Srijan scam: I-T department raids Sushil Modi's sister's house
On Thursday, the Income Tax Department started search operations at eight places in Bihar, including the house of Bihar deputy CM Sushil Modi's cousin, in connection with the Rs. 880cr Srijan scam. According to sources, the I-T department decided to raid Rekha Modi's house after her name surfaced in the ongoing investigation. Interestingly, Modi has denied any connection to Rekha. Here's more.
Throwback: What is the Srijan scam?
The Srijan scam involves allegations that NGO Srijan Mahila Vikas Sahyog Samiti Limited pilfered government funds earmarked for welfare schemes from the Bhagalpur district administration, in connivance with various district officials, bankers, and Srijan staff. It's alleged that Srijan, which used to provide vocational training to women in the Bhagalpur district, siphoned these funds between 2004 and 2014.
Where Rekha Modi features in the scam
Rekha Modi, a social activist, also has allegations against her in relation to the scam. She is allegedly one of the beneficiaries of the fraudulent transfers that were made to the NGO's account(s) between 2007-2017. Additionally, investigations also revealed that Rekha had bought diamond jewellery worth Rs. 14cr from a jeweller using Srijan funds, and had distributed the same to bureaucrats and politicians.
RJD had alleged that Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi were beneficiaries
Earlier, former Bihar deputy CM and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav had given a bank statement of Srijan, claiming that it was proof that Rekha, and Sushil Modi's niece, Urvashi, had received crores of money from the Srijan Scam. Yadav had also alleged that both Sushil Modi, and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar were direct beneficiaries of the multi-crore scam.
But, Sushil Modi had denied any connection to Rekha
Reacting to Yadav's allegations, Sushil Modi had denied all links to Rekha. "I have no connection whatsoever with Rekha Modi and the talk of her being related to me has no basis," Modi had told media.
