Massive Tax Raids Unearth Over Rs 200 Crore, Cash Seized from Congress Leader Dheeraj Sahu's Premises in Odisha and Jharkhand
In a major development, the Income Tax Department's ongoing raids at the premises of Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu in Odisha and Jharkhand have revealed more than Rs 200 crore in unaccounted cash. The raids, initiated on December 6, have been marked by significant discoveries and seizures.
Cash Seizures and Raids Intensify
The Income Tax teams have continued their operations, recovering unaccounted cash from multiple locations. Three more bags were seized from Dheeraj Sahu's premises in Ranchi, while a staggering 19 bags were confiscated from the residence of Bunty Sahu, responsible for maintaining liquor factories in the targeted areas of Odisha. The amount recovered from Bunty Sahu's house is expected to surpass Rs 20 crore, with the seized money en route to banks in Sudpara, Balangir.
Counting in Progress
Over 100 officers of the Income Tax Department are deployed across different places in Bolangir district. Bhagat Beherea, Regional Manager of the State Bank of India in Bolangir, stated that 176 packets of money bags have been received, and 40 packets have been counted, amounting to 40 crores so far. Efforts are underway to count the remaining money within two days, with the involvement of 50 employees.
Boudh Distillery Private Limited Under Scrutiny
Simultaneously, the Income Tax department is conducting searches against Boudh Distillery Private Limited and entities linked to it. Approximately Rs 225 crore in unaccounted cash has been recovered, with counting progressing slowly due to the limited capacity of machines. Rs 200 crore, concealed in almirahs, was found at the distillery group's premises in Bolangir district, while the rest was discovered in other locations in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Kolkata.
Unprecedented Cash Seizure
Former IT commissioner Sarat Chandra Dash noted that this could be the largest cash seizure by the Income Tax department in Odisha. A substantial quantity of torn currency notes of Rs 500 denomination was discovered near Boudh Distillery Private Limited, leaving locals astonished.
Political Fallout
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to criticize the opposition party, stating, "Countrymen should look at these piles of currency notes and then hear the addresses of its (Congress) leaders on honesty. Every penny looted from people will have to be returned. This is Modi's guarantee."
The ongoing investigations and seizures mark a significant development in the efforts to curb unaccounted wealth and financial irregularities.
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