IT dept raids multiple locations of CM Hemant Soren's advisor Sunil Srivastava

The Income Tax Department has launched extensive raids on multiple locations linked to Sunil Srivastava, a close aide and personal advisor to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Sources confirm that the raids are being conducted at around 16 to 17 locations, including Srivastava’s residence, the homes of his family members, and various business premises connected to him. These locations span across Ranchi and Jamshedpur, with seven sites in Ranchi and nine in Jamshedpur, including the premises of Anjania Steel, a Jamshedpur-based business entity, and other associated establishments. The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged tax evasion.

The Income Tax Department’s raids are focused on allegations of discrepancies in tax filings linked to Srivastava. Information gathered by the department has pointed to possible tax evasion through unreported financial activities. The raids are reportedly linked to an effort to uncover evidence of tax-related irregularities within Srivastava’s financial dealings. As of now, the Income Tax Department has not disclosed further details about the specific nature of the discrepancies or the evidence being sought from the raids. The department’s actions highlight an ongoing drive to uncover and address financial malpractices in the region.

The timing of these raids is particularly significant as Jharkhand approaches its state assembly elections, scheduled to be held in two phases: November 13 and 20, with results to be declared on November 23. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is contesting against a strong opposition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Political reactions to the raids have been swift, with opposition parties alleging that the central government is using tax authorities as a political tool to target opposition leaders ahead of the elections. Congress, a key ally of JMM, has accused the BJP of using central agencies like the Income Tax Department to put pressure on opposition leaders in the run-up to the polls.

This raid follows a series of actions by central agencies targeting figures associated with Hemant Soren’s government. On October 26, the Income Tax Department had conducted a series of searches across Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Giridih, and Kolkata, linked to hawala transactions. The raids resulted in the seizure of documents tied to unaccounted assets and investments worth approximately Rs 150 crore. Furthermore, on October 14, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches across 20 locations linked to Mithilesh Thakur, a Cabinet minister in Soren’s government, over irregularities in projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The ED’s actions are part of an investigation into possible corruption within government projects.

Hemant Soren, who was arrested earlier this year in connection with an alleged land scam, has continuously claimed that these actions are politically motivated. Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in January 2024 after questioning over alleged irregularities involving the forging of land documents for a plot of 8.86 acres in Ranchi’s Badgai area. He was granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court in June 2024. Soren has alleged that the timing of these actions, especially the raids and investigations against his close associates, is an attempt to undermine his government as elections near. The Jharkhand High Court's decision to grant bail to Soren in the land scam case had already intensified political debate in the state.