More than 300 I-T officials from Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Rajkot are involved in the operations, said sources. During the drive, the officials have seized jewellery worth Rs 1.5 crore and sealed 11 bank lockers.

The investigation wing of the I-T department had targeted the textile industry and builder lobbies in the city. A builder associated with a textile group also came under the scanner.

The search operations were carried out at offices, factories, go downs, and farm houses of the business groups. The officials also carried out the operations at the premises of the associates and the chartered accountants of the firms.

The textile firms which were targeted by the I-T officials were Laxmipati Textiles, Reeva Fashions, Vishal Fashions, and Yogi Textiles. On the other hand, Sumilon Group and Taha Group which are engaged in zari business were also covered in the drive.

Besides sealing 11 bank lockers, the I-T officials also seized jewellery worth Rs 1.5 crore. The search operations were also carried out at the premises of these business houses at Mumbai, Daman and Gandhidham.

An official of the I-T department said on a condition of anonymity that the searches will continue on Wednesday.