FM rules out giving names of black money holders abroad

Kolkata, Feb 5 (PTI) Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjeetoday yet again ruled out disclosing names of those who havestashed away money in tax havens abroad.

He disclosed to the media that of the 18 names of secretaccount holders in a bank in Liechtenstein notices have beenissued to 17. One person was dead and so no no prosecutionwas possible, he said.

The Finance Minister was talking to reporters a day afterthe media put out details of a list of 18 names, including 15individuals and three foundations, holding accounts in aLichtenstein Bank.

Recalling his press conference in Delhi last week,Mukherjee said government was not not in a position todisclose the names it has got of those holding secret accountsabroad and these will be known once the matter comes up incourt.

"I had said in my earlier press conference as and whenthere will be prosecution and the matter will come to the opencourt then the names will be disclosed.

"But government suo motu cannot disclose the names.

These are their concealed income. We have given the noticesand prosecution will start very soon," he said.

Mukherjee said "of the 18 names we got we have alreadystarted prosecution. Notices have been issued in case of 17persons. One person is dead so no no prosecution could bemade."

The Finance Minister had at a press conference last weekruled out disclosing the names of account holders abroadciting absence of legal framework as a reason.