Jodhpur, January 2 : The Income Tax Department conducted extensive raids on Thursday targeting the renowned Utkarsh Coaching Institute across multiple locations, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Indore, and Prayagraj. Beginning around 6 a.m., teams from the department arrived at various centers, evacuating students from classrooms and confiscating all relevant documents. Staff members’ mobile phones were also seized during the operation. The sudden action caused a wave of panic among the coaching center employees. The raids were initiated in response to allegations of significant irregularities in student fee collections and tax evasion. Heavy police deployment ensured that the operations proceeded without disruption.
Alleged Financial Misdealings in a Multi-Crore Deal
Reports indicate that a significant partnership deal was finalized between Physics Wallah and Utkarsh Coaching Institute a few months ago. The transaction, reportedly exceeding ₹800 crores, allegedly involved substantial undisclosed financial dealings. Acting on complaints about these irregularities, the Income Tax Department had been monitoring Utkarsh’s activities closely. Under the supervision of Joint Director Prerna Choudhary from the department’s Investigation Wing, the raids targeted key locations, including Director Nirmal Gehlot’s residence at Ummed Heritage and the main office at Jalori Gate. Over 150 tax officials, supported by police personnel, are involved in the operation, with the likelihood of uncovering significant tax evasion.
Evidence Points to Potential Tax Evasion
The raids were prompted by confidential information regarding tax evasion and undisclosed income. Several critical documents have already been retrieved, and further investigations are underway. Bank lockers associated with the institute are also being examined. Officials anticipate that the operation will reveal large-scale financial irregularities, including undeclared income.
Heavy Police Presence Ensures Order
To maintain law and order, heavy police forces have been stationed around the coaching centers during the operation. Key documents and records have been seized across multiple locations, including branches in Indore and Delhi. The comprehensive action underscores the scale of the investigation.
History of Controversies
This is not the first time Utkarsh Coaching Institute has been embroiled in controversy. On December 15, an incident involving students fainting at the Jaipur center attracted widespread attention. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took cognizance of the matter and sought responses from the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board and other agencies. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for February 10.
Past Tax Raids on the Institute
Sources in the Income Tax Department revealed that the current raids are focused on allegations of fee-related tax evasion and other financial irregularities. While further details will emerge once the investigation concludes, this is not the first instance of tax raids targeting the institute. Known for preparing students for competitive exams in Rajasthan, Utkarsh Coaching Institute’s recent controversies have raised serious questions about transparency and accountability in coaching institutions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
