. But after this notification, fresh details have been sought by the Indian authorities. The named persons have been asked to appeal within 30 days.
Reactions to the Swiss’ Move
Welcoming the Swiss government’s move, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said this should serve as a “sufficient indicator” to those with unaccounted wealth abroad about the action to follow.
The Yash Birla group said in an e-mailed statement that he had “no individual bank account in his name or under his control” and this position has already been communicated to the Indian tax authorities.
Repeated calls to Ritika Sharma did not elicit any response.
A family representative declined to comment on the notification issued about Gurjit Singh Kochar, who is believed to be outside India.
No contact details were available for comments from Sawhneys.
Despite repeated attempts, the Masoods could not be contacted.
(With inputs from PTI)
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