Money laundering scam: I-T officials raid BJP leader PVS Sarma's residence in Surat

SURAT: The income tax department conducted a search operation at senior BJP leader PVS Sarma's residence on the early hours of Thursday, two days after he tweeted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging money laundering scam during demonetisation.
Sarma, a former I-T officer and vice-president of Surat BJP, has alleged Rs 2,000 crore money laundering scam during demonitisation period involving top jewellers, builders, textile and diamond industralists in connivance with the senior I-T officials and the Chartered Accountants (CAs) in the city.
A team of I-T officials from Ahmedabad’s investigation wing raided the residence of Sarma located at Four Seasons apartment at the posh Piplod area in the city at about 1.30am. The I-T officials had arrived from Ahmedabad in a private vehicle for the search operation.
Sarma, who has demanded probe by Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has offered to file an affidavit proving the money laundering scam.
In an interview with TOI on Wednesday, Sarma said, “I am in possession of all the incriminating documents related to the money laundering scam. Many people are involved in the scam and that I am investigation on my own to expose it.”
Sources said that the I-T department had issued summons to Sarma in the disproportionate asset case on October 1.
Sarma, who is the vice-president of BJP, had served the department for 18 years. It was 14 years ago when he took the voluntary retirement to join active politics. Once upon a time, Sarma was considered as the points man of the Gujarat BJP President, CR Paatil, but parted ways due to some differences.