Updated October 22nd, 2019 at 21:23 IST

Missing 'Godman' Kalki issues statement amid I-T raids; denies fleeing

The I-T department's investigation wing officers, comprising teams from various cities, conducted raids at the properties of the godman Kalki and his family

Reported by: Sanjeevee Sadagopan
| Image:self
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The Income Tax department's investigation wing officers comprising teams from Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad conducted raids at the properties of the 'Godman' Kalki Bhagavan, his wife Padmavathi aka Amma Bhagavan, his son Krishna and daughter-in-law Preetha from last Wednesday to Sunday and seized properties worth Rs. 600 crores which is undeclared or undisclosed in their I-T sheet.

Statement on the seizure

The I-T investigation wing, after concluding the raids, released a statement on the seizure. The I-T statement said that the search action initiated against one 'White Lotus' group was concluded on Sunday. More than 300 officers/staff/police personnel/witnesses have participated in the search action that covered 40 premises in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chittor, Kuppam. Besides, officers and staffs from Bangalore and Hyderabad also participated. During the search, Rs. 44 crore cash, Rs. 20 crores worth (USD) 90 kgs gold jewellery were seized (total seizure value Rs. 105 crores).  Moreover, primary evidence has been found for following:

1) Unaccounted cash receipts: Rs. 409 crores
2) Undisclosed HDFC bank account credits: Rs. 115 crores
3) Unreconciled bogus share capital: Rs. 61 crores
4) The issue of deemed dividend along with interest disallowance on borrowed funds, around Rs. 90 -100 crores
5) KPL assets Ltd - profit determined: Rs. 20 crores (Not offered)
6) Foreign investment through hawala: Rs. 85 crores
7) Undeclared foreign assets and investments

Total amount roars up to Rs. 600 crores

The total amount roars up to Rs. 600 crores including the estimation of their undisclosed assets in foreign countries, including African countries like Tanzania. Meanwhile, the I-T investigation wing of Chennai has initially summoned Kalki Bhagavan's son Krishna and his wife Preetha for grilling as their company 'White Lotus' was involved in this practice. Both appeared before the Chennai investigation wing on Tuesday at 11.30 AM amidst speculation that they were absconding. The I-T sources are yet to reveal the information about the grilling which happened on Tuesday; the sources also say that the I-T department haven't summoned Kalki Bhagavan or his wife Amma Bhagavan yet on this matter.

READ | Rs 35 cr unaccounted cash recovered from self-styled godman

READ | Congress delegation meets EC over 'I-T' raids on Congress staff

Kalki didn't speak a word about seizure

Amidst the rumour that Kalki Bhagavan fled the country, he released a video statement that he didn't flee the country and said that it's only a message spread by the media. He further said that thousands of devotees are with him and they are not worrying about anything. However, Kalki didn't speak a word about the income tax raids or the seizure from his properties. The I-T sources are tight-lipped as the real investigation has just begun, after the questioning of Krishna and Preetha, the I-T sources also say that they might summon Bhagavans if required.

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Published October 22nd, 2019 at 15:33 IST