The Income Tax department's extensive raids on Boudh Distillery Private Limited in Odisha have culminated in a staggering seizure of over Rs 351 crore in cash, marking a record-breaking operation in the agency's history. Launched on December 6, these raids targeted alleged tax evasion and undisclosed financial transactions by the distillery and its associates.
The ongoing operation, now in its sixth day, has witnessed a meticulous counting process bolstered by additional machinery, personnel, and heightened security measures. The properties under scrutiny have links to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Kumar Sahu, intensifying the scrutiny around the political implications of this colossal cash recovery.
Amidst the counting process that continues to unfold, the Odisha State Bank of India Regional Manager, Bhagat Behera, revealed the involvement of three banks and approximately 50 officials in the meticulous counting of the cash haul. Over 40 currency counting machines were deployed, showcasing the sheer scale and complexity of the ongoing procedure.
The substantial recovery sparked a political uproar, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding answers from the Congress regarding the source and intent behind this unaccounted wealth. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the silence from the INDI alliance, highlighting the magnitude of cash seized from an MP's residence and insinuating a lack of response from opposition parties.
Responding to the allegations, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh distanced the Indian National Congress from Dhiraj Sahu's business dealings, emphasizing that Sahu should provide an explanation regarding the significant cash discovered during the income tax raids.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of holding leaders accountable for any misappropriation of public funds. Meanwhile, BJP leaders participated in protests, amplifying their demand for accountability and transparency in light of the substantial cash discovery.
The raids, which commenced on various premises associated with Baldeo Sahu and Group of Companies, have expanded to include offices and residences linked to this business group, targeting multiple locations across Odisha.
