Varun resorts to RTI to get info on MPs' Swiss accounts

BJP MP Varun Gandhi on Friday sought names of Members of Parliament and others who have allegedly stashed black money in the accounts of HSBC, Geneva, the details of which have recently been shared with the Finance Ministry.

BJP MP Varun Gandhi on Friday sought names of Members of Parliament and others who have allegedly stashed black money in the accounts of HSBC, Geneva, the details of which have recently been shared with the Finance Ministry.

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The young MP from Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh has shot off a six-point RTI application seeking names of Indians who have allegedly deposited their money in the bank, the action taken by the Central Board of Direct Taxes against them and related details in this regard.

In his application, he wanted to know from the Finance Ministry the list of persons who have deposited more than 50 crore in the HSBC, Geneva and people who have been questioned or surveyed in this regard.

The MP also wanted to know if the Income Tax department has made any recovery from the account holders of HSBC, Geneva.

Varun said he had decided to seek a reply through RTI because the government was indulging in obfuscation by taking cover under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with Switzerland.

Varun said he would approach the court if the government fails to give him necessary information.