I-T dept not biased: Radhakrishnan

Tiruchirappalli: Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan on Sunday rejected some opposition leaders' charge that the Income Tax department was being used to target them, saying raids have been carried out against even companies owned by BJP leaders.

Against the backdrop of raids against jailed AIADMK leader V K Sasiakala and her relatives, some opposition parties in Tamil Nadu alleged that the I-T department was being used by the Centre to target them.

In reply to a question on the allegation, Radhakrishnan said, "The income tax department is an autonomous body. We cannot question them if they take any action against any person. I-T raids are taking place in other states. There is no truth in the allegation that the Income Tax department is biased."

In fact, income tax raids had been conducted in companies owned by BJP members in other states, the minister of state for road transport, highways and shipping told reporters here.