AAP accuses Govt of 'selective approach' in black money issue

Accusing the NDA government of adopting a "selective approach" on the black money issue, the Aam Aadmi Party today demanded disclosure of the names of all those who have stashed their wealth in foreign banks illegally and a time bound investigation to punish the guilty.

AAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also tweeted that Radha Timblo, named by the government in the Supreme Court as one among those against whom prosecution has been launched in the black money case, had donated Rs 1.1 crore to BJP and Rs 65 lakh to Congress.

Slamming the government, Kejriwal wondered why it revealed only three names in the Supreme Court today in connection with black money in foreign accounts when it had the full list.

Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal repeated the names of over 10 entities and persons including some industrialists, alleging that they have stashed black money abroad illegally. The same names were given by the party two years ago.

"The full list of those having black money in foreign banks should be made public. We are sure there will be names of BJP and Congress leaders in it," he alleged.

The AAP leader also produced purported statements of three persons admitting to having money stashed abroad during investigations by the IT department.

"As per our information, action is being taken against those on the list selectively. Whereas stringent actions like tax raids and prosecution are being taken against some, the powerful ones are being let off," he alleged.

Kejriwal, flanked by senior AAP leaders Prashant Bhushan and Manish Sisodia, demanded complete investigations in all cases relating to black money in a time bound manner and strictest action against those who are found guilty.

"Today, government has disclosed three names, one of which happens to be Pradip Burman. This name was there in the list disclosed by us and hence, it further validates our earlier disclosure. Let the government clarify whether other names mentioned also appear in that list or not," the AAP leader said.

The government today disclosed before the Supreme Court eight more names including that of Pradip Burman, one of Dabur India promoters, a bullion trader and Goa miners against whom it has started prosecution for allegedly stashing black money in foreign banks.

"There may be some legal account holders in the foreign bank. But considering the greater public good, government should come out with the full list," said Bhushan, adding that the government should immediately stop all Hawala routes.

Bhushan also rejected government's argument that the list of the black money holders cannot be revealed unless charges are framed in court as it will violate provisions of a tax agreement with Germany. He claimed the Supreme Court had ruled that there was no problem in making the names public.

Kejriwal claimed that the statements of the three persons to the Income Tax department showed how easy it was to open a foreign bank account with "illicit money"

"The government must launch prosecution against these banks who have so far been involved in soliciting illicit money and transferring it abroad through Hawala," he said.

Asked to comment on Haryana Government's indication that it would probe the alleged land deals involving Robert Vadra, Kejriwal doubted the intention. "Let them first do it."