SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing, Srinagar (Crime Branch Kashmir), along with Executive Duty Magistrates, carried out searches at multiple residences and office premises on Monday. The operation targeted accused and suspect individuals allegedly involved in Case FIR No’s. 27/2023 and 28/2023 of P/S EOW, Srinagar (CB-Kashmir).
According to a spokesperson from Crime Branch Kashmir, “The cases involve the criminal manipulation and tampering of electronic and other data, enabling the perpetrators to fraudulently claim refunds of Income Tax that had been previously deducted at source.” The spokesperson made these remarks in a statement.
The spokesperson further explained that these criminal acts have led to the accused individuals wrongfully gaining pecuniary benefits amounting to crores of Rupees, while simultaneously causing significant financial losses to the Income Tax Department, Government of India.
“The cases were registered on May 25, 2023, following a complaint from the Office of the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, Srinagar,” the spokesperson added.
The searches were conducted as part of the ongoing investigation into these cases, with strict adherence to due diligence and all legally mandated procedures, as stated in the issued statement.
During the search operation, no arrests were made; however, several incriminating documents, desktop computers, and laptops were recovered and seized. These items have been documented for examination and further analysis as potential evidence in the ongoing cases, as mentioned in the statement.
The spokesperson concluded by stating, “The investigation of the cases is progressing satisfactorily, and further updates will be provided at an appropriate time in the future.” (GNS)
