Nagpur: The Income Tax Department on Friday launched a major search and seizure operation at more than 20 locations across Nagpur, targeting supari (betel nut) traders in connection with alleged tax evasion. The large-scale action has sent shockwaves through the local trading community, particularly in the busy Maskasath and Itwari areas.

Sources said multiple teams of Income Tax officials began the coordinated raids early in the day, simultaneously covering business establishments and residential premises to prevent concealment or destruction of records. Financial documents, digital data, and transaction details are being examined to verify suspected discrepancies between declared income and actual business turnover.

This marks the first major Income Tax raid in Nagpur in 2026. However, the city had witnessed similar enforcement actions last year as well. In 2025, the department had conducted raids on several traders and business entities, uncovering cases of unaccounted income, cash transactions outside the books, and violations of tax regulations, particularly in sectors involving high-volume cash dealings.

Officials indicated that the supari trade has been under sustained scrutiny due to its extensive interstate operations and frequent cash-based transactions. The current action is believed to be a continuation of last year’s crackdown aimed at improving tax compliance and curbing black money circulation.

Though no official figures have been disclosed so far, authorities confirmed that the searches are still underway and further information will be released after the completion of the operation and assessment of seized materials.

The ongoing raids led to heightened security and restricted movement in parts of Itwari and Maskasath, drawing the attention of traders and residents alike as the investigation progresses.