(CNN-IBN
May 06, 2007)
Southern seer turns dirty money holy, says no sin
MONEY BABA: Guruvayur Surya Nambudiri Swami is famous for his prophecies in South India.
CNN-IBN Investigations
New Delhi: The third Godman exposed in the Cobrapost and CNN-IBN investigation was Guruvayur Surya Nambudiri, who is famous for making prophecies.
But as it happened the man who claims that he can predict what the tomorrow holds, could not get over his love for money. And to make more money, he is even willing to convert black money into white.
When he said the Shankracharya would go to jail, he did. Guruvayur Surya Nambudiri Swami is known for his prophecies, and for his huge following in South India.
But the Swami is also an expert in money laundering. Cobrapost and CNN-IBN investigators posing as corporate agents wanting to convert their black money approached Swamiji through his henchman.
Swami's aide: Guruji wants to know what his share is. For instance, if you give Rs 1 lakh in black to the Trust, how much would be returned, and what percentage do you expect?
CNN-IBN: Swamiji may decide according to prevalent rates.
The Swami was told Rs 10 crore of black money had to be converted into white money. Tough negotiations followed.
Swami's aide: Guruji says that his ashram has a clean reputation for the last 25 years. If someone were to find out about our work, we would have to pay tax.
CNN-IBN: What do you want?
Swamiji: 25 per cent.
Swami's aide: At least 25 per cent.
CNN-IBN: Let us also make some profit out of this.
Swami's aide: You asked for 10 per cent, Swamiji put it at 25.
CNN-IBN: Let's close the deal at 15 per cent.
Swami's aide: 20 is final.
CNN-IBN: We are also agreed at 20 per cent.
Swami's aide: Is 20 fine?
Swami: Done.
CNN-IBN: We are supposed to pay the amount in black on behalf of the company.
Swami's aide: But you'll have to make the payment in Chennai.
Payments in Chennai and in hard cash so that the Swami can stash away his own black income and evade taxes.
Swami's aide: Ensure payment in Rs 1000 rupee notes.
CNN-IBN: That won't be a problem.
Swami's aide: When do you want to convert the money?
CNN-IBN: Within 15 days.
Swami's aide: If you want a cheque, then you will have to wait for at least a month.
The transaction would take a month, we were told. As the Swami-and his aide duo would need time to arrange fake bills and receipts.
Swami's aide: Swamiji says that if you give Rs 10 crore then after a month.
CNN-IBN: You will return Rs 8 crore by cheque.
Swami's aide: We will return it by cheque so that we may get time to circulate the funds to avoid taxes. We will return Rs 8 crore to you. Inform us of the next deal.
Not just the Income Tax department but even thousands of his followers should ask their Swami - what he does in the name of God.
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