I-T raids at Taapsee, Anurag Kashyap's homes

The Income Tax department on Wednesday carried out searches at properties of filmmakers Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Madhu Mantena and actor Taapsee Pannu.  Searches took place at 30 locations in Mumbai and Pune, including premises linked to a talent agency as well as Phantom Films. Commenting on the ongoing raids, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said the agencies only go after those against whom they have credible information. "The matter later goes to court," the minister said. Both Anurag and Taapsee are known to be vocal about their criticism of the government.

Several ministers in Maharashtra slammed the tax raids, saying Kashyap and Ms Pannu were being targeted because of their views. "The way in which raids were conducted in the homes and offices of Anurag Kashyap and Tapasee Pannu, this is definitely the usage of Enforcement Directorate or the Income Tax against those who take a stand against the government or its policies. Anurag Kashyap and Tapasee Pannu have raised their voice against the Modi government's policies. This action is an attempt to suppress their voices," Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik said.