The Hindu : CBI widens probe into transfer scam

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 01, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

CBI widens probe into transfer scam

By K.T. Sangameswaran

CHENNAI MAY 31. With more information trickling of the Chennai-based chartered accountant, A. Krishnamurthy's contacts with income-tax officials, the CBI's Delhi unit has widened its scope of enquiry into the alleged ``transfer scam'', in which the personal assistant to the former Union Minister of State for Finance, Gingee Ramachandran has been arrested.

Records seized from the auditor's office and residence at T.Nagar here, indicate his friendship with income-tax officials not only in Chennai but also in other cities in Tamil Nadu. Hence the enquiry is likely to cover some more officials to find out whether they sought any illegal favours from him, particularly, during their transactions. Documents reveal that the chartered accountant had contacts with more than 15 ``very senior-level officers'', some of whom may be questioned depending on the records seized, sources told The Hindu.

No clue to source of money

However, no clues have been obtained to the source of the huge money seized — about Rs.69 lakhs in cash and cheques for Rs.85 lakhs — from the auditor's residence.

A copy of a transfer order was also seized. A couple of persons with whom enquiries were made, based on a statement by the auditor in Delhi, denied that they had anything to do with the money. But more leads are expected once the agency identifies the person(s), from whom the cash has been received.

Incriminating documents also were seized during the search of the auditor's residence and office on May 21. Computers and registers, which were seized during the searches for a second time on May 27, are being scanned.

The auditor has since been arrested on charges of conspiracy and under the Prevention of Corruption Act. R. Perumalsamy, aide to Mr. Ramachandran, his friend, S. Padmanabhan, and a Deputy Commissioner of Income-Tax, Anurag Vardhan, have also been arrested and remanded to custody.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

CMDA scheme shows up cracks

Challenges stare DMK council in the face

Naidu calls for single-day, simultaneous election

CBI widens probe into transfer scam

Wage reduction has saved plantation workers, says PAT

Move to fix fee for self-financing courses in engg. colleges

Water-starved ryots awaiting Govt.'s farm strategy

Nallakannu poser to DMK on BJP's violation of agenda

Panchayat chief gets independent powers, thanks to HC