Simultaneous action taken in Srinagar, Delhi, Mumbai
Cash seized, lockers attached
JAMMU, Oct 2:
The Income Tax Department today carried out raids at about two dozen business establishments of a Kashmir-based handicrafts dealer in Srinagar, Delhi and Mumbai and seized several incriminating documents and cash.
Sources told EXCELSIOR that on the basis of credible information regarding concealment of income and evasion of Income Tax, sleuths of the department simultaneously conducted raids on the business establishments of Khazir Group in Srinagar, Delhi and Mumbai.
In Srinagar, over one dozen establishments, including the residence of leading handicrafts dealer, were searched throughout the day. Similar raids were also carried out at the group’s establishments in Delhi and Mumbai.
“From most of the establishments, the Income Tax sleuths impounded incriminating documents and digital evidences, the detailed scrutiny of which will be conducted in the coming days to ascertain the exact quantum of tax concealment and evasion and violation of financial laws,” sources said, adding that the operations, which began early in the morning with the assistance of police, continued till late this evening.
As per the sources, cash has been seized, multiple lockers have been attached and in addition to investments in local properties foreign assets have also been found. The evidences of unexplained investment in properties in Dubai worth tens of crores have also been unearthed in the raids.
It is pertinent to mention here that the business group also runs multiple hotels in Kashmir including the well known Sarovar Portico Hotel.
They further said, “the raids were part of the ongoing investigation of the Income Tax Department into the alleged financial irregularities.” They added, “the department, through different means like awareness programmes, continuously impresses upon businessmen to be transparent in financial transactions and avoid attempts to conceal income and subsequently evade tax”.
However, the latest raids, based on credible information, have clearly established that certain businessmen are still indulging in tax evasion. “It is almost impossible to dodge the Income Tax Department as adequate vigil is being maintained to thwart attempts to evade tax,” sources pointed out.
“The possibility of the Income Tax Department conducting similar searches at the premises of other violators cannot be ruled out,” they added.
Despite repeated attempts, the officers of the Income Tax Department, Srinagar could not be contacted for confirmation regarding the raids.