The Income Tax Department on November 16, Thursday carried out searches at the residence of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Miryalaguda MLA N Bhaskara Rao. Multiple teams of I-T officials conducted simultaneous searches in Hyderabad, Nalgonda, and Miryalaguda since early morning.
At least 30 teams were reported to be carrying out searches in Miryalaguda at the houses of Bhaskara Rao, his relatives, aides, and those suspected to have business dealings with him. The searches followed allegations that the BRS leader kept money for distribution among voters.
The I-T officials also conducted searches at the premises of a few rice mill owners. They were checking records of financial transactions.
Bhaskara Rao denied reports of I-T raids on him. He alleged that his political opponents, who were unable to face him in the election, were running a campaign to malign him.
Bhaskara Rao is seeking re-election on the ruling party ticket from Miryalaguda for a third consecutive term.
The I-T department recently conducted searches at the premises of a few Congress candidates, including former Khammam MP Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy.
Elections for the 119-member Telangana Assembly are scheduled on November 30. The results will be announced on December 3.