I'm a law-abiding citizen, says Amitabh Bachchan on name in Panama Papers

As the world reels from revelations of the Panama Papers, that exposes how public figures across the world hid illegal assets in off-shore accounts and companies, Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan is sticking to his gun and denying his involvement in the scam.

In a statement released on Saturday, Amitabh denied being a director on the board of the four companies mentioned in the list. He also says he has responded to all queries and notices sent to him over the past few days and insists that he is ‘a law abiding citizen’.

Also read: ‘Paid tax, possible my name misused,’ reacts Bachchan to Panama Papers

Referring to story that broke in The Indian Express, he said in a statement here: "I wish to state that the article... with regards to me is a matter that has been under investigation for the past 6-7 years by the Income Tax and Enforcement Departments."

"I have diligently responded to all queries and notices sent by them. I am a law-abiding citizen of the country," he added.

Also read: Experts weigh how Panama Papers could affect Big B's brand image

Big B today denied being part of any company in tax-haven Panama.

"I wish to reiterate that on the Panama Papers reportage... I have not been a director on the Board of the 4 Companies as mentioned in an earlier report," he said.

"I am happy that the GOI has instituted a thorough investigation on this issue, for, I myself am keen to know how my name appears in connection with those 4 Companies," the 73-year-old actor said.

The Congress had on Thursday demanded that Bachchan be removed as Maharashtra's ambassador for the 'Save Tiger' project and as advisor for the development of Bandra Kurla Ccomplex's International Financial Centre after his name surfaced in the Panama Papers.

Also Read: Cong wants ouster of Amitabh from 'Save Tiger Project'

"I have been reading demands for my removal from the Brand Ambassadorship of the Maharashtra Tiger Preservation campaign. This is the prerogative of the Government of Maharashtra, which I shall humbly respect," Bachchan said.

"I wish to state that whatever the decision, I shall continue to work towards the social causes that I am associated with -- tiger preservation, polio, Swachh Bharat, TB, Hepatitis B, diabetes, family planning, in my individual personal capacity," he added.