New Delhi, June 20: Income tax department today launched a major crackdown against hawala dealers in the national capital and three other states carrying out searches at over a dozen places. Official sources said searches were conducted at the premises of four hawala dealers in the walled city area of the capital and their concerns in Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Surat.

The sources quoting initial reports said the dealers were allegedly running a huge hawala network and large scale transfer of unaccounted cash has been found. The swoop by income tax involving 100 odd sleuths began and 1500 hours simultaneously at all places.

The sources said six other places belonging to the accused were also being surveyed by the income tax sleuths.

Bureau Report