Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has commented on the Panama Papers and says that the Prime Minister himself has requested for the investigation to be looked into.
Also read: The What’s What and Who’s Who of the Panama Papers Leak
The Prime Minister has himself requested that this matter be investigated. I think it is a healthy step that this kind of exposes is being made. The multi-agency group will comprise many government agencies (CBDT, FIU, FTNTR and representative of RBI) which will monitor them. Whichever accounts are found unlawful, strict action will be taken against them.Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister
However, Congressman RS Surjewala has said that the matter should be referred to the Supreme Court which is already hearing the black money case.
The Congress party has rejected the suggestion, seeking a time-bound enquiry in the matter.
BJP seems to have a smile on their face but they are uneasy on the inside like they are hiding something. We reject the constitution of a multi-departmental committee by Finance Minister as a shoddy attempt to brush aside this revelation.RS Surjewala, Spokesperson, Congress
Referring to a similar leak from HSBC in 2011, Jaitley said that 390 of the 569 account holders traced were found to be illegal.
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Details came in 2011 with regard to HSBC account holders, 569 account holders have been traced, 390 were found to be illegal. Already, 154 set of prosecution has been filed with regard to HSBC account holders.Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister
Arun Jaitley added that more revelations are expected and that a multi-agency group has been formed to monitor the investigation.
Speaking to ANI, the Finance Minister said that details came out as early as 2011 with regard to HSBC account holders, 569 account holders have been traced and 390 were found illegal.
Also read: Panama Leaks: Aishwarya Denies, KP Singh Says “It’s Permissible”
Over eleven million documents have been leaked from a Panama law firm which reveals offshore financial dealings of some of the biggest names from all over the world. The leak surfaced on Sunday and reveals over 500 Indians in its list.
The list includes film stars Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, DLF Chief KP Singh, and Gautam Adani’s elder brother Vinod Adani, among others.
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