Unaccounted assets unearthed in I T raid

Bhopal, Sep 8 (UNI) The Income Tax officials have seized Rs 1.13 crore in cash and other documents relating to amassing of assets worth several crore of rupees during raids at the premises of Madhya Pradesh Health Director Yogiraj Sharma and his business associates.

Besides Dr Sharma's office and residence here, about a dozen premises of private school director Ashok Nanda, drug manufacturer Jaipal Sachdeva, relative Rajaram Sharma, girl-friend Madhu Sharma, Health Directorate officials Ramakant Chaturvedi and Vasant Salke and chartered accountants Rajesh Jain and Sunil Agrawal were also raided, Income Tax sources said.

The raids, which started yesterday at Bhopal, Indore, Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi, continued today also. Scrutiny of the documents relating to unaccounted assets was expected to reveal investment of few hundred crore of rupees, the sources said, adding documents relating to ownership of about 200 acre valuable land in Bhopal and adjoining areas had also been seized.

Incriminating documents revealed that the high-profile doctor having political connections had made investments in pharmaceutical firms, media companies, real estate and a public school. Raids were also conducted at the premises of his business associates and those privy to his shady deals, the sources added.

When contacted Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi on his cell phone, his assistant told UNI that the minister was at present busy in a party camp at Jabalpur.

State government sources said any action against Dr Sharma would be considered only on getting official information. At present the department has no official intimation about the raid, the sources added.

UNI