A recent Income Tax raid on a senior State functionary led to the unearthing of huge sums of unaccounted money and valuables. However there is also criticism emerging from several quarters in different State Governments that these raids are used as a tool by the Central Government to pressurize, intimidate and malign State Governments. Do you consider such raids to be unethical ? Should “public interest” reasoning be resorted to for obviating established procedure ?

When a raid is conducted, the main focus of the body conducting raid is to weed out the black money and corruption. With respect to raid, there must not be any sort of difference made on the basis of post and position held. Every individual stands at an equal position in the eyes law. Be it a Minister or a VIP or a common man. Raids need to send a signal across of the importance of being good citizens by not being involved in corrupt activities such as black money or money hoarding. Raids can help to create a fear in the minds of individuals, that none will be spared in the eyes of law.
However, conducting raids appears to be a situation of an eye for an eye. Rather than going on the spree of ‘witch-hunting’ of criminals, the concerned departments can act soft by sending warning signals. This will be a benevolent act as compassion is shown.
Following the established procedure can get a bit sort of delayed action.  Whatever route is used, it must not go against the public interest.
In the recent raid of Rammohan Rao, there was no public interest scrutinised. Rather, it was in public interest that the raid was conducted.
Over all, the public interest must stand out.