Recent raids by the Income Tax department on the offices of Guwahati-based business establishments has raised some serious concerns.

On Friday, a team of IT department comprising at least 150 officials conducted simultaneous raids at the offices of different business establishments under the Arya Group.

Earlier in December 2020, IT teams conducted raids in at least 10 locations belonging to three business groups in Guwahati.

Raids were conducted at the residences and offices of three Guwahati-based contractors: Bhagya Kalita, Anupam Sarma and Jugal Kishore Mahanta.

Notable is the fact that all the three contractors had recently taken major contracts of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

The frequency of the raids conducted in the recent times ‘targeting’ Guwahati-based business establishments have raised serious concerns among different sections.

Many have also cited the timing of the raids as it come just ahead of the Assembly elections in Assam.

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On the other hand, several Guwahati-based businessmen have stated that the raids specifically ‘targets’ Assamese businessmen, whose ventures are on the rise.

“The recent IT raids specifically targets Assamese businessmen who are doing well. One only needs to make a wild guess to know under whose direction the raids are being conducted,” said a Guwahati-based businessman on condition of anonymity.

“Are these raids being conducted to diminish the prospects of Assam-based business establishments to grow in the State and slowly pave way for business establishments from outside the State to come and take over different business potentials in the State?” said another businessman in Assam, who does not wish to be named.

“If such raids continue, business establishments are bound to stop taking up projects in the State, which will ultimately benefit ventures from outside to come and take up those projects and acquire massive profits. Is that the real motive behind these raids?” said a businessman.

It may be mentioned that anyone from outside Assam can acquire a trade license and set up their business.