ACB to raid Income Tax officers in Karnataka?
- Income Tax officer Balakrishnan has alleged that intelligence reports say that the ACB is all set to raid senior Income Tax officials.
- ACB which is under the control of the State Government has no legal powers to raid Central Government officials.
- Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy has clarified that ACB does not have the power to raid IT officials.
FollowSenior Income Tax officer Balakrishnan has written to Karnataka DIG that intelligence reports say that the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) is all set to raid senior Income Tax officials. Heavy speculations are on to analyse the development as an indication of State Government’s revenge on the IT officials, reported Kannada Prabha.
IT Investigations Division Director General Balakrishna has written to IG R K Dutta in this regard according to sources. However, ACB which is under the control of the State Government has no legal powers to raid Central Government officials.
This is a known fact and Balakrishnan writing to IG despite this rule is a curious fact. Balakrishnan has specifically mentioned that ACB is planning to raid IT officials according to intelligence report.
Immediately following this news Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy has clarified that ACB does not have the power to raid IT officials. Only complaint can be lodged against specific IT officials either with the Central Government or with the director of IT Department. Speaking to Kannada Prabha Ramalinga Reddy said it is said that Central Intelligence has provided information but it is not clear on what grounds the information is provided. He said he does not know why IT officials got such an idea, the State has never targeted Central Government officials.
Debate is on regarding the issue and ACB sources say as per Anti-Corruption Act 1988 it is said action can be taken against corrupt officials and it is not specified about State and Union government officers.
