Bhopal, Dec 5 : The Income Tax Department conducted raids at multiple locations including Indore district in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday.

According to sources, around 70 members of the Income Tax Department have been carrying out searches at various locations since early Thursday morning.

Simultaneous raids were conducted at sites owned by prominent businessmen involved in building materials, property brokerage, petrol pump operations and prominent jewellers.

In Dhar, searches were carried out at 12 locations, including residences and business premises.

Key persons targeted for raids include R.C. Jain, a prominent building materials' dealer from Manawar; Golu Pahadia, a petrol pump owner; and property brokers Pankaj Godha, Zaheer Sheikh, and Rajesh Sharma.

While in Indore, searches were carried out at the home of cotton merchant Suresh Mehta.

Sources said the Income Tax officials are examining documents to verify complaints of unaccounted wealth exceeding known income sources.

According to the information, raids were conducted following a complaint received against several prominent businessmen, accusing them of having more assets than their income.

Similarly, in Rajgarh district, Income Tax officials raided four jewelry shops, including Kesar and SV Jewelers.

Officials questioned shop owners and shut the shutters during the interrogation. Even the mobile phones were turned off.

The Income Tax Department has yet to disclose its findings, stating that further details will be shared after the investigation concludes, sources aware of the developments said.

Raids were underway till late at night in the presence of heavy security by police personnel.

Buildings in which searches were being conducted have been cordoned-off by police. Several buildings have been sealed.

/IANS