IT officials raid former Goa tourism minister

Income Tax officials Thursday carried out searches at the residence of former Goa tourism minister Francisco Pacheco and several other locations.

Over a dozen IT personnel from Bangalore circle were seen conducting a search at Pacheco's residence and travel agency in Betalbatim, a coastal village 35 km from here, since Thursday noon.

Senior IT officials did not give any reason for the searches.

Besides searching the Goa Vikas Party legislator's palatial residence, the officials were also seen combing through a whole range of the politician's fleet of luxury vehicles which includes a Mercedes and a Hummer SUV.

An officer said that similar raids were also being conducted at the residences of coastal politicians, including panchayat members.