“All economic offenders who fled the country with a huge amount of money will be brought back through the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill,” said Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday.
At the centenary year celebrations of Northern Railway Multi-State Cooperative Bank Limited in Lucknow, Rajnath Singh asserted that the “hard-earned money of the citizens” which the fraudsters took with them will be brought back and their properties will be confiscated.
“We have already passed the Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance for those who fled the country. I assure you that those who have fled the country with your hard-earned money will be brought back and their properties will be confiscated,” the HM said.
“Nationalisation of banks was brought by late prime minister Indira Gandhi. I think more than nationalisation, it should be simplification of banks,” he added. Rajnath Singh also termed transaction in banks as the lubricant of economy which keeps it moving.
Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of the programme, Rajnath Singh said, “Congress is bereft of any issue in the interest of the people and is, therefore, raising insignificant issues.”
To a question on Congress’ protest outside CBI offices, he said, “The matter on which the Congress is protesting is under inquiry. They should at least wait for the inquiry report. The matter is with the Supreme Court.” “Congress leaders have never come on the streets over any issue connected with people’s welfare,” he concluded.
It is to be noted that Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance was passed by the Parliament in July during the monsoon session. The bill empowers authorities to attach and confiscate properties and assets of economic offenders.
The law was made months after high-profile economic offenders including Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and liquor baron Vijay Mallya. While Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi are under the scanner over Rs. 13,000 crore PNB scam, Mallya allegedly defrauded banks and defaulted loans worth Rs 9,000 crore approximately.
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