Tax officials raid BJP leader's residence in Gujarat

The income tax department conducted raids at BJP leader PVS Sarma's residence in Surat early on Thursday morning.

Surat: The Income Tax department on Thursday carried out searches at the residence of Surat BJP unit vice president PVS Sarma, who joined politics a few years back after taking VRS as an I-T officer.

The Income Tax department's action came a day after Sarma alleged that some I-T officials, jewellers and chartered accountants were involved in money laundering during demonetisation in 2016.

The search operation started early morning at Sarma's apartment in Piplod area and is still on, an I-T official told reporters without disclosing any details.

Upset over the action, Sarma sat on the road near his apartment as a mark of protest.

"I have nothing to hide. Officials are searching my house. They are scared and trying to intimidate me so that I don't disclose names of erring I-T officers and others who were involved in the scam. I have proof and I will disclose it soon," Sarma told reporters.

When contacted, Gujarat BJP spokesperson and media coordinator Prashant Vala told that the party will comment on Sarma''s issue at an appropriate time.

also refused to comment on the matter.

"I do not want to comment at this point," he said.

On Wednesday, Sarma in a tweet claimed the I-T department's investigation wing did not take into account the cash deposit of Rs 110 crore by a prominent jeweller after demonetisation and taxed the firm for an income of just Rs 84 lakh.

He tagged his Twitter post to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

"Hon'ble PM shri @narendramodi ji, This is how the idea of Demonetisation defeated by the corrupt. Cash deposit is Rs 110 cr, income Rs 0.84 cr & tax Rs 0.80 cr. IT(Inv)wing closed eyes & Settlement Commission accepted illogical arguments & caused huge revenue loss.@PMOIndia @FinMinIndia," Sarma tweeted.

Alleging that some I-T officers, jewellers and CAs were involved in money laundering during demonetisation, Sarma said he will disclose the names of culprits in coming days.

PTI