Bengaluru: Huge investments by congress leaders post note ban led to raids on their houses and offices, confirmed Income tax Department officials.Justifying their actions the officials said, huge undisclosed amounts were invested in family businesses by the two leaders while keeping the IT department in dark.

Following note ban on November 8, Ramesh Jarkhiholi’s transactions increased by around 30-40% in his brother Lakhan’s business. In the other incident, Lakshmi Hebbalkar’s family members are unable to provide concrete evidence on investments to the tune of Rs 100 crores in Savadatti sugar mills, IT department officials alleged.

IT officials had raided the residences of Congress leader Ramesh Jarkhiholi in Gokak and State women congress president Lakshmi Hebbalkar in Belagavi recently.

Refusing to divulge more details, IT officials clarified that a report would be submitted to the commissioner with all details extracted during the raid.

It may recalled, state Chief Minister Siddramiah had voiced his opinion against the IT department’s biased motive of targeting only congress leaders despite having power to conduct raids at will.