1 day ago
Gujarat Political Donation Racket Allegedly Evaded Rs 343 Crore
Investigators say a political party in Gujarat ran an alleged fake-donation scheme.
More than 56,000 taxpayers reportedly sent money to the party through banks.
The party allegedly gave them false donation receipts.
These receipts helped donors claim large tax deductions.
Investigators estimate that the government lost about Rs 343 crore in taxes.
The money was reportedly moved through other businesses and then withdrawn as cash.
Some of it was allegedly returned to donors through informal money-transfer networks after commissions were deducted.
Police have filed a criminal complaint against party officials and an auditor, but the allegations will need to be established through the legal process.
The Bharatiya National Janata Dal allegedly collected over Rs 1,143 crore in fake donations from more than 56,000 taxpayers.
Investigators say donors received bogus receipts allowing them to claim 100% income-tax deductions.
Authorities estimate the alleged scheme caused approximately Rs 343 crore in lost tax revenue.
Funds were allegedly moved through front firms, withdrawn as cash, and returned through Angadiya and hawala channels after commissions of 2% to 10%.
A criminal complaint names party officials and auditor Adil Syed over alleged cheating, conspiracy, forgery, and fabricated financial records.
- Who
- The Bharatiya National Janata Dal, its office-bearers, auditor Adil Syed, and more than 56,000 alleged donor-taxpayers are involved in the investigation.
- What
- Authorities allege a fake political-donation, tax-evasion, and cash-routing scheme involving more than Rs 1,143 crore.
- Where
- The party operated from Sector 11 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat; the complaint was filed in Gandhinagar.
- When
- The alleged transactions took place during financial years 2019-20 through 2024-25.
- Why
- Investigators allege the scheme was used to provide donors with tax deductions, collect commissions, and return funds through informal channels.
Key facts
- Alleged donations
- More than Rs 1,143 crore
- Alleged donors
- Over 56,000 taxpayers
- Period investigated
- Financial years 2019-20 to 2024-25
- Estimated tax loss
- Approximately Rs 343 crore
- Alleged commission
- Between 2% and 10%
- Complaint filed by
- Dr Rajendra Raj, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Unit 2-1, Ahmedabad
- Charges cited
- Cheating, criminal conspiracy, and forgery
Sources
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