Mumbai: IT raids at Dirty Harry’s Powai home

Multiple teams were deployed in Powai. Pic/Satej Shinde

The Income Tax department conducted raids and search operations at 10 to 12 different places across Mumbai related to Starwing Developers in a tax evasion case on Thursday. Among these operations, one raid took place at the residence of former encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma in Powai. Sharma, who was arrested in the murder case of Mansukh Hiren, is presently out on bail.

According to sources, IT officials searched Sharma's house located at Everest Heights in Powai's Hiranandani. "The searches have been ongoing since Thursday morning. Sharma and his family members are being scrutinised along with all bank-related documents. Sharma himself is present at his house. It is said that as Sharma is related to Starwing Developers, a search operation was carried out at his residence. The role Sharma plays in the firm is yet unclear," said sources.

Multiple police teams were deployed outside the building where the search was carried out by Mumbai police to maintain law and order. Sharma's daughter, who was leaving with her mobile phone, was stopped by IT officials. They confiscated her mobile phone, which led to an argument with Sharma.

The search operation was carried out at 10 to 12 different places, including the directors and partners of the developers. It is also said that the search took place at the premises of former senior bureaucrats, but no confirmation came from the IT department.

According to sources, the search operation at all these places will continue for three days. IT officials will scrutinise all documents and files related to banks and transactions, as it is a case related to tax evasion.

10-12
No of locations IT is raiding