The Income Tax Department has filed a complaint against seven people in an alleged Rs 250 crore tax evasion and bogus donation case linked to the Aam Janmat Party in Ahmedabad, according to a report by Gujarat Samachar. The department’s investigation reportedly found suspicious transactions exceeding Rs 843.97 crore in the party’s bank accounts during 2022-23 and 2023-24.
The complaint was filed by an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax from the Central Circle against people associated with the party and chartered accountants allegedly involved in the transactions. The report identifies Aam Janmat Party national president Gaurav Y. Mishra, treasurer Dharmendra Vaishnav, manager Dineshkumar Jain and chartered accountants Mayursingh Rathod, Pranav Shah and Akash Soni among those named.
The case concerns allegations that the party existed largely on paper and was used to facilitate donation-linked tax deductions. According to the Income Tax investigation described in the report, large taxpayers transferred money through banking channels to the party’s accounts and claimed a 100% deduction under the applicable income-tax provisions.
The money was allegedly moved out of the party’s accounts by recording expenses for election campaigns, rallies and advertising. These transfers were reportedly made to companies named Prinit Corporation, Hashaz Corporation, Ayan Enterprise and Shri Ramdev Enterprise, which the department has described as bogus companies in the alleged scheme.
The report states that the funds were then withdrawn in cash through angadia firms after a commission was deducted. The remaining money was allegedly returned in cash to the original donors. The Income Tax Department has estimated that the alleged arrangement caused a loss of around Rs 250 crore to the government treasury, described in the report as approximately 30% of the donations involved.
The investigation also reportedly found that the party’s office-bearers and chartered accountants prepared audit reports without maintaining original vouchers, bills or genuine accounts. These reports were allegedly uploaded on government portals, enabling the party’s financial activities to appear compliant in official records.
The alleged transactions occurred during two financial years, making the case relevant not only to tax enforcement but also to oversight of political-party finances. The reported use of a registered political organisation, corporate entities and cash-disbursement channels raises questions about how donation claims, audit filings and tax deductions are scrutinised across institutions.
The complaint marks the beginning of legal action against the individuals named in the case. The allegations have not been tested by a court, and the filing of a complaint does not establish guilt. Further proceedings will determine the roles of the accused and the legality of the transactions identified during the Income Tax Department’s investigation.
