In response to a Lok Sabha question regarding income tax search operations conducted in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh during 2001–2002, the Government clarified that the Income Tax Department carries out search and seizure actions based on credible information about violations of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The release or return of assets seized during such operations is governed by Section 132B of the Act. The Government also stated that the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued detailed guidelines on the release and adjustment of seized assets through a circular dated 16 October 2023. However, the Ministry emphasized that information relating to specific taxpayers, including names of individuals searched, details of seized assets such as jewellery or cash, or applications filed for return of materials, cannot be disclosed publicly. Such information is protected under Section 138 of the Income Tax Act, which restricts the sharing of taxpayer-specific data except under circumstances permitted by law.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3848
TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026/ PHALGUNA 25,
1947 (SAKA)
INCOME TAX RAIDS IN MP
+3848: SHRI MAHESH KASHYAP:
Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:
(a) the name of individuals of whom the residences, business premises, bank lockers and family members were searched and seized by the Income Tax Department in Vidisha district in Madhya Pradesh during the years 2001 and 2002;
(b) the quantity of jewellery, cash and other material/documents seized in each case during the said search operations;
(c) whether the said members or their lawyers have submitted applications for the return of the materials;
(d) if so, the details thereof.
(e) the action taken by the Income Tax Department on those applications so far along with the reasons for the delay in returning the materials; and
(f the time by which the members are likely to receive their materials back?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE
(SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)
Point (a) to (f): Income Tax Department (ITD) conducts search & seizure operations based on credible information of violations of provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961(the ‘Act’) . The release of the assets seized therein is governed by section 132B of the Act. CBDT has issued detailed guidelines vide F.No. F.No.299/06/2023-Dir(Inv-III) dated 16.10.2023 on the subject. Further, sharing of information in respect of specific assessees is prohibited except as provided under section 138 of the Act.
