IMA scam: Roshan on SIT radar, could be grilled

BENGALURU: Shivajinagar MLA R. Roshan Baig who was suspended for 'anti-party activities' on Tuesday amid the multi-crore IMA investment scam fallout is likely to be questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the scam running over Rs 2,000 crores.

Mr. Baig's name figured prominently in the audio clip purportedly by Mohammad Mansoor Khan, MD of IMA group, who accused him of harrasing him by sending goons to his office and his house after he asked the MLA to return Rs 400 crores.

While the SIT has approached the Home and External Affairs Ministries to issue Red Corner Notices against Mansoor Khan who is believed to be hiding in Dubai, the team has already seized gold, silver, diamonds and commercial complexes worth Rs.33 crores.

Apart from Mr. Baig's name figuring in the audio clip, Revenue Minister R.V. Deshpande had said Mr. Baig had introduced him to Mansoor Khan last month over a matter of clearance for a loan.

According to sources, Baig was also said to be close to Mansoor Khan until recently when the duo fell out. The SIT is now interrogating IMA's auditor Iqbal Khan about the transactions and investments by the firm and its MD.     

Mr. Baig had earlier vehemently denied taking money from Mansoor Khan but he has not spoken in public, since Mr. Deshpande himself went public that Mr Baig was the one who had introduced Mansoor to him for a NOC to get a loan.
A source in SIT said that the team was leaving no stone unturned in its Investigation and it will interrogate each and everyone whose name was associated with the scam.