Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 13: Karnataka and Goa region of income tax department, which has been keeping a close watch on unauthorized expenditure during the Lok Sabha election and illegal transfer of money, has conducted raids on contractors and entrepreneurs in various parts of Karnataka and Goa. These raids have yielded Rs 3.19 crore in cash and 13.5 kg of gold ornaments worth Rs 3.9 crore.

On April 11, the department had undertaken search operations in 23 spots including Bengaluru, Chitradurga and Kolkatta in connection with three entrepreneurs based in the city. They found Rs 85 lac in cash and 13.5 kg gold ornaments, sources in the department revealed.

Raids had also been conducted on residences and offices of six PWD contractors based in Hubballi, Gadag and Ballari. During these raids, excess income of Rs 40.5 crore was found. Rs 1.29 crore in cash, 10.3 kg gold ornaments, 2.22 kg gold biscuits and 12.5 kg gold ornaments were seized.

Houses of several businessmen were searched in Chikkodi, Belagavi, Gokak and Nippani. During the searches in residences and offices of a person from Udupi who operates bus transport business, ten lac rupees which was not backed by records, was seized.

During the searches relating to a person who was involved with cash transfer and Matka gambling, searches in Goa uncovered Rs 33 lac in cash.

The department stated that the persons whose residences and offices were raided were not leaders of any political parties, nor were they staff members of offices run by MPs and MLAs.