New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on October 9 claimed the searches at the residences of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and her relations showed possession of nearly 50 bank accounts in different names.

A curious look at a transaction of several lakhs of Rupees from three bank accounts of Mayawati's brother, Naresh Kumar, ultimately showed existence of nearly 50 bank accounts related to her family, CBI sources alleged.

They said the records showed that several lakhs of Rupees were siphoned off from the bank account of Naresh Kumar during the last one month, a period when the entire Taj heritage controversy was at its peak.

The sources did not divulge the amount that had been transacted from these bank accounts during one month.

Mayawati has already denied the allegations of the CBI.

CBI had also sought help of the Income Tax authorities in bringing out a clearer picture of the money transactions. Initial reports suggested that the kins, in whose name the bank accounts had been opened, had no source of income to acquire lakhs of Rupees.

The probe agency was also seeking the help of the Land Revenue Department to ascertain as to who had purchased a chain of houses at Inderpuri as preliminary investigations hinted that it was done by Mayawati.

Meanwhile, searches were also carried at the residence of former UP Environment Secretary R K Sharma, who was reported missing on October 8. The CBI had managed to trace his brother who accompanied the agency during searches at his residence, the sources said.

PTI