I-T department probing "substantial" increase in wealth of 7 MPs, 98 MLAs: Centre tells Supreme Court

Following a report by NGO Lok Prahari, the Income Tax department has launched probe into substantial increase in the assets of MPs and MLAs. The CBDT will submit the names in Supreme Court tomorrow.

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Picture for representation.

Seven Lok Sabha MPs and 98 MLAs from different states are under the scanner of the Income Tax department. The I-T department has discovered "substantial increases" in the assets of these lawmakers.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) today informed the Supreme Court during a hearing. The CBDT also told the Supreme Court that it would provide the names of the MPs and MLAs in a sealed cover tomorrow.

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The CBDT also informed the Supreme Court that the initial inquiry by the Income Tax department is underway against 20 MPs including nine Lok Sabha members and 42 MLAs.

The Income Tax department has completed preliminary investigation into the assets of the lawmakers. The I-T department's report found "huge" rise in the assets of the Lok Sabha MPs and "substantial" increase in the wealth of the MLAs.

Earlier, a Lucknow-based NGO, Lok Prahari, had released a list of 37 MPs including 11 Rajya Sabha members and 257 MLAs saying that their election affidavits show significant increase in their assets. This report by the Lok Prahari prompted inquiry by the Income Tax department.