'Harassed' Virbhadra says attacks against him to destabilise his govt.

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), July 14: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Wednesday said that pressure being directed with regards to the money laundering case against him is 'personal' and an attempt to destabilise his government. "This pressure is personal and with the intention to harass me. This is an income tax related matter and that of a small amount and on the basis of this, the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax department have been conducting investigations which are in the court," he said. On Saturday, LIC agent Anand Chauhan was arrested in connection with the money laundering case against Virbhadra Singh by the Enforcement Directorate. Chauhan was arrested from Chandigarh under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as he was instrumental in investing Rs 5 crore in LIC polices in the name of the Chief Minister's family members, including his wife and children. The Patiala House Court sent Chauhan in judicial custody till 25th July. Brushing aside mounting pressure after the arrest of Chauhan, Singh told ANI that he has complete faith in the judiciary, and added the central government's intentions are not good. "There is a rule of law in the state. I did not conceal my money to avoid tax whatever I earned I did so by hard work. The (Central) government's intentions are not good. I have complete faith in the judiciary, and I will say that this is a conspiracy against me," he said. Last month, Singh was called for questioning at the CBI office. The agency has also attached assets worth about Rs 8 crores against Virbhadra earlier this year. On September 26 last, the CBI had searched the Chief Minister's residence and 10 other places in connection with the case. The CBI have also registered a case of disproportionate assets (DA) against the Chief Minister last year and raided his house 'Holly Lodge'. Charges against Singh relates to his term as union minister for steel in the Manmohan Singh government. It was alleged that Virbhadra and his family members had amassed wealth of Rs 6.1 crores from unknown sources of income during 2009-11. (ANI)