Ponzi scam: In video, IMA Khan says health failing, will return to Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Mohammed Mansoor Khan, the mastermind of the Rs 1,500-crore IMA scam, in a new video released on Monday announced he would return to Bengaluru for treatment because his health had deteriorated and he could not afford treatment in Dubai.
In the seven-minute video, which went viral by Monday afternoon, Khan said he had booked air tickets to India and would return within 24 hours.He asked police and the judiciary to help him recover money that politicians and antisocial elements had extorted from him.
This is the second video that Khan has released since he fled last month. In the previous video, released on June 23, he stated: "I wanted to fly back to Bengaluru on June 16 but could not get a ticket. I shall repay all investments."
The SIT probing the Ponzi scheme did not comment on the veracity of Khan's latest claims, but investors and others tracking developments in the case were hopeful that he would return to Bengaluru by Tuesday.
In Monday's video, Khan categorically stated that he fled the country under pressure from a few politicians and antisocial elements.
"I have been trying to return to the country for quite some time," he said. "But my health has not been good, my cardiac and diabetic issues have gone out of control and I have been on bed rest for the last month. My palpitations have reduced now, so I am doing the video."
Khan said he had three blocks in his heart (each of more than 80%) and his blood sugar count remained above 600. "I require to get operated upon at the earliest but I could not afford medical expenditure here. I have decided to return."
Had to leave country due to pressure, says founder
My biggest mistake was to leave the country. But I had to due to pressure,” Khan said. “I will repay investors with the help of judiciary. I have prepared a list of movable and immovable properties that
will help settle the issue,” he added. Khan asked the courts to intervene so he could liquidate his assets and sell them. “The judiciary should help in getting back the money extorted from me,” he said.
Addressing IMA investors, Khan asked them to be patient. “Don’t curse or abuse me,” he said. “Remember that I am coming back only [because of] the concern I have for you. I need your support. I don’t have an advocate. After returning your money, I am ready to die peacefully,” Khan said in the video, before breaking down.
Scam figures in Lok Sabha
The Union ministry of corporate affairs announced in the Lok Sabha that a probe was under way in the IMA scam.
Replying to a question raised by BJP MP Shivakumar C Udasi, minister of state for finance Anurag Singh Thakur said the Enforcement Directorate has registered a case against IMA under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The ministry of corporate affairs will look into a complaint against IMAIP Bullion and Trading for alleged violations of limited liability partnership rules, he said. The Registrar of Companies has prepared a report on how the company collected money from the public by inducting them as partners in the LLP, Udasi said.
The Serious Fraud Investigation Office will now begin investigations, sources said.