What Led to the Seizure of Over Rs 1 Crore During I-T Raids on a Medical Equipment Trader in MP?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Income Tax raids resulted in the seizure of over Rs 1 crore.
- 30 bank lockers were uncovered during the investigations.
- Science House Medical has connections to foreign companies.
- Ongoing investigations may reveal more about local administrative ties.
- Transparency in the medical supply industry is under scrutiny.
Bhopal, Sep 3 (NationPress) The Income Tax Department officials have confiscated over Rs 1 crore during investigations at various offices and establishments affiliated with Science House Medical Private Limited.
Sources from the Income Tax Department revealed to IANS on Wednesday that in addition to uncovering 30 bank lockers, more than Rs one crore in cash was retrieved during the operation in Bhopal.
The department discovered that the firm has made investments in several foreign companies.
According to an anonymous I-T official, searches were still ongoing as of Wednesday.
Furthermore, the evaluation of cash, as well as gold and silver jewelry found across various sites in Bhopal, Indore, and Mumbai, is yet to be completed.
On Tuesday, the I-T Department executed searches at the residence of medical equipment trader Rajesh Gupta and his associates.
Simultaneously, raids were also conducted at residential and office locations in other parts of Bhopal, including Rachna Nagar and Lalghati.
Official sources reported that searches were also carried out at the premises of the trader's suppliers, identified as Jitendra Tiwari, Shailendra Tiwari, and Mohan Sharma.
One official noted that these locations are linked to individuals within the Science House Group.
Founded in 1994, Science House, based in Bhopal, has been a key supplier of medical equipment. Rajesh operates a medical and surgical equipment factory in Uganda, distributing medical devices nationwide while also offering diagnostic services.
Additionally, the company provides pathology lab services and operates a private hospital.
Currently, the Income Tax Department team is engaged in scrutinizing the documents.
I-T officials have reportedly interrogated Jitendra Tiwari, the company director, along with three associates: Rohit Gupta, a software engineer, Dinesh Barolia, and Shikha Rajoria.
There are also allegations suggesting that the trader maintained close ties with a senior IAS officer in the state through brokers; however, the officer's identity remains undisclosed.