The Income Tax Department has seized gold worth approximately ₹1 crore from Yadgiri Chinna Goud, also known as Dargah Chinna Pahilwan, marking the third case of a “gold man” coming under investigation in Hyderabad. The Hyderabad investigation unit found him in possession of 900 grams of gold, out of which 700 grams was identified as unaccounted wealth and seized. Around 150 to 200 grams was returned to him for personal use after officials determined he could not explain the source of income for the ornaments.
This case holds particular significance as officials confirmed the warrant was issued under Section 247 of the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which came into force on April 1, replacing the 1961 law. According to the department, this is the first warrant issued anywhere in the country under the new Act. Previously, such enforcement action was taken under Section 132 of the old legislation.
The investigation into Chinna Pahilwan emerged through social profiling methods employed by the department. Officials revealed they tracked several of his interviews on television channels and YouTube before initiating formal proceedings. He is the third “gold man” to face scrutiny after similar gold was seized from Konda Vijaykumar, and in another case involving Surya Bhai, where most ornaments were found to be coated or rolled gold rather than solid gold.
During the inquiry, Chinna Pahilwan reportedly accepted that the gold was unaccounted for and claimed its value to be around ₹1 crore. He stated that the source of funds came from rental income and land dealings. However, Income Tax officials said he could not satisfactorily explain the source of income to support the acquisition of such substantial gold holdings.
Records show that only one income tax return filed by him declared an income of approximately ₹4 lakh. He claimed to have earned rental income and engaged in cash-based land transactions. According to the department’s findings, his business model typically involved buying land on General Power of Attorney (GPA), reselling it at a higher price, and taking the difference amount in cash, which remained outside the tax net.
The investigation also extended to the finances of his family members. Officials stated that one family member is a techie working abroad, while another family member showed income from operating a girls’ paying guest hostel. The department examined these sources to determine if any funds were transferred or used to acquire the gold ornaments.
Chinna Pahilwan, also referred to as Dargah Chinna Goud Pailwan and popularly known as the “Telangana Gold Man”, has projected himself in public life as a businessman, politician and local figure in the Gachibowli area. He is described as being active in real estate and “real estate settlements”, and has built a strong public persona around wearing heavy gold jewellery at various public appearances and events.
He maintains a visible presence on social media platforms and appears in home tour videos where he discusses his properties and assets. He is frequently seen at local events and festivals in the Hyderabad area, where his distinctive appearance with heavy gold ornaments has made him a recognizable figure in the region’s social circles.
