Nagpur: The Income Tax Department’s Intelligence and Criminal Investigation Wing (ICIW) has initiated a major probe into suspected financial irregularities across Vidarbha’s healthcare sector. Notices have been served to around 130 hospitals, including multi-speciality, cancer care, and diagnostic centres, over alleged manipulation in cash transactions.
According to officials, the action aims to trace unreported high-value cash flows under the Statement of Financial Transactions (SFT) mechanism. As per the rule, hospitals are required to report any cash payment exceeding ₹2 lakh along with the patient’s identity and related details. Institutions have now been directed to submit comprehensive financial records for verification.
Preliminary findings suggest that some hospitals may have deliberately omitted certain transactions from SFT filings. “Despite the growing use of digital payments, cash continues to dominate in surgeries, fertility treatments, and diagnostics,” an IT official said, adding that the department will scrutinize all submitted data for discrepancies.
Sources further revealed that some hospital administrators may have diverted funds to other businesses to evade taxes. Chartered accountants associated with these institutions are also under the scanner for their potential involvement.
The notices, issued under Section 133(6) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, require hospitals to provide ledgers, vouchers, and diagnostic records to ensure compliance and detect any irregularities.
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