Bhubaneswar: The Income Tax (I-T) department began a raid on a private coaching centre, belonging to BJD leader Subrat Chhatoi, at Nayapalli in Odisha capital on Monday over allegations of tax evasion.
According to sources, the raids commenced around 4 am and officials seized various documents, including bank details. The entire area was sealed and the students and staff barred from entering the centre, which provides coaching for IAS, OAS, UPSC and other competitive examinations.
The department is also conducting searches at Chhatoi’s residence in the city, the sources added.
The timing of the I-T raid on Chhatoi has raised eyebrows in certain circles as he is said to be linked to an important BJD leader, who is contesting the upcoming elections in Odisha.
In March 2023, Central Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials had also raided three centres of the coaching institute in Bhubaneswar over suspected tax evasion. Another GST team also carried out raids at the institute’s Kolkata branch.
