BCCI-IPL under probe for ignoring I-T notice

New Delhi: The Indian Premier League along with the Board of Control for Cricket in India did not comply with Income Tax department notices much before the controversy over the Kochi franchisee broke out.

Sources in the Union Finance Ministry have told CNN-IBN that the income tax search at IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi's Mumbai office and the IPL office in Mumbai on Thursday night were the outcome of the non-compliance of notices sent by the department earlier.

Sources said that Directorate of Investigation, Mumbai had sent notices to BCCI/IPL to furnish information and produce records which were not complied with leading too the search operation on Thursday.

The Income Tax department had asked for payment details of all the IPL franchisees, revenue sharing arrangement between BCCI and IPL, and between IPL and other franchisees. Income Tax officials wanted copies of agreements reached with franchisees and had also asked for the details of IPL auctions.

Tightening its noose around the franchisees a team of I-T officials also raided the office of KingsXI Punjab at Mohali on Friday evening. The office also houses the Punjab Cricket Association, of which Modi is Vice President. Punjab Cricket Association officals have claimed that they have handed over all details to the I-T officials.

However, Modi claimed that the IPL has provided that information sought by the I-T department.

"Income Tax department wanted information on Kochi franchisee. We have given the information to them. We have no official meeting with BCCI," said Modi in Dharamshala.

But Modi, it seems, is in for more trouble after the allegations that he tried to bribe the Kochi franchisee to drop its bid. Sources have told CNN-IBN that the income tax department is investigating whether Modi paid less tax after IPL Season 2.

The department is also investigating the amount of tax deduction at source paid by IPL franchisees. Sources say it could amount to tax evasion if TDS was not paid in full.

Income Tax officials have already conducted a "survey" at the IPL headquarters and the office of Modi in Mumbai on Thursday night. They also quizzed Modi on the bidding process of the IPL and ownership of all franchises.

The enquiry by the I-T officials on Thursday night went on for well over seven hours and came to an end at about 0300 hrs IST on Friday.