Bollywood actress Preity Zinta received a loan remission of ₹1.55 crore from New India Co-operative Bank to settle an ₹18 crore loan, which had been classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA). This development surfaced during the investigation into a larger ₹122 crore scam involving the bank, currently being probed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police.
Background of the Loan
Preity Zinta had taken the ₹18 crore loan on January 7, 2011. To secure this loan, she mortgaged some of her properties, including a flat in Mumbai and a property in Shimla. These properties were collectively valued at ₹27.41 crore.
Initially, she was required to repay ₹11.40 crore to the bank by November 2012. However, due to a delay in repayment, her loan account was flagged as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA) on March 31, 2013. By then, the outstanding amount had increased to ₹11.47 crore.
Loan Settlement and Remission
To recover the loan, the bank offered a settlement to Preity Zinta by granting her a remission of ₹1.55 crore. After this adjustment, she repaid the remaining amount, and her loan account was fully settled on April 5, 2014.
Investigation into the Bank Scam
This loan remission came to light as part of a broader investigation into a ₹122 crore scam involving the New India Co-operative Bank. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has already arrested eight people in connection with the embezzlement case. Among those arrested is Hitesh Mehta, the former general manager and head of accounts at the bank, who was taken into custody on February 15.
Further Investigation Steps
The EOW is conducting in-depth investigations to trace the money trail and identify others who might be involved in the scam. As part of this effort, the police plan to conduct a brain mapping test on Hitesh Mehta at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Kalina, Mumbai. Earlier, he had also undergone a polygraph test.
Meanwhile, the police are still searching for two wanted suspects in the case – the bank’s former chairman, Hiren Bhanu, and his wife, Gauri Bhanu.
Conclusion
The case has not only drawn attention to the financial mismanagement at New India Co-operative Bank but also raised questions about loan settlements involving high-profile individuals like Preity Zinta. Investigations are ongoing, and further details may emerge as the probe continues.
