In a startling discovery during an Income Tax raid at former BJP MLA Harshvansh Singh Rathore's residence in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, officials reportedly found three Crocodiles being kept as pets. A video purportedly showing one of the reptiles at the premises has gone viral on social media.
The raid, which began early morning on Saturday, January 5, was conducted by the Income Tax Department along with other investigating agencies. The operation targeted both Rathore, a former legislator and beedi industry magnate, and former BJP corporator Rajesh Kesharwani.
According to reports, the Crocodiles were found in a small pond inside Rathore's bungalow. The keeping of Crocodiles as pets is illegal in India. Income Tax department has informed the Forest Department about this discovery, as per reports.
The raids revealed substantial financial irregularities, uncovering unaccounted business transactions amounting to Rs 150 crore. In addition, authorities reportedly seized 14 kilograms of gold, approximately Rs 4 crore in cash, and several luxury vehicles, further underscoring the scale of the operation and the alleged financial misconduct involved.
The investigation is currently ongoing, with IT officials examining potential tax evasion and reviewing seized documents. While the video of the Crocodiles is circulating widely on social media, its authenticity remains unverified.
