News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (April 4, 2026 - April 10, 2026) April 10, 2026 10 Community Defendant grew business catering to tech workers, primarily those originally from India A 65-year-old Bellevue, Washington tax preparer Thanjavur Manavalan, was convicted in the 3rd week of March, on three counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns. Manavalan, the owner and operator of Mano Account- ing Services, was convicted following an eight-day jury trial. Manavalan’s tax preparation business attracted clients who worked in the tech field, many of whom were originally from India, and they testified that they trusted Manavalan to compute and file their taxes correctly. Jurors deliberated for about two days before reaching the guilty verdicts. U.S. District Judge Lauren King sched- uled sentencing for July 15, 2026. Manavalan has owned and operated Mano Accounting Services since 2004. Aiding and assisting with the prepa- ration and presentation of a false tax return is punish- able by up to three years in prison, the March 30, press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington. According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Manavalan falsified a variety of items on clients’ tax returns, including charitable contributions, proceeds and initial price (basis) of investments sold, business losses, rental income, and private loans, prosecutors proved. In her closing argument, Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein told the jury that the items Manavalan added to the tax returns “were not typos, they were complete inventions… (For three clients) these businesses did not exist. Manavalan made up businesses with substantial losses in order to deduct the losses on tax returns.” Prosecutors noted that Manavalan’s tax prep business filed thousands of returns and grew substantially over the course of the fraud scheme. By saving his clients money on their taxes, Manavalan developed a reputation that helped build his business. That business growth meant he earned more money, prosecutors contended. The trial detailed 12 different tax returns for tax years 2018-2020 with false and fraudulent information. The jury convicted on three of the twelve counts, acquitted on one count and was unable to reach a verdict on eight of the counts. The total tax loss to the U.S. Treasury from the 12 counts is estimated to exceed $420,000. Manavalan’s attorneys attempted to place the blame on the taxpayers who used Manavalan for their tax prepa- ration, saying they were the ones who provided informa- tion to the tax preparer. Assistant United States Attorney David T. Martin countered that, if that were true, “Manav- alan found an extremely dishonest group of clients.” The reality was that “Manavalan took a kernel of truth and made it into a lie on the tax return.” Tax Preparer Convicted For Filing False Tax Returns Affecting Tech Workers Primarily From India By a StaffWriter California-Based Women’s Support Group Maitri’s 35th Anniversary Gala Raises Over $1Million O n Saturday, March 28, 2026, Mai- tri brought together supporters at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Palo Alto, t o celebrate at its 35th an- niversary gala. The gathering raised more than $1million, a press release from the orga- nization said. Describing the attendees as “a powerful assembly of community allies, leaders, and dedicated supporters” who opened their wallets to reinforce and grow critical resources for survivors of domestic violence, “while driving forward a strong vision for preven- tion,” Mairi said the “funds go beyond immediate safety, empowering survi- vors to rebuild their lives, reclaim their strength, and envision a safe future.” The evening’s musical highlight was a performance by award-winning singer and Bollywood’s rising star Abby V. The program also featured an opera performed by a local classically trained vocal- ist/opera singer Avantika, whose two arias aimed at underlining the resilience of survivors. A Maitri film brought to life the challenges faced by survivors and the impact of domestic vio- lence on children, in an attempt to deepen the audience’s under- standing and commitment. Maitri showcased some high- lights of its accomplishments through displays and silent and live auctions, brought in added support from the sale of an array of exclusive items generously donated by its supporters. Maitri’s Board President Sameer Ladiwala, spoke about why the work Maitri does was so critical, saying “These are not abstract programs. These are lifelines. These are the services that help a survivor move from fear to safety, from uncertainty to stability, from isolation to the beginning of a new life.” Rama Dharmarajan, Maitri’s Ex- ecutive Director talked about Maitri’s journey from a single kitchen phone line in 1991 to where the organization was today. “Today, we are a trusted community- rooted, culturally responsive institution standing with survivors of domestic violence. This transformation is a direct result of our tireless team, network of collaborators, and the heart of this com- munity,” Dharmarjan said. Gala Co-Chair Aarti Johri said, “I am extremely touched by the outpouring of support from the community. This is a milestone anniversary and the number of longtime supporters as well as the large number of first timers here this evening, encourages me and leads me to believe that the cause is both recognized and the com- munity believes in Maitri’s ability.” Special Recognition was given to the staff, board, and volunteers as well as Maitri’s founders and other key persons who made significant contributions in Maitri’s 35-year journey. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:MANJUNATH IYENGAR,COURTESY MAITRI Maitri’s Executive Board. Performer Abby V. Maitri Board President and Executive Director.