Now, Bhumre’s driver gets summoned by income tax department

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Jawed Shaikh, who is employed as a driver with Shiv Sena MP Sandipan Bhumre and his MLA son Vilas, was summoned by the income tax department. The department requested his presence along with his books of accounts and documents.Jawed Shaikh is already being investigated by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) about why Mir Mehmood Ali Khan, a descendant of Salar Jung, gifted the driver prime land worth hundreds of crores. On July 3, Shaikh received a fresh summons under section 131(1A) of the Income Tax Act 1961, requesting his attendance in connection with proceedings under the Act in his case. Section 131(1A) grants the I-T department the authority to enforce an individual's attendance, discover and inspect any property, and issue commissions. It also allows the department to examine the assessee on oath and compel the production of necessary books of accounts and all relevant documents.The I-T department warned in its notice that any default by Jawed Shaikh would attract action under section 272A(1)(C) of the I-T Act, empowering the investigation officer to impose a penalty of Rs 10,000 for each default.Jawed Shaikh, a trusted aide of the Bhumres, became the focus of the investigation after Mir Mehmood Ali Khan gifted him prime plots valued at hundreds of crores. There are allegations that Jawed received approximately 8.5 acres in two instalments through hibanama (gift deed). The combined market valuation of these plots is about Rs 500 crores.Documents revealed that both transactions had common witnesses, and the bonds were purchased from the same notary lawyer. Applications to add Jawed Shaikh's name to the PR card for both properties were made on Feb 9, 2023, and his name was recorded on the PR card on May 25, 2023, and June 28, 2024, respectively.These prime plots are located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, where the economic offences wing of the city police is already investigating a related complaint. In the past few weeks, the EOW has recorded statements from Khan, four of his children, and Jawed Shaik. Unsatisfied with their responses, the EOW plans to summon them again to cooperate in the inquiry.Phone calls and messages sent to Jawed for his comments did not elicit any response.