
I-T searches in U.P., Karnataka; finds tax evasion
The Hindu
Shell companies were set up to provide bogus entries to evade tax
The Income-Tax Department on Tuesday said its recent searches on various persons and their entities engaged in the business of civil construction, real estate and running educational institutes in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, led to detection of tax evasion and other financial irregularities.
The searches were carried out at more than 30 premises on December 18 in Lucknow, Mainpuri and Mau in Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata in West Bengal, Bengaluru in Karnataka and the national capital region. A Kolkata-based entry operator was also covered during the operation.
According to the agency, several entities into civil construction business were involved in claiming bogus expenditure running into crores of rupees. “In the case of one company, undisclosed income of over ₹86 crore of the directors of the company has been detected,” said the Department, adding that the person concerned admitted ₹68 crore as his undisclosed income and offered to pay tax thereon.

At PV Cherian Crescent Road, which derives its quietude in no small measure from the trees lining it, the axe struck twice last week, the first time on December 7, reducing one massive tree to a stump. According to a resident who wants to stay anonymous, when the workers were questioned about it, pat came the reply that the Corporation had ordered the hand that wielded the axe. With that explanation, residents who were disturbed by the cutting of the tree assumed there should be a justification for the act and let the matter rest. On December 12, the axe struck again, the Avenue’s arboreal wealth down by one more tree.

Nine months into the ‘Shishtachar’ (discipline/etiquette) drive, Delhi Police officers say the squads have offered more than an on-ground deterrence against harassment of women in public spaces. The steady presence of these teams on the streets, the officers claim, has revealed patterns of everyday misconduct, helped map pockets where offenders gather, enhanced visibility among women, and strengthened the feedback loop, which in turn has improved policing of such offences. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer Delhi) Sachin Sharma said the squads have detained 2,885 offenders over the past nine months and recorded a 45% decline in crimes against women, including cases of rape, molestation and harassment. “Overall, such cases have fallen sharply from 302 in 2024 to 165 in 2025 (till December 10),” he said. DCP (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar reported similar numbers. “In nine months, we have detained over 2,500 offenders under various sections. The help and perspective we have received through the initiative has improved our approach. We have decided to introduce these squads to each police station in our district,” he said.











