The Income Tax Department on Thursday conducted a surprise raid on the premises of Ananda Dairy, a major dairy producer in Uttar Pradesh, triggering panic among employees. The action was carried out simultaneously at three locations, including the company’s plants in Pilkhuwa (Hapur) and Syana (Bulandshahr), as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion running into crores of rupees.
According to sources, the raid began around 7 AM when a team of over 40 Income Tax officials arrived at the Ananda Dairy plant in Khairpur, Pilkhuwa, in a convoy of nearly 17-20 vehicles bearing Delhi and Uttar Pradesh registration numbers. Soon after their arrival, the main gate of the plant was closed, employees inside were not allowed to leave, and staff reporting for duty were stopped at the entrance.
A similar operation was conducted at the Ananda Milk plant located on Garh Road in Syana, Bulandshahr, where officials sealed the premises and began searches. Teams carried out an extensive examination of documents, account books, computers, and other electronic devices. Several files and records were reportedly seized during the operation.
Local police were deployed outside the plants to maintain security and restrict entry. Media personnel and outsiders were kept at a distance, while employees’ mobile phones were confiscated to prevent the flow of information, creating an atmosphere of panic at the sites.
Sources claim that preliminary evidence related to tax irregularities has been found, although the Income Tax Department has not issued any official statement so far. The search operation is expected to continue till the evening, and further action at additional locations cannot be ruled out.
Ananda Dairy is one of the leading dairy companies in Uttar Pradesh, engaged in the production and distribution of milk, curd, paneer, ghee, and other dairy products. The company operates in more than 35 districts, primarily in western Uttar Pradesh, and procures milk from thousands of farmers while supplying products across the NCR region.
There has been no response from Ananda Dairy regarding the raids. Meanwhile, speculation is rife among residents and employees. An employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the teams arrived suddenly in the morning and shut down operations without prior notice. If the allegations of tax evasion are substantiated, the company could face hefty penalties and legal action. Further developments are awaited.