I-T sleuths to quiz fraud accused duo who posed as kin of PM’s secy

Bhubaneswar: Income Tax officers are likely to question fraud accused Hansita Abhilipsa and Anil Mohanty at Jharpada special jail here on Monday. The duo was arrested by Infocity police on Dec 30, 2024, for allegedly deceiving multiple businessmen by claiming to be the daughter and son-in-law of P K Mishra, principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"We have received information that a team of I-T officers will reach the jail on Monday to question the duo following a court's approval. We will make necessary arrangements as per the protocol," a jail officer said.
The I-T department found that the duo allegedly used photographs with influential individuals, including bureaucrats and politicians, to mislead businessmen by offering assistance claiming govt connections.
I-T authorities conducted searches at their properties in Bhubaneswar, Delhi and Jharkhand on Jan 7 and 8. Officers found several premium cars and flats allegedly obtained without proper documentation, indicating unexplained assets. The tax officers requested revenue authorities to halt transactions of Hansita and Anil's assets and earlier interrogated her husband, Saroj Sahoo.
Sources said the I-T department uncovered an undocumented transaction exceeding Rs 100 crore between a corporate firm and the duo. Hansita served as a liaison for the organisation's business development for three years. Sources revealed that Rs 65 crore of the total transactions was untaxed.
The corporate entity allegedly transferred funds to Hansita and others' bank accounts for various services, later recovering substantial amounts through cash and hawala channels to evade taxes.
The duo is also under the scanner for potential tax evasion schemes with some real estate developers. The I-T department recently sealed four flats and seized five luxury cars registered to Hansita, Saroj and Anil. Three flats are situated in an upmarket housing complex near Patia here.
Anil, from Bhubaneswar, was in mining before meeting Hansita. Hansita studied rural management and sociology. She hails from Kalahandi district where she was involved in rural politics in 2017.
Their crimes came to light following a complaint by a private university official on Dec 26, 2024 who suffered significant financial losses after allegedly being deceived by Hansita and Anil, who claim to be innocent.