I-T dept attaches properties; freezes accounts of IAS couple

Bhopal, Feb 4 (PTI) The Income Tax Department hasattached properties and frozen 77 bank accounts of suspendedMadhya Pradesh IAS couple Arvind and Tinu Joshi.

The action against the duo was taken under Section 281-Bof the Income Tax Act, 1961, meant to ensure that the taintedofficers cannot dispose off their properties or operate bankaccounts till completion of probe by various investigatingagencies, I-T department sources said.

A raid at the couple''s residence in February last yearhad yielded Rs three crore in cash following which they weresuspended. Documents relating to investments have showed theirworth at a whopping Rs 360 crore.

The Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta is probing the couple underthe Prevention of Corruption Act while the EnforcementDirectorate is investigating a case under the Prevention ofMoney Laundering Act (PMLA)- 2002.

Both Arvind and Tinu, who are 1979-batch IAS Officers ofthe Madhya Pradesh cadre, have held important positions in theCentre since the late 80s.

Tinu served as Deputy Secretary in the PMO from July 1,1988 to January 1, 1990 while Arvind was Joint Secretary inthe Defence Ministry during the 1999 Kargil hostilities. PTIAS DK