|
New Delhi: The mammoth
business empire of Baba Ramdev, its worth estimated at Rs.1,100
crore, is now under official scanner, informed sources said
Tuesday. An aide to the yoga guru called it hogwash.
Sources in the corporate affairs ministry said that companies and
trusts linked to Ramdev deal in ayurveda medicine, food,
cosmetics, construction, real estate, transport and packaging.
An official told IANS that while there was no specific charge
against these businesses, their income tax computation would be
done.
In the last five years, Ramdev is said to have built a huge
business empire of over 30 companies. His key aide, Acharya
Balakrishna, is said to hold the key to most of them.
Besides the income tax department, the Enforcement Directorate
will also examine these companies, the sources said.
The companies are affiliated to Ramdev's Patanjali Yogpeeth and
Divya Yog Mandir trusts.
These trusts in Hardwar, according to the sources, had a combined
turnover of some Rs.1,100 crore in 2009-10.
The broadcasting company that owns Aastha TV -- a religious
channel -- is also affiliated to the trusts.
Jaideep Arya, national co-coordinator of the Patanjali Yogapeeth,
said the government was simply attempting to divert attention from
the issues related to corruption that Ramdev had highlighted.
"It is hogwash. The government is doing such things to divert
people's attention. Now they can lay any blame (on him)," he said.
But official sources say they are serious.
Ramdev also reportedly owns an island off the coast of Scotland,
which can become taxable if the proposed direct tax code comes
into effect in India.
The latest development comes shortly after Ramdev's showdown with
the government, leading to the police evicting him and his
supporters from the heart of Delhi.
Ramdev has demanded death penalty for corrupt politicians and
officials and the seizure of black money stashed away abroad by
rich Indians.
|
Comments
|
Quick links