Mumbai had highest number of tax raids

New Delhi, Nov 24: Income tax department officials executed search warrants in respect of a total of 2066 between April one and November 15, 2006 spread over 31 States and Union Teritories, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Finance S S Palanimanickam said in a written reply that these searches lead to the seizure of Rs 20596.50 lakhs, 4763 dollars and 2000 Pounds.

Mumbai received the maximum number of 384 raids followed by Gujarat with 359 with Delhi having the third place with 165 , he added.

In response to another question, Mr Palanimanickam said the Government has received representations from the Income tax Employees Federation and Income tax gazetted officers Association in this regard pointing out that they are opposed to outsourcing of work of the Income-tax Department.

He said a total of 4,12,278 tax returns have been received through the post offices in the country upto October 31, this year.

He said it has been decided to process these returns centrally.

It shall facilitate issue of refunds quickly.

UNI