LONDON: Amitabh Bachchan, brother of famous Indian cine star and former M.P. Amitabh Bachchan, has instituted proceeding for libel in the London high court against the Swedish newspaper, “Dagens Myheter’” for publishing a report connecting him with the Bofors gun deal, PTI reports.

“This is the only way to clear my name in respect of the false allegations based on unwarranted suspicion which have appeared against me in some newspapers,” Bachchan told a group of Indian journalists here last evening.

Bachchan, in a press statement issued here through his solicitors Zaiwalla and co on February 2, had denied allegations which had appeared in the Swedish and Indian Press connect in him or his family with the Bofors gun deal and said he would institute legal action in this connection.

He said proceedings for libel have also been instituted against a New York based news service for reproducing the ““Dagens Nyheter’s”’ report.

Proceedings against other newspapers will also be issued, if necessary, Bachchan said without identifying any particular newspaper. “*We are considering,” he said when asked whether he would proceed against any Indian paper. Bachchan was accompanied by his solicitors in his meeting with the press during which he replied to questions relating to his “business visa” and property in Switzerland and his pharmaceutical company in India. He denied any business links with the Hindujas.

Bachchan, in a written statement issued on his behalf by his solicitors, said the London High Court was now seized of the matter and it is open for the newspaper to produce whatever evidence it has to the court to justify its allegation.

“It is open for anyone including the Indian government, if they have hard evidence of the Bachchan family’s involvement to have it placed before the High Court which will independently and fairly judge these allegations on merits,” Mr. Bachchan said.

Bachchan said, he was the only person who has instituted court proceedings to have the question of his alleged involvement in the Bofors deal determined by a court of justice.

He welcomed the enquiries in Switzerland, Mr. Bachchan said.

Article extracted from this publication >> March 9, 1990