IT raids at 22 properties of Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Taapsee Pannu in Mumbai and Pune

On Wednesday morning, Income Tax officials conducted raids at the Mumbai residence of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, actress Taapsee Pannu and Vikas Bahl. 

Initial reports suggest the raids are being conducted in connection with the production and distribution company Phantom Films helmed by Anurag Kashyap, director Vikramaditya Motwane, producer Madhu Mantena and Vikas Bahl.

However, officials of the I-T department remained tightlipped on the searches at the premises of Phantom Films.

According to another I-T department official, the searches are going on at the premises of these Bollywood personalities in connection with some “tax evasion” matter.

Kashyap, Bahl and Pannu have been vocal on the social media platforms and have also raised their concern over the farmers’ protest, which have been going at the borders of the national capital since November 26 last year against the three farm laws.

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.

Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, producer Madhu Mantena, and Vikas Bahl came together to found film production company, Phantom Films, in Mumbai in 2011. In March 2015, Reliance Entertainment procured 50 per cent stake in the company.

After a series of movies comprising both hits and misses, the company was dissolved in 2018 facing a sexual assault allegation on Vikas Bahl, brought by a former employee of Phantom.