IT dept harassing small traders as IDS is damp squib, alleges AAP

With the Income Tax department issuing summons to Delhi minister Satyendar Jain, AAP’s traders’ wing on Wednesday claimed that the department was “harassing” small businessmen as the voluntary Income Disclosure Scheme (IDS) had turned out to be a “damp squib”.

AAP traders’ wing convenor Brijesh Goyal said traders in the national capital were under a “spell of terror” and the unit would organise protests against this at the major markets in Delhi.

“Instead of looking for black money of big businessmen, the Centre is targeting small traders which is leading to a fear psychosis among them,” he said.

Under the IDS, which expires on September 30, tax evaders would have to pay a hefty fine.

Goyal also claimed that thousands of traders have been issued notices by the IT department.

On Friday, the protests will be held at the markets at Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Nehru Place, he said.

The IT department had yesterday issued summons to Jain, asking him to appear before it in connection with its tax evasion probe against certain Kolkata-based firms.

Officials said Jain has been asked to appear, with his personal financial details and Income Tax Returns for the last four years, before the Investigating Officer of the case here on October 4.

Goyal, however, claimed that the protests had “no link” with the summons issued to Jain.