I have been busy attending to 'guests’: Sonu Sood on tax evasion allegations following raid
Following allegations of tax evasion by the Indian central board of taxes against Sonu Sood, which claimed that the actor had “unaccounted income in the form of bogus unsecured loans from many bogus entities” totalling a massive INR 20 crore, the actor took to his social media to offer a statement on the matter.
Posting a note to Instagram, Sood wrote about how he does not feel like he needs to clarify the matter, stating that all of the funds directed to his foundation are given to charity. The actor asserted in the note, “You don’t always have to tell your side of the story, time will. I have pledged myself to the service of the people of India with all my strength and heart.”
He continued, emphasising that all the money given to him is put to good use. “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.”
Addressing the recent surveys of his properties and residence by the Indian income tax department, he wrote, “I have been busy attending to a few guests, hence was unable to be at your service for the past few days. Here I am back again, in all humility, at your humble service for life. My journey continues.”
Following the raid by the income tax department, it was alleged by authorities that incriminating evidence against Sood had been found, according to Times of India. The policy-making body for the tax department said in a statement, “They [Sood] have accepted to having issued cheques in lieu of cash. There have been instances where professional receipts have been camouflaged as loans in the books of accounts for the purpose of evasion of tax.”
On the topic of charity funds, the statement said there was a large amount of money still unaccounted for. “The charity foundation incorporated by the actor on July 21 2020 has collected donations to the tune of INR 18.94 crore from April 1 2021 till date, out of which it has spent around INR 1.9 crore towards various relief work and the balance of INR 17 crore has been found lying unutilised in the bank account of the foundation till date,” it said.