While PM Narendra Modi’s demonetisation drive has evoked mixed reactions from across the country, I-T raids in different parts have unearthed unaccounted cash, even in new currency.
I-T sleuths in Karnataka too, have been regularly conducting raids and seizing black money. However, this has also paved the way for frauds to be perpetrated in the name of I-T raids.
In the latest incident, a man who took advantage of the I-T department carrying out raids in the houses of wealthy men, was arrested from Hubbali in Karnataka.
Shivanand Bhajantri alias Ramachandra Bhajantri from Dharwad posed as an I-T official and raided the house of a wealthy man and ‘seized’ Rs 1.5 lakh.
The New Indian Express reports that Bhajantri and his “team” barged into the house of Basavraj Poojar, seized Rs 1.5 lakh and walked out, warning Poojary of more raids on Wednesday.
The incident came to light when Bhajantri tried the same trick once too many.
After extorting money from sand truck owners Mabusab and Imtiyaz, by posing as revenue officials, Bhajantri and his team asked the duo to come to Sub Urban police station when they refused to pay more money.
When Mabusab and Imtiyaz reached the station, they met Bhajantri, who thought he could pull off the act before the police as well. However, the police found that his ID card was fake and took him into custody.
The report states that Bhanjantri has, in the past, raided houses claiming to be a revenue officer, a CCB (Central Crime Branch) special officer and an I-T officer.
Poojar has filed a complaint against Bhanjantri.