Daijiworld Media Network – Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, Jan 11: Income Tax (IT) officials conducting a raid at the residence of former BJP MLA Harvansh Singh Rathore in Sagar district were taken aback when they discovered crocodiles on the property.

The raid was part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion linked to a bidi manufacturing business owned by Rajesh Kesarwani, Rathore’s business associate. Kesarwani, a former councillor and contractor, is accused of evading substantial income tax amounts. Rathore, a veteran political figure, represented the Sagar district in the 2013 Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections.

Since Sunday, IT officials have been raiding properties associated with Kesarwani and his associates. On Friday, during the search at Rathore’s house, officials noticed crocodiles in a pond on the premises. They immediately alerted the forest department, which responded by rescuing the reptiles.

Aseem Shrivastava, head of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Force, confirmed the rescue and said, “The health of the crocodiles is being monitored. We will notify the court and proceed with further action.” The official did not disclose the number of crocodiles or the owner of the property. Reporterss found that the crocodiles were found and rescued from Rathore’s house.

In addition to the discovery of the reptiles, IT officials uncovered Rs 155 crore in tax evasion and seized Rs 3 crore in cash, along with various valuables, including gold and silver jewelry. Further investigations revealed that Rathore, who also operates a construction business, was responsible for Rs 140 crore of the tax evasion. Crucial documents related to the case were also recovered during the raids.