Income Tax Raids Sweep Several Andaman Businesses: Third Day of Operations Unfolds

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 08 December 2024

Large-scale Income Tax raids targeting multiple businesses in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, entered its third day today. The operation, which began on December 6, has gripped the islands with speculation and curiosity.

The story initially broke when Nicobar Times published a Youtube Short Video on the raids on 6th December, followed by national media coverage on December 7. According to reports from Press Trust of India (PTI), which is the basis of multiple reports by National Media, over 120 Income Tax officials arrived in Sri Vijaya Puram from Kolkata on December 4, launching the coordinated operation two days later.

National media, citing an unnamed income tax official, described the raids as a meticulously planned effort. Officials reportedly suspect irregularities in tax returns and GST compliance among the businesses being investigated.

The raids have reportedly spanned prominent areas of Sri Vijaya Puram, including Church Road, Phoenix Bay, Marine Hills, Aberdeen Bazaar, Delanipur, Babu Lane, Junglighat, MG Road, and Gurudwara Lane. Airport authorities were also alerted to prevent any suspects from fleeing the islands during the operation.

While the names of the businesses under investigation remain undisclosed, sources informed Nicobar Times that the targeted entities are among the largest and most influential in the region, cutting across various sectors.

The scale of the operation has stunned local residents. The deployment of over 120 officials from Kolkata specifically for these raids marks an unprecedented event in the history of the islands.

Adding to the intrigue, a lack of regular official statements from the Income Tax Department has fuelled rumours and speculation across the islands. Islanders remain eager for updates as the operation continues to unfold.

Authorities have indicated that details of the findings will be revealed in due course. For now, the unprecedented raids are a significant moment in the financial scrutiny of the islands’ business sector.