Kolkata, August 13: After Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday began dharna in West Bengal's Kolkata citing income tax notices to Durga Puja committees, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has denied the claims. The income tax department said that reports are factually incorrect and denied it by saying no notice was issued to the Durga Puja Committee Forum this year. Mamata Banerjee Flays Centre, BJP Over I-T Notice to Durga Puja Committees in West Bengal.

"There have been reports in media about Income tax notices being issued to Durga Puja Committees in Kolkata. The reports also mention that Income tax notices were sent to Durga Puja Committee Forum in last few weeks," CBDT said in a statement. Iconic Kolkata Durga Puja Shifted Due to Safety Concerns.

Denying the reports, the statement read, "It is unequivocally stated that the said reports are factually incorrect and are strongly denied. It is a fact that no notice was issued to the Durga Puja Committee Forum by the Department this year."

CBDT statement:

On Tuesday, TMC began its eight-hour-long dharna in Kolkata in protest against income tax notices. Criticising the Narendra Modi-led government, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday announced that the women's wing of TMC 'Banga Janani Brigade' will sit on dharna at Subodh Mullick Square.

Mamata Banerjee had also urged people "who love Bangla" to join the protest. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party accused the ruling TMC leaders of money laundering allegedly looted in chit fund scams through Durga Puja committees.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2019 05:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).