Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In the biggest ever raid in the state, the Income Tax sleuths raided at least 52 premises of three builders and a person involved in property business in the early hours of Wednesday.

So far, over Rs 3 crore in cash, 10 lockers, jewellery, investment documents and documents related to bribes have been found. The raid covered 49 premises in Bhopal, two in Indore and one in Gwalior.

Sources in the IT department said the raid was carried out against Quality Builder, Ishaan Builder and Rajesh Sharma of Trishul Construction. Apart from this, the premises owned by Ramveer Singh Sikarwar was also covered in Gwalior. 

It was learnt that Sikarwar had purchased a five acre land from a group which was earlier covered by the ED and IT department as well.  

All the persons covered in the raid were interconnected with each other in one form or the other. The highest amount of cash Rs 1.20 crore was seized from Anshdeep. As far as the raids in Bhopal are concerned, they were conducted in Neelbarh, MP Nagar, Hoshangabad road area, 10 number market, Old Bhopal, Mendori, RPM Town etc.

In Indore, a raid was conducted at the flat of Rajesh Sharma and residence of Aditya Garg. It was learnt that the persons covered in the raid used to accept cash while selling flats and land. Some portion of sold property was accepted through the medium of cheques. Later, the sum was invested in the future investment business.

Raid may continue for 4-5 days

Sources in the IT department said the raid was likely to continue for four to five days. Later, tax evasion done by the builders will be evaluated. Along with incriminating documents, digital records saved in hard disc and CPU of computers have also been confiscated and they will be assessed. 

500 personnel roped in

A total of 52 teams participated in the raid. Over 500 personnel were pressed into service. Over 125 vehicles were used in the raid, which started simultaneously at all premises from 6.45 am onwards.