Income Tax Raid in Jodhpur Turns Dramatic as Trader Suffers Heart Attack

Jodhpur: A routine income tax raid in Jodhpur took an unexpected turn when a prominent ghee and edible oil trader suffered a heart attack, forcing the authorities to temporarily halt the operation. The trader was rushed to AIIMS Jodhpur for treatment, highlighting a human dimension in the midst of a high-profile investigation.

Highlights:

• Trader suffers heart attack during IT raid
• Emergency treatment at Jodhpur AIIMS
• Prohibitory order issued on residence
• Investigations continue in Agra and Kanpur

Raid Under Investigation of Dairy Product Group

The Income Tax Investigation Wing of Uttar Pradesh had reached Jodhpur on January 15 as part of a broader probe into a large food products group with operations in Agra and Kanpur. Concurrent raids were carried out in Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Dholpur, targeting the residences, warehouses, and factories associated with the group. In Jodhpur, the operation focused on the Shastrinagar C-Sector residence, a warehouse in New Pous, and a factory in Boranada.

Health Emergency Forces Immediate Action

On the third day of the search, the trader suddenly experienced severe chest pain. Officials at the scene quickly recognized the gravity of the situation and took him to a private hospital, later referring him to AIIMS Jodhpur. Doctors confirmed that a stent was placed in his heart, saving his life. The trader’s condition has since stabilized, and he is under observation.

Prohibitory Order Issued, Operations Temporarily Suspended

Considering the trader’s medical emergency and the family’s situation, the IT team temporarily suspended further searches at the Shastrinagar residence. Before leaving, officials issued a prohibitory order, sealing a cupboard believed to contain crucial documents, cash, gold, and silver. Under legal provisions, the department may return within 60 days to continue the search.

Investigations Continue Elsewhere

While the operation in Jodhpur has been temporarily paused on humanitarian grounds, raids and investigations in Agra, Kanpur, and other locations continue. Preliminary reports indicate that authorities recovered around 3 kilograms of gold and approximately ₹35 lakh in cash, though these figures await official confirmation.

About the Trader: Ghanshyam Soni

Ghanshyam Soni is associated with the Malani Group, a well-known dairy business in Jodhpur and western Rajasthan, specializing in bulk ghee and dairy products. The group, registered as Malani Dairy Private Limited, has directors including Ghanshyam Soni, Sunita Soni, Vinod Soni, and Vivek Soni, with reported turnover exceeding ₹500 crore. The company operates from Gulab Sagar and industrial hubs in Mandor Mandi and Basni-Boranada.