Bizman Mahesh Shah allowed to go after questioning, may be called later

AHMEDABAD: City-based property dealer Mahesh Shah, who made a sensational claim that he was used as a front to declare Rs 13,860 crore under the Income Declaration Scheme (IDS), was allowed to go home this morning after night-long interrogation by senior I-T personnel.

Officials said the process of recording his starement is likley to continue tomorrow even as city police deployed two guards outside his residence apprehending security threat.

"Shah's statement has been recorded partially. During the interrogation, he was provided adequate rest looking at his medical condition. As per his request, the process of recording his statement temporarily concluded today morning," said Director of Investigations in I-T department P C Mody.

Shah shot into limelight after he declared Rs 13,860 crore under the IDS, which closed on September 30. He was picked up from the office of a regional channel for questioning yesterday.

"The process of recording his statement will resume, may be tomorrow. He has just replied to our questions related to the search (at his residence). He has left for home. I can not reveal any further details as investigations are in progress," Mody added.

Shah, who went missing after I-T department searched his residence a few days back, appeared in the studio of a local news channel yesterday for an interview. Later, he was taken away by I-T officials from there.

During the interview, Shah claimed he made the declaration out of compulsion and for commission.

"The amount of Rs 13,860 crore I declared under IDS was not mine, will tell the names of those behind it before Income Tax officials.... I will disclose everything soon. I have committed a mistake but I will reveal everything soon," Shah said yesterday.

Meanwhile, apprehending possible threat to his life, city police deployed two guards outside his residence in Satellite area.

"As per the instructions we have received from senior officials, we have deployed two guards outside his residence for protection of Shah and his family," said Satellite police inspector M U Mashi.

Commenting on the issue, Gujarat Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja stated that truth will eventually come out.

"I am confident that truth will come out during the investigation by I-T department," said Jadeja.