Revanth Reddy raided for tax evasion

Hyderabad: Income-tax sleuths raided 16 premises associated with Congress leader A. Revanth Reddy including his residence in Jubilee Hills, and those of his close relatives. The I-T wing moved in on suspicion of largescale tax evasion. A highly-placed source said, “Sixteen teams from the Hyderabad I-T wing carried out searches at 16 premises belonging to Mr Revanth Reddy, his family and close aides.” Mr Revanth Reddy was away campaigning at Kondangal.

The source said Revanth Reddy had been asked to return, but he had not reached home till 8 on, “He kept government servants waiting for an entire day. Revanth Reddy has been avoiding I-T officials, though they offered to escort him from his constituency,” he said. Mr Revanth Reddy returned at 9 pm and officials began questioning him. No proceedings could be conducted on day one of the raid. The source said no unaccounted cash or documents were seized from his residence.

“However, documents found at the office premises are under investigation.” He said among those raided was Bishop Harry Sebastian, who was also questioned. No documents or cash was seized from the Bishop’s house. Sebastian had been named along with Mr Revanth Reddy in the cash-for-vote scam. Mr Revanth Reddy’s sister-in-law Vani was also questioned.  Sources said Ms Vani was taken away by officials at around 3 pm for questioning. The family members said they were not informed where she was being taken, or whether she was being arrested.