Adnan Sami grilled; will pay service tax dues of Rs 10 lakh

Pakistani singer-composer Adnan Sami today accepted the service tax liability to the tune of Rs 10 lakh and promised to pay the dues in next two days.

Sami was issued summons on October 15 and was called to the Service Tax department after a case of tax evasion was registered against him.

Sameer Wankhade, Deputy Commissioner of Service Tax, has confirmed the development but refused to divulge any detail.

Sami was today grilled for about two-and-a-half hours by the service tax sleuths.

Sources in the department said they are still investigating the case against Sami.

"We would be examining his balance sheets, contracts, agreements, etc. and would be verifying if his declaration is right," said a source.

The service tax department had registered a case against the Pakistani musician on October 15 for allegedly evading service tax on assignments and projects he has undertaken.

44-year-old Sami, who has made India his second home for the past several years, landed in a visa controversy when he was issued a notice last week by the Mumbai Police, which sought explanation from him for overstaying in the country after the expiry of his visa on October 6.

Sami was, however granted a three-month extension by the Ministry of Home Affairs on October 17.