New Delhi . The residential property of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s family in Switzerland is once again at the center of political debate. The property is registered in the name of his wife and former diplomat Lakshmi M. Puri, and was purchased in 2006. This information is not only available in public documents but also in his affidavit filed during Rajya Sabha nomination. In the affidavit, the year of purchase of this flat as family property is clearly mentioned as 2006, which makes it clear that its information was already available in the public domain.
Political allegations regarding this property have been coming to the fore from time to time. Some media reports and opposition leaders raised questions about whether the purchase was commensurate with income and what was the source of funds for it. Responding to these allegations, Lakshmi Puri and her legal team clarified that the property was purchased from the tax-free salary, bank loans and family resources received during her tenure at the UN.
The latest controversy emerged after some reports claimed that the property is located about ten minutes away from the bungalow of notorious American criminal Jeffrey Epstein. Although this has no direct relation with property purchase, questions are also being raised regarding this distance in political rhetoric. Opposition party Congress claims that the Puri family has been in contact with Epstein for a long time. He has mentioned some meetings. Now amidst allegations and counter-allegations, this issue has once again become a topic of discussion in national politics, where questions like transparency, ethics of public life and disclosure of foreign assets are at the centre.
The issue of Epstein file has now become worldwide. More than 2 dozen leaders and officials of many countries have had to leave their posts. Hardeep Puri has held the Petroleum Ministry for a long time. India is the largest importer of crude oil. Due to which Hardeep Puri’s family is on the target of the opposition regarding Puri’s property and black money abroad. Difficulties may increase for Puri in the coming days.
Debate erupts again on foreign assets of Union Minister Hardeep Puri’s family
