GURUGRAM: A 12-member team from the Income Tax (I-T) department conducted a search and survey operation on Friday at the Wazirabad tehsil office in Gurugram. This office is responsible for property registrations and other records related to some of the most valuable property transactions in the city and across the country.
Officials revealed that high-value property transactions from the past six years are currently being scrutinized, with some amounting to multi-million rupees. The Wazirabad office is a significant revenue generator for Haryana, logging annual property registrations estimated between Rs 25,000-30,000 crore. Areas like Golf Course Road in Gurugram fall under its jurisdiction.
Accompanied by a police team, the I-T department began its survey early on Friday morning, requesting access to documents from the registrar. Officials meticulously reviewed records for 13 hours.
An I-T department official stated that the tehsil office was failing to provide complete and accurate information on property transactions, resulting in financial losses for the department by preventing the collection of mandated taxes. During registrations, Permanent Account Number (PAN) details of those involved in transactions were not consistently and properly filled, hindering the department’s ability to collect taxes from buyers and sellers. An official involved in Friday’s survey confirmed that the income tax department was not receiving accurate information, noting that details about registrations were superficial, and PAN numbers were often unavailable even when some information was sent.
According to existing norms, tehsildars are required to share details of registries exceeding Rs 30 lakh with the I-T department. The district revenue department is also mandated to share details such as names, PAN card information, and Aadhaar card details of both buyers and sellers. An I-T official commented that the lack of proper information sharing by the revenue department regarding land transactions significantly hinders their work.
Officials disclosed that the search and survey operation was initiated following directives from the I-T department’s intelligence and criminal investigation wing in Chandigarh. The Wazirabad office drew scrutiny after a case emerged involving a builder who had registered a farmhouse for Rs 200 crore there.
In addition to the Wazirabad office, other tehsils in Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Palwal are also under scrutiny. When questioned about the I-T department’s actions, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar stated on Friday that the government agency is performing its duty and the revenue department is providing all necessary support.
