I-T raids in benami case: Law taking its course must be welcomed, says Manjhi

Patna: Former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) supremo Jitan Ram Manjhi on Tuesday approved the raids conducted by Income Tax department in Delhi and Gurgaon in connection with benami land deals linked to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Hailing the Prime Minster Narendra Modi-led government for taking swift action against corruption, Manjhi welcomed the development.

"If accusations are being levied then they must be investigated by a central agency. NDA government-led by Narendra Modi is known for maintaining the law. The Law now is taking its course and this should be welcomed,' said Manjhi.

Raids conducted by the Income Tax department are underway at the 22 locations in Delhi, Gurugram on companies and people associated with Lalu.

A team of about 100 tax department officials and police personnel are reportedly carrying out the raids.

As per sources, the raids are being conducted on the charges of illegal (benami) land deals worth Rs. 1,000 crore.

The searches are reportedly also being conducted at the premises of the son of RJD MP P C Gupta and few other businessmen.

The RJD chief is already under scanner in the fodder scam case.

Earlier on May 9, the Supreme Court revived criminal conspiracy charges against Lalu Yadav and other accused involved in the fodder scam case.

A two-judge bench also ruled that the trial should be completed within nine months.