New Delhi: The Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted searches at the independent think tank Centre for Policy Research in Delhi. The action comes on a day when simultaneous raids are being conducted by the I-T department in multiple states over a tax evasion probe against certain registered unrecognized political parties (RUPP) and their alleged dubious financial transactions.
The premises of the think tank located near Malcha Marg in central Delhi were Income Tax department searched.
According to the media report, the action was taken against certain RUPPs, their promoters, and linked entities to probe the source of their income and expenditure. At least 110 locations in Gujarat, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and some other states were searched by the I-T department.
The Election Commission had announced that it was taking action against more than 2,100 RUPP entities for flouting rules and election laws, including those related to the filing of monetary contributions, failing to update their address and names of office bearers, according to a media report.
The poll watchdog had said some of these parties were indulging in “serious” financial impropriety. Several such parties across India have also been availing tax relief without properly sharing their audit and contribution reports.
The EC has also withdrawn various benefits according to these parties under the Symbols Order (1968), including the allocation of a common election symbol.
(Vinayak)
