Real Gold Man: Income Tax dept seizes ₹1 crore gold from Dargah Chinna Pahilwan
HYDERABAD: The Income Tax department seized gold worth about ₹1 crore from a self-styled ‘Gold man’ in Hyderabad, marking the first action under the Income Tax Act, 2025.
Identity and Seizure Details
Officials identified the man as Yadgiri Chinna Goud, also known as Dargah Chinna Pahilwan. They recovered 900 grams of gold from him. Of this, nearly 700 grams was unaccounted and seized, while 150–200 grams was returned for personal use.
He failed to explain the source of income for the ornaments, authorities said.
First Case Under New Law
The department issued a warrant under Section 247 of the Income Tax Act, 2025, which came into effect on April 1, replacing the 1961 law. According to officials, this is the first such action in the country under the new legislation.
In earlier cases, authorities used Section 132 of the previous Act.
Sources said Chinna Pahilwan is the third ‘gold man’ under scrutiny. Earlier cases involved Telangana Hockey president Konda Vijay Kumar and P. Suresh Kumar alias Surya Bhai. In those instances, most ornaments were found to be coated or made of rhodium and copper.
Social Media Triggered Probe
The investigation began with social profiling. Officials tracked his television and YouTube interviews before initiating action.
During questioning, he admitted the gold was unaccounted and estimated its value at around ₹1 crore. He claimed the assets came from rental income and land dealings. However, no supporting documents were produced.
Financial Records Examined
A review of financial records showed that he had filed only one income tax return, declaring an income of about ₹4 lakh.
He claimed earnings from rent and cash-based land transactions. According to sources, he purchased land through general power of attorney (GPA), resold it, and retained margins in cash.
Authorities also examined the financial background of his family. One relative works as a technology professional abroad, while another earns from running a girls’ paying guest hostel.
Public Image Built Around Gold
Known as the ‘Telangana gold man’, Chinna Pahilwan has cultivated a strong public persona. He presents himself as a businessman and local figure in the Gachibowli area.
He has links with political parties and remains active in real estate and local dispute settlements. His public appearances often feature heavy gold jewellery.
He also stays active on social media, appearing in home tour videos and participating in local events and festivals.
