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VOICE OF ASIA Over 26 years of dedicated service to the community
FRIDAY, September 5, 2014
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ead and Learn About The History of Social Security Benefits on Page 15 Or Call: 713771-2900.
Vol. 27 No. 36 Friday, September 5, 2014 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 20 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com
IACCGH Distinguished Lecture Series with Secretary of State Nandita Berry
Hindu leader convicted on fraud and obstruction charges in US
Sentencing of Annamalai Annamalai, also known as Commander Selvam or Swamiji Sri Selvam Siddhar, is now scheduled on November 13. “This defendant traded on his perceived religious authority and spiritual powers to cheat the faithful who believed in him,” said US Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. “The jury saw through his deception, and he is being held accountable for his fraud,” he said. “Annamalai Annamalai clearly took advantage of his religious standing in the community as well as the individuals who respected and revered him,” stated Veronica F Hyman- Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation. “He used deceit and fraud, to circumvent the bankruptcy courts and to collect money for his own personal benefit,” the IRS official said. According to US Attorney, the indictment and other information presented in court, Annamalai, 49, generated income through the Hindu Temple of Georgia by charging fees to his followers in exchange for providing spiritual or related services. In a typical transaction, a follower
REACTION: In a statement by Vijay Pallod, PR Coordinator, Hindus of Greater Houston the following was expressed: ouston Hindus are pleased that Anamalai Anamalai, also known as Swami Selvam, who posed as a Hindu leader, has been convicted of 32 felony counts. Selvam also falsely advertised his “services” to Hindus who were suffering from health, financial, and/or family problems, taking their credit card information by phone and then charging them more than he had agreed and falsely documenting his “services” to credit card issuers when charges were disputed. Hindus of Greater Houston has played a part in educating potential victims about Selvam and helping some of his victims even as Hindus elsewhere the US remained indifferent. -Vijay Pallod Houston
Annamalai caused the followers’ credit card numbers to be charged on multiple occasions, in excess of the agreed amount and without authorisation. If the followers disputed the charges with their respective credit card companies, Annamalai submitted false documentation to the credit card companies in support of the unauthorized charges, which formed the basis for his conviction on bank fraud charges, the chargesheet alleged. The income generated by the temple through these credit card charges was used to fund the lifestyle of Annamalai and his family, who owned or controlled numerous homes and real properties, luxury vehicles, and bank accounts in India. Annamalai was convicted of willfully filing a false tax return for the 2007 year, for failing to disclose his financial interest in foreign bank accounts held in India.
Shell’s VP Fred Whipple seen presenting Ms. Berry with a plaque as IACCGH President Sanjay Ramabhadran looks on.
He was convicted of bankruptcy fraud offenses in connection with the temple’s petition for bankruptcy protection in August 2009. He was also convicted on three counts of obstruction and false statements in connection with the grand jury probe and the bankruptcy proceeding. (Courtesy: PTI)
he Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) facilitated a private meeting with the area heads of Chambers of Commerce, economic development agencies and organizations like ALF (American Leadership Forum) TiE and India House on 28th August at the Hess Club.
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The represented organizations had the opportunity to meet with Texas Secretary of State, Ms. Berry in an intimate setting and present an “elevator pitch” about their organization. Chambers present also included the Asian Chamber, British American Business Council, the East End Chamber, the Columbian Chamber and the Fort Bend Chamber. Since one of Ms. Berry’s responsibilities as
Secretary of State is to accelerate the economic engine of Texas, both sides appreciated the meeting. IACCGH President, Sanjay Ramabhadran welcomed the gathering and emphasized that the organizations in the room must continue to share our “best practices” and help each other continue to serve the community. Continued on Page 4
Sugar Land Mayor Pro Tem Harish Jajoo Elected as President of TML Region 14
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UGAR LAND - Sugar Land Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Member Harish Jajoo has been elected president of Texas Municipal League (TML) Region 14 for the incoming term, which includes cities and municipalities in 17 county region all the way from Houston county to Matagorda county including cities of Houston, Galveston and Sugar Land. As regional director of TML’s Region 14, the largest region in Texas, Jajoo will promote interest in municipal government on a regional level, facilitate the exchange of information among cities in the region, and assist the TML Board of Directors in formulating policy that represents the diverse interests of the state.
TML was formed in 1913 and now serves the needs and advocates the interests of more than 1,110 cities and towns comprising the membership. More than 18,000 mayors, councilmembers, city managers, city attorneys and city department heads are members of the League. The TML has 16 regions. “I am excited and honored to be elected to this key role within the Texas Municipal League and will focus my energy and attention on the range of needs and future direction for the Houston, Galveston and San Jacinto area region (Region 14),” said Jajoo, who also represents Sugar Land on Transportation Policy Council (TPC) on the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC).
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agreed to purchase a particular service for a communicated price, and provided a credit card number by telephone to guarantee payment.
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The Transportation Policy Council (TPC) provides policy guidance and overall coordination of the transportation planning activities within the region. Jajoo was elected to office in 2011, and currently serves as mayor pro-tem. He is vice-president of the Sugar Land Development Corporation and member of Economic Development Committee as well as on Council Task Force on Land Use. He is a member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land and supports many charitable organization. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas and certified flood plain manager. He and his wife, Shashi have two grown children, and have lived in Harish Jajoo Sugar Land since 1985.
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ASHINGTON: A Hindu leader, who headed the now defunct Hindu Temple of Georgia, has been convicted on 34 felony counts following two weeks of jury trial in the US.
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