They are Bollywood's reigning queens, earning mega bucks and adored by millions of fans. They are also suspected by the income tax (I-T) department of tax evasion.
Taxmen on Monday raided the homes of Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif. They also searched the premises of Chopra’s father; Matrix, a celeb management company that handles Kaif’s endorsements; photographer Atul Kasbekar, who earlier owned Matrix; and Chand Mishra, Chopra’s personal assistant. BP Gaur, director general (investigation), I-T, Mumbai, confirmed the searches.
Another I-T officer, requesting anonymity, said 12 premises were searched and 12 bank lockers sealed. “The lockers will be opened in the next few days,” the officer said.
The officer said the search at Chopra’s house yielded documents that indicated concealed income. “We are scrutinising these to find out the amount of concealed income.” Authorities didn’t find anything at Kaif’s house but are investigating if she transferred money to London and if that was declared.
The raids come days after Chopra was nominated for a Padma award. Kaif is the most searched celebrity on Google.
None of those searched were available for comment.