Income Tax refund scam: Crime Branch raids multiple locations

Srinagar, Jul 3: Multiple teams of the Economic Offences Wing, Srinagar on Monday carrier out searches at various residences and offices in a case related to fraudulent claim of income tax.
In a statement, a spokesperson said that the raids were carried out in the presence of Executive Duty Magistrates, Monday carrying out searches of numerous residences and office premises of accused/ suspect individuals allegedly involved in Case FIR No’s. 27/2023 and 28/2023 of P/S EOW, Srinagar (CB-Kashmir).
The statement reads that the cases pertain to the criminal manipulation/ tampering of electronic and other data which enabled the perpetrators of the crime to fraudulently claim refund of Income Tax shown to have been earlier deducted at source etc.
“The criminal acts have resulted in wrongful pecuniary gain running into crores of Rupees to the accused individuals while causing a corresponding financial loss to the Income Tax Department, Government of India.”
It added that these cases had been registered on 25-05-2023 upon receipt of a complaint from the Office of the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax,Srinagar.
“The searches were carried out as part of the ongoing investigation of the cases. Due diligence and all procedures mandated by law were followed in conducting the searches.”
It further reads that no arrests were made during the search operation. “However, some incriminating documents, desktop & laptop computers etc. have been recovered and seized. These have been taken on record for examination and further analysis as probable evidence in the cases.”
The statement reads that investigation of the cases is progressing satisfactorily and further updates would be shared at an opportune time in the future.