Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out a series of raids on Thursday at 11 locations across Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar in connection with an ongoing investigation into a disproportionate assets (DA) case involving Santosh Karnani, a 2005-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and former Additional Commissioner of Income Tax.
The CBI has alleged that Karnani, along with his wife Aarti Karnani, illicitly acquired assets far beyond their legitimate income. Searches were conducted at the residential and office premises of the accused officer and several of his associates.
Allegations of Illicit Enrichment
According to the CBI FIR, Santosh Karnani and his wife are accused of possessing unexplained assets worth Rs 1.31 crore, which is a staggering 156.24% more than their declared legal income. Investigators believe that the couple accumulated wealth by exploiting their official positions, with illicit funds being invested in properties across Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Mumbai.
The agency further alleges that Aarti Karnani actively abetted in acquiring these properties. The ongoing investigation includes a search and seizure operation aimed at uncovering incriminating documents and digital evidence linked to the accused.
Search and Seizure Operation
The CBI’s operation included raids at multiple locations including residential homes and offices. As per CBI officials, several documents and digital devices have already been seized from the premises of the accused. Investigators are continuing their efforts to unearth additional evidence and trace further financial irregularities.
A CBI spokesperson stated, “The ongoing searches are part of a comprehensive investigation into the financial activities and asset accumulation of the accused couple.”
Background and Prior Investigations
Santosh Karnani’s name first came under scrutiny in October 2022, when the Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) raided his office at the Income Tax Department in Ahmedabad. Karnani allegedly created a ruckus during the proceedings and managed to escape, which raised suspicions about his involvement in corrupt practices. The CBI later took over the case from the ACB.
In September 2023, the CBI filed an additional FIR against Karnani concerning his alleged involvement in a Rs 30 lakh bribery case. The CBI claims that Karnani provided confidential information to a builder to help him win a case at the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in exchange for land at a significantly reduced price.
Further investigations revealed that Karnani’s wealth had grown considerably under questionable circumstances, prompting the initiation of the disproportionate assets investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
The CBI is scrutinizing the financial transactions and property records associated with the accused to uncover the full scope of the alleged corruption. The agency is actively pursuing leads and gathering more evidence to understand the extent of the illicit wealth accumulation and its connection to Karnani’s official duties.
This case highlights the CBI’s continued efforts to tackle corruption within the Indian Revenue Service, with a focus on identifying and prosecuting officials who have misused their positions for personal gain.
This operation comes as part of the CBI’s wider crackdown on financial irregularities involving high-ranking public officials, showcasing the agency’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in government institutions.
