Zabardast” is Sonu Sood’s reply after we ask him how he’s doing, especially after the last two days that are extremely tough for him. it absolutely was recently revealed that his premises and house were raided by taxation department for alleged nonpayment. and each noble thing he did during the past one-and-a-half years during the pandemic, came under the scanner. Fingers were pointed at the unused amount of donations along with his charity foundation, and plenty of other things.
Here is that the man himself, seizing every allegation in an exclusive conversation with us. “It was coming, everyone knew that,” he exclaims, adding, “I always believe that after you try and do something which is different, you’re absolute to face difficulties. In fact, many percentages of my endorsements’ fees, I ask them to donate to my foundation so it will be stronger. the full isn’t what someone has given to us, lots of it’s my remuneration.”
Excerpts from the interview with the 48-year-old.
There were donations worth ₹18.94 crores collected, but only 1.9 crores was used. Why is that?
It was not lying unused; we use it every single day. the money is transferred to hospitals and academic institutes, and that we use it for saving lives. it’s been just four to 5 months we started collecting. If i used to be using the cash the way i’m getting cases, it won’t take even 18 hours to complete that money. (Whenever we get a case), we scrutinise, and confirm it goes to a real needy person. A blind girl who donated ₹15,000 from the pension she gets, those 18 crores have that quantity, same for what comes from the piggy banks of youngsters. I had to create sure every single penny was used wisely, and goes to the proper person. Every foundation takes time. i’ve got been trying to create a hospital, and met ministers in Telangana and other states, spoke to top hospitals across the country. My dreams are bigger in order that whether or not Sonu Sood isn’t there, we exist and also the help continues. People say I haven’t spent the money, but i’ve got not wasted it either.
There were foreign donations worth 2.1 crores which violated FCRA norms. What about that?
Sood Charity foundation doesn’t come under FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act). It takes three years for that. I can’t even get one penny from anywhere abroad into my foundation; there’s not even one rupee. That fund continues to be lying there with the crowdfunding platform. Violation happens when fund involves India, which hasn’t happened. So if someone needs help, we get all papers from the hospital, scrutinise them, send it to it platform and ask them to send that quantity. that cash goes directly from the platform to the hospital, or education. Where is that the violation? i’ve got not taken one penny.
IT officials have found bogus receipts with an infrastructure company of ₹65 crores too…
Not even worth ₹65… we’ve nothing to try to to with them. i do know them personally; there’s no way me or anyone needs to do with them. Anything that’s there, it’s an agreement, which has been given to the officials. I totally believe the system, they’re doing their job. i’ve got just one thing with them, i do know them, they’re great people, but there’s no business coping with them.
And what about the ₹175 cr circular dubious transaction of the infra company?
The same applies to the current. i’ve got nothing to try and do with their business, it’s one in all the most important infra companies within the country, I don’t know anything about them.I have not invested in their company, i’m not that rich! i’ve got no connection, their work is separate, so is mine. once you release both statements joined, most of the people won’t understand.
It has also been alleged that you just have unpaid revenue enhancement dues amounting to Rs. 20 crores. What’s the reality behind this?
I have given all agreements and papers to the officials. We aren’t alleged to speak about that since the method remains under investigation. But, regardless of the officials needed, we’ve given all of them. And in future too, whatever documents they have, i’ll provide. I totally respect the system of our country, i’m a law abiding citizen and that i will ensure anything that’ required from me, is provided even within the middle of the night.
Your recent meeting with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for becoming the brand ambassador for an initiative has given this complete episode a political angle. What does one need to say about that?
I have been a component of working towards education since past a few years. My mother, Saroj Sood gave education freed from cost. When Delhi government invited me to become the ambassador of Desh Ke Mentor, I said yes. It doesn’t really matter if it’s Delhi, Gujarat, Bihar or any government. If they call me, and as long as they’re bringing smiles to someone’s faces, i’ll be there regardless of the organization.
