Bhopal: The Income Tax Department launched a significant operation in Bhopal on Tuesday, conducting early morning raids on multiple premises associated with the Science House Group and a medical equipment trader. Teams, accompanied by CRPF personnel for security, simultaneously descended on offices and residences, sending a clear signal of a coordinated crackdown.
Raids target business moguls
The operation began in the early hours as officials and CRPF jawans arrived at the Science House Group’s office in Gautam Nagar, initiating a search for documents and records. Concurrently, another team raided the residence of Rajesh Gupta, a prominent medical and surgical equipment trader with a large linen supply business. Gupta is known for his extensive supply contracts with government departments.
Raids are also reported to be underway in Indore and Mumbai, indicating a nationwide investigation. Officials have questioned key individuals connected to the group, including director Jitendra Tiwari, software engineer Rohit Gupta, and consultants Dinesh Barolia and Shikha Rajoriya. The group’s alleged connections to a former IAS officer are also under scrutiny. The Science House Medical Private Limited, headquartered in Bhopal since 1994, is involved in supplying medical equipment, and providing pathology and diagnostic services.
Past scandals haunt the group
This isn’t the first time the Science House Group has faced legal trouble. The firm was previously embroiled in a massive procurement scam in the Anuppur district’s health department, along with another company, Anu Sales. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) uncovered a multi-crore rupee scandal where medical equipment and medicines were supplied at grossly inflated prices. Following the investigation, the EOW arrested directors Jitendra Tiwari and Shailendra Tiwari, highlighting the company’s checkered past and reinforcing the seriousness of the current investigation.
