Sonu Sood Updates: IT Department RAID At Mumbai Offices Ended Late At Night

Sonu Sood's Mumbai offices raids ended late last night. Officers from the Income tax Services searched six sites related to the actor for many hours. According to sources, Sonu Sood's property deal with a Lucknow-based real estate business is being investigated by the Income Tax Department.

"Sonu Sood's company is being investigated for a recent agreement with a Lucknow-based real estate firm. A survey operation has been launched in response to allegations of tax evasion in this deal "sources asserted.

Opposition lawmakers have dubbed the investigation a witch hunt against the 48-year-old actor, who has been hailed as a "messiah of migrants" for his humanitarian efforts during last year's pandemic lockdown, which left thousands without employment or housing and stuck far from home.

Hundreds of migrants were transported to their home state by buses, trains, and even flights, thanks to Sonu Sood's efforts. Even during the second wave earlier this year, he stepped in to organise oxygen for Covid patients.

The raids follow the actor's high-profile meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who named him as a brand ambassador for the "Desh ka Mentors" school-based mentoring initiative.

Though he has always stated that his charitable work has nothing to do with politics, his meeting with Mr Kejriwal has sparked speculation as an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate in the Punjab election next year.

"There was no discussion on politics. We haven't talked anything political yet "During a news appearance with Mr. Kejriwal, Sonu Sood informed reporters.

The BJP has rejected claims that the raids were politically motivated.

"That has nothing to do with anything (the Kejriwal meeting). Any personality can meet any other.  It's not a raid; it's simply a search. It's based on a tip. It isn't required for the charity's leader to have done anything illegal... It has to be something on a more basic level. Income tax is a separate department with its own set of rules. It is carrying out its duties "According to BJP spokesman Asif Bhamla.

Mr. Kejriwal said on Twitter that there were millions of obstacles in the road of truth, but that truth always won out. He tweeted, "Sonu Sood enjoys the blessings of lakhs of families that he has assisted through their terrible times."