Income Tax Department Issues Notice to PDP Leader Waheed Para, Seeks Financial Records
Srinagar, Dec 22: The Income Tax Department has served a notice to senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Pulwama, Waheed Para, requesting the submission of his books of accounts and financial records. The notice, issued under Section 131(1A) of the Income Tax Act, allows tax authorities to seek financial documents even if no formal proceedings are pending.
The notice required Para to appear before the Income Tax authorities on December 20, but according to sources, he received the intimation on the same day. While the PDP leader has not publicly commented on the matter, his close aides confirmed that a representative would appear at the Income Tax office on his behalf on Monday.
As per Section 131(1A), tax officers have the authority to summon individuals or their authorized representatives to provide documents or information deemed necessary for ongoing inquiries. Para is expected to present his books of accounts and related financial documents as part of the department’s probe.
Following the assembly elections, Para reported to the Election Commission that his election campaign expenditure amounted to over ₹14 lakh, with ₹12 lakh received as loans, gifts, and donations from various individuals, firms, and associations. His election affidavit revealed that his total assets, including moveable and immovable properties, exceeded ₹2.5 crore. This includes inherited agricultural land valued at ₹2 crore.
Para, a prominent figure in Jammu and Kashmir politics, has faced legal challenges in recent years. He spent nearly two years in detention, initially arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 25, 2020, a day after filing his nomination for the District Development Council elections from Pulwama. Though granted bail by an NIA court in January 2021, he was subsequently re-arrested by the Counter Intelligence (Kashmir) wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police on similar charges.
His eventual release on bail was seen as a significant moment in his political career, but the recent notice from the Income Tax Department adds another layer of scrutiny.
The Income Tax notice comes amid heightened political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, with leaders across parties alleging targeted actions by central agencies. Para’s case has drawn attention, as it raises questions about the financial transparency and political dynamics within the region.
As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on Para and his party’s next moves in response to the increasing pressure from central authorities. The PDP leadership has yet to release an official statement regarding the notice, leaving observers keenly watching for further developments.
