Mumbai, Oct 19 (Mid Day): Thanks to the amiability of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), singer Adnan Sami would be able to enjoy India’s hospitality for another three months. The Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin had moved an application before the ministry -- following the expiry of his visa on October 6 -- which was granted on Thursday.

However, Sami’s woes are far from over, as the service tax department yesterday booked him on charges of evasion. Sami is accused of performing 15 shows in India and not paying service tax since July 2012. The department has also issued summons, asking him to be present before it on Monday.

Confirming the developments, deputy commissioner (service tax) Sameer Wankhede said, “We have registered a case against Sami, and have also issued summons to him.” He, however, refused to divulge any further details.

On October 15, a team of service tax officials -- under orders from service tax commissioner R Sekar -- visited Sami’s residence and collected documents. The papers substantiated that the singer had given 15 performances in India since July 2012, but had not paid the service tax for them. When officials questioned him about this, Sami reportedly replied that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had frozen his bank accounts, so he was not in a position to produce the money.

Sources said service tax department functionaries are not satisfied with his response. After inspecting his documents, officials found that Sami has a contract with Delhi-based event management company Catalyst, and receives payment through the firm. Subsequent to further investigations on Monday, the taxmen will decide the amount the singer is expected to shell out.

The other side
“There is no accusation or allegation of tax evasion. I have only received summons to appear and provide certain documents. I am doing so as I have always been a taxpayer and law abiding citizen. I would be happy to provide any documents necessary to assist the department,” Adnan Sami told MiD DAY.

On the tab
In a mere three months, service tax department has uncovered 16 cases of tax evasion by film personalities, owing a total of Rs 21.8 crore. Sami is one of them. Here are some of the others: