Letters to the Editor: Pandora Papers

When even one-time food is the luxury of one-third of the world's population, the Pandora's box has opened of money-laundering cases by the politicians, businessmen, sportsmen and others from time to time as revealed in the Panama Papers, Paradise Papers and now the Pandora Papers. The Pandora Papers comprise almost 11.9 million leaked files exposing the secret wealth and dealings of world leaders, politicians and billionaires from 14 global corporate service firms which set up about 29,000 off-the-shelf companies and private trusts in not just obscure tax jurisdictions but also in countries such as Singapore, New Zealand, and the United States, for clients across the world. More than 600 journalists from 117 countries have looked at the hidden fortunes of some of the most powerful people on the planet. BBC Panorama, Washington Post, the Guardian, the Indian Express and few others have led the investigation. People are shocked to know that 7 trillion dollars of taxpayer's hard earned money has been siphoned offshore in 35 nations by their nationalist leaders! A terrorist can do damage but it's not as devastating like this one. In fact, these countries listed in this article as Panama, Dubai, Monaco, Switzerland and Cayman Island should be treated worse than the countries which harbour terrorists. Shame to these countries and their governments, those who used all this ill-gotten wealth which is used for the development of their respective nations!

Even in India, there are at least 380 persons in the Pandora Papers, among them are Anil Ambani (Rafael fame) who was declared as bankrupt in UK, and the other is Gautam Adani's brother. But the heart-breaking news for the cricket lovers is that their icon Sachin Tendulkar is also one of them in the Pandora Papers. Regardless of this, periodically such leaks lead to some flutter in the media. However with passage of time everything's forgotten (whether it's Panama papers or Paradise Papers), and it's business as usual.

Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee

1159/Sector 23 A

Faridabad 121005

NCB should not stop!

Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan can be said to be like 'Jaisi Khadan ( Mine) vaisi Mitti'. His mother -- Gauri -- was allegedly caught at the Berlin Airport for possessing marijuana. So the drug-related atmosphere was created right from home. It looks like that. There is confusion as there is no provision for severe punishment in such cases. After the action against Aryan, the public is also saying that he is now mature enough to come to Bollywood. Bollywood's relationship with drugs is notorious.

Shah Rukh Khan promotes an educational app (Baiju app). But what is his son doing? Didn't he pay attention to this? He used to tell stories of knowledge to people but he himself used to stay away from it. Such is the state of affairs. This can be said from the current situation. Shah Rukh Khan's argument with a security guard at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium caused a stir. He was then barred from entering the area for some time. NCB officer Wankhede is in action in the cruise case. Even if the last name is considered a mere coincidence, it is clear that Wankhede is playing a key role in punishing Khan. Why not say that? The country needs such people.

As the narcotics network is spread everywhere, the pace of action will have to be stepped up. The NCB has made an impression on the minds of the people by carrying out 'King Action' on others, including the son of a person who is considered 'King Khan' in Bollywood . Therefore, people are expecting that the NCB will continue to take such action. This department has a lot of work to do tirelessly.

The responsibility is huge. Just as the extremists fear the Indian soldiers, and so the drug traffickers and those who use them must fear the NCB. Such systems have a network of people who provide intelligence for their own department. The culprit is immediately released after receiving a tip-off about drugs. Therefore, there is intense anger and resentment even among the people. There is a public opinion that the drug addicts must also be brought to the book. But it continues as before. This means that the addict starts walking again with a stiff neck. That's exactly what people don't want.

Jayesh Rane

Mumbai