The PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court has denied the request of Kirti Verma, a former GST officer turned actress, to travel abroad. The court expressed concerns that her travel might lead to the disposal of proceeds of crime linked to the Rs 263 crore TDS refund scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Tanaji Mandal Adhikari, the main accused in the TDS refund scam, along with others, manipulated the system to generate substantial TDS refunds. The illicit funds were then channelled into different bank accounts, including M/s SB Enterprises, owned by Bhushan Anant Patil, a significant beneficiary. According to the ED, Kirti Verma, the former Income Tax inspector turned actress, has connections with Bhushan Anant Patil.
Moreover, the actress had filed a plea in court, seeking permission to travel to Dubai from January 25-31 for professional purposes in the film industry. However, the prosecution opposed the plea, citing Tanaji's confession that Rajesh Mathani was in contact with Shaikh Al Mulla of Dubai. The ED claimed that the proceeds of crime were funnelled into shell companies and invested in Dubai firms through hawala channels, indicating a risk that Verma might divert the money trail. As a result, the PMLA court rejected her plea, expressing concerns about the possibility of her disposing of the proceeds of crime.
The Enforcement Directorate highlighted that Verma had previously been instructed to inform the investigation officer upon her return to India. However, she travelled to Pattaya, Thailand, and Nepal without informing the police, raising concerns about her compliance with court directions. The court acknowledged this behaviour, stating that the ED's apprehensions were justified. The court expressed that allowing such conduct would be tantamount to the misuse of the court process for potentially illegal activities in Dubai. As a result, Verma's plea to travel abroad was rejected.
Kirti Verma has been a part of Bigg Boss season 12 and MTV roadies.
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