Earlier, Sonu Sood had taken to social media to react to the controversy. "You don't always have to tell your side of the story," he had written.
Days after the Income Tax Department swooped down on Sonu Sood and his business associates, the Bollywood actor came out with a reaction in Mumbai on Tuesday. The actor spoke to the media and gave answers to several questions asked in relation to the recent I-T raids on his properties.
While speaking to the media, Sonu Sood said, "Everything is under process and it's for all to see. We have given all the details to everyone. I will personally speak to you all about it. The reason why I came here today is for these people who have been stationed outside my home for the last 4-5 days. This is important. Rest, they (I-T officers) will do their work and we ours."
On being asked if the raids are politically motivated referring to Arvind Kejriwal's remarks that since he (Sonu Sood) became Delhi Government's brand ambassador for its 'Desh Ka Mentor' initiative that is why BJP was targeting him, Sonu Sood said, "I am a brand ambassador for everyone. You call me to Rajasthan, Punjab or Gujarat, I'm a brand ambassador for all. I just want to help students. I have been working towards providing education to kids for the last several years and continue to do so. We don't just give education to kids in Delhi, but nationwide. Any government that calls me to help the students, I'm there for them. I'll make sure I'm there."
Further talking to the media, on being asked about the large sum of money being donated to the Sonu Sood Foundation and the little amount being spent which has come under the radar of the I-T officials, Sonu Sood said, "I wasn't supposed to speak. But I'll tell u a simple thing. In my own foundation, the maximum money that has been donated is from my own endorsements. Second, no foundation can spend money overnight, it takes time. When someone donates even Rs 1 out of his hard-earned money, it is our responsibility to use it appropriately. In every foundation, the expenditure requires time and it is done when the need arises. I wish to open a hospital. Sonu Sood rahe na rahe koi farak nahi padta, kaam raise hi chalte rehna chahiye (Whether am alive or not, work must go on). That's the vision I have. I want to touch the lives of as many people."
Watch the video here:
Earlier, Sonu Sood had taken to social media to react to the ongoing controversy. "You don't always have to tell your side of the story. Time will," he said, starting philosophically and ending poetically, with a dash of patriotism.
In a tangential reference to the Sood Charity Foundation being targeted by the IT Department, he declared: "Every rupee in my foundation is awaiting its turn to save a precious life and reach the needy. ... In addition, on many occasions, I have encouraged brands to donate my endorsement fees for humanitarian causes too, which keeps us going."
Explaining his silence over the past days as IT sleuths conducted searches in at least 28 premises belonging to Sood and his business associates all over India, sniffing for evidence of tax evasion, the actor said: "I have been busy attending to a few guests hence was unable to be at your service for the last four days. Here I am back again in all humility. At your humble service, for life."
Giving a poetic twist to his predicament, he added, "Kar Bhalaa, Ho Bhalaa, Antt Bhale Ka Bhalaa (be good, do good, the end is always good for those who are good). My journey continues. Jai Hind."
Sood's reaction came after the IT Department pointed the needle of suspicion - without naming him - at alleged tax evasion of around Rs 20 crore by him and other questionable deals with his business partners pegged at another Rs 240 crore.
In an unusual official statement, the department's list of questionable actions on the part of the actor mentioned unutilised funds in the Sood Charity Foundation, fake contracts and circular transactions with his business partners-companies, diversion of funds through 'bogus accommodation entries' to evade taxes, and re-routing them back for making financial investments or buying property.
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