By Our Correspondent
BHUBANSWAR: With allegations and counter allegations going on between arrested IFS officer Abhay K Pathak, his son Akash Pathak and their patronage, expelled BJD MLA from Ganjam’s Gopalpur, Dr Pradeep Panigrahy with ruling BJD and the State Government, the State Vigilance Directorate referred the matter related to the recovery of deposits of Rs 14.77 crore from the bank accounts of IFS Officer’s son, Akash to Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate for probe.
As per a statement issued by the State Vigilance, the case has been referred to Income Tax Department for investigation under Income Tax Act, 1961 and Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988. Suspecting money laundering activities in the bank accounts of Akash Pathak, the State Vigilance also sought a probe by Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
Cash deposits of Rs 9.48 crore and deposits by transfer/clearing of Rs 5.29 crore totaling Rs 14.77 crore were made in the three Bank accounts of Akash Kumar Pathak. As there were no income tax returns, the case is prima-facie indication of tax evasion. Also there is suspicion of benami transactions and properties, an official of Vigilance said.
Meanwhile, Abhay Kant Pathak and son Akash Kumar Pathak were taken on a three-day police remand for further questioning and interrogation after the Special Judge, Vigilance, Bhubaneswar granted the police remand.“Three Bank officials of the concerned private Banks where such huge deposits have been made are being examined by the SIT at Vigilance Cell Unit, Bhubaneswar,” the official added.
The anti-corruption agency had on Wednesday prayed before the Special Vigilance Court, Bhubaneswar for a three-day remand of Pathak, who has been arrested by the Vigilance for alleged possession of disproportionate assets worth several crores.
During the remand period, the investigators are likely to question him regarding the sources of the disproportionate assets and unearth the involvement of others in the offence.
