Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly defended the Income Tax Bill, 2025, citing how WhatsApp messages, Google Maps, and Instagram activity helped crack down on a massive tax evasion racket. She underscored how digital footprints have become key weapons in the fight against financial fraud while speaking in the Lok Sabha.
How the ₹250 Crore Scam Was Busted
Suspicious encrypted messages linked to unaccounted crypto transactions tipped off tax authorities. Deep-diving into WhatsApp chats, investigators unearthed ₹200 crore hidden in digital assets. Google Maps location history led officials to secret cash hideouts, while Instagram activity exposed ‘benami’ property ownership.
No More Safe Havens: Digital Tax Evasion Under the Radar
Sitharaman declared that virtual assets can no longer be used to dodge taxes. “Cryptocurrencies and other digital holdings are under close scrutiny,” she stated. With this bill, tax authorities now have the power to access emails, WhatsApp, Telegram, and even business servers to uncover hidden wealth.
Major Reforms in the 2025 Income Tax Bill
Introduced on February 13, the bill modernizes India’s tax laws, replacing the 1961 Income Tax Act. The biggest changes include:
- Cryptocurrencies and digital tokens now categorized as undisclosed income
- Tax officials can override access codes to examine digital assets
- Social media accounts, online investments, and hidden digital wealth under scrutiny
With these aggressive enforcement measures, the government is cracking down on financial misconduct like never before.
Interesting Read
