Amitabh breaks silence on Panama Papers
Amitabh Bachchan.
Panama Papers, a list of over 11.5 million leaked documents from a Panama based law firm, recently brought to light several offshore dealings of the world’s rich and famous. Names of several influential Indians also appeared in the list.
Among them was Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. According to the leaked documents, Senior Bachchan was listed as the appointed director of four shipping companies registered in tax havens. The companies were setup over two decades ago.
After news of Amitabh’s alleged involvement came to light, the internet was abuzz with discussions and debates pertaining to the controversial Panama Papers. But Bachchan put the discussions to rest by issuing a statement to clarify his stance. His statement read, “I do not know any of the companies referred to by Indian Express – Sea Bulk Shipping Company Ltd, Lady Shipping Ltd, Treasure Shipping Ltd, and Tramp Shipping Ltd. I have never been a director of any of the above stated companies. It is possible that my name has been misused. I have paid all my taxes including on monies spent by me overseas. Monies that I have remitted overseas have been in compliance with law, including remittances through LRS, after paying Indian taxes. In any event the news report in Indian Express does not even suggest any illegality on my part.”
The list also included his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. However, Senior Bachchan refrained from commenting on her behalf. Aishwarya’s lawyers have issued a separate statement denying her involvement in any illegal offshore transactions.
