The Income Tax Department initiated search operation in the case of two major manufacturers and suppliers of refined lead, lead alloys and lead oxides on 07.12.2021. The search operation covered 24 premises spread over in the states of West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

During the search and seizure action, it has been noticed that these groups are involved in the suppression of taxable income by resorting to bogus purchases and inflation of purchases.

Investigations have categorically revealed that these two groups have booked bogus purchases of around Rs. 250 crore in the name of various individuals, proprietary concerns, and companies. Evidence gathered during the search operation further reveals that stock registers, transport documents, e-way bills etc. have been fabricated to make such bogus purchases. Several accommodation entry providers have admitted that they have supplied bogus bills without supply of material.

The analysis of documents seized from the business premises of one of the groups indicates the modus operandi of over-invoicing during the purchase of raw material in a systematic manner. The differential amount is received back in cash by the key persons of the assessee group. One of the employees of the group has admitted that invoices have been inflated by charging higher prices for better quality of goods than goods actually supplied.

Incriminating evidence in the form of physical documents and digital data indicating unaccounted investments made in cash in immovable properties has also been found and seized.

The search operations have resulted in seizure of jewellery valued at Rs. 53 lakh while four bank lockers are yet to be operated.

 Further investigations are under progress.

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RM/KMN