The probe by the Central agencies investigating the Chinese link and recovery of foreign currency from exiled Tibetan leader 17th Karmapa’s Gyuto Tantric monastery has revealed that followers of the Tibetan spiritual leader have allegedly acquired 400 benami properties, worth several crores in Himachal Pradesh.
Agencies, which questioned the Karmapa on Saturday, have also found credible evidence revealing spiritual leader’s alleged plan to open “China-friendly cultural centres” in different parts of the country, especially in northern region.
“Officials of the Central agencies are trying to find out the reason behind Karmapa’s plan to open such centres across the country. His followers are also being questioned by the probe agencies in this regard”, sources said.
Initial probe by the agencies have revealed that Karmapa’s followers acquired more than 400 benami properties (especially land) in Himachal Pradesh. Some land has been allegedly purchased in the name of local farmers of Himachal Pradesh. The reasons behind such purchases are being ascertained, sources said.
“It’s very difficult for an outsider to acquire land in Himachal Pradesh. How Tibetan people managed to acquire land in the state is a matter of serious concern. The initial probe has revealed that majority of the Tibetan people, who have acquired land in the state, are Karmapa’s followers. What is the motive behind acquiring land in the state, is being probed”, sources said.
Sources further said, “The probe has also revealed that there were a very few selected privileged followers, who used to meet Karmapa at his monastery without any check. Agencies have already ascertained the identity of such privileged followers. Source of income of his certain followers is also being verified”, sources said. Agencies are reportedly questioning one of the hawala operators based in “Majnu Ka Tila” area of Delhi in this regard, sources said.
The Central agencies also have recovered some incriminating documents from the possession of Karmapa’s followers during recent searches. These documents are being verified, sources added.