Baba Ramdev’s His Empire under Income Tax Scanner

Baba Ramdev might soon realize that it would have been better had he confined his business to Yoga and not meddle with politics.

The crusader of the anti-corruption is now under the purview of Income Tax scanner. The Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate officials are gearing up to assess his fortune.

The Yoga Guru’s empire is huge, estimated to be over 1000 crores. Ramdev’s trust is linked to a range of economies like ayurveda medicine, food, cosmetics, construction, real estate, transport and packaging.

Till now there has been no specific charge against these establishments and business enterprises, but the government intends to have an income tax assessment done.

Baba Ramdev's empire boasts of over 30 companies, all taken care of by his close aide and confidante- Acharya Balakrishna. All these companies are affiliated to Ramdev's Patanjali Yogpeeth and Divya Yog Mandir trusts. The media company that owns the religious channel Astha, through which Ramdev reaches his followers, is also affiliated to the trusts.

There are added reports that Baba Ramdev owns an Island off the coast of Scotland-known as Peace Island. The ownership of the island will potentially come under tax bracket once the proposed direct tax code comes into effect in India.

These developments and assessment of Baba’s income comes right after his showdown with the government and consequent eviction from the Ramlila grounds on Saturday.

Ramdev has suggested death penalty for corrupt politicians and officials and the seizure of black money stashed away abroad by corrupt politicians and businessmen.