The income-tax department of the finance ministry of the government of India today conducted surveys at six different business premises in Mumbai connected with actor Sonu Sood. No official reason has been given yet for the operation. Sood also has not issued any statement.
The 48-year-old actor has been in the news since last year for his contribution to relief operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, starting with helping poor migrants return home safely during the sudden countrywide lockdown announced by prime minister Narendra Modi in March. He was also involved in providing relief supplies and, later, helped needy patients to source medicines. The actor co-wrote a book on his experiences, titled I Am No Messiah.
Sood was recently appointed an educational ambassador by the state government of the national capital territory of Delhi under its 'Desh Ke Mentor' programme. He met Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and spoke about the programme at a press conference last month.
A report on the NDTV news channel's website explained that the survey by income-tax sleuths involves going through account books to check income generated and expenditure incurred by the many businesses and charities run by Sood. The actor also runs a non-governmental organization, the Sood Charity Foundation, which helps people in accessing health care and education and getting jobs.