1. ₹353.5 crore seized in tax searches linked to Odisha distillery and Congress MP Dhiraj Kumar Sahu’s family.
2. Largest single seizure by any investigative agency in India.
3. Extraordinary event shatters previous records for cash seizure.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 15: In the aftermath of a remarkable cash seizure in tax searches targeting an Odisha-based distillery company linked to Congress MP Dhiraj Kumar Sahu’s family, the amount reached an astonishing ₹353.5 crore. This extraordinary event stands as the largest single seizure ever conducted by any investigative agency in India, breaking all previous records.
High-Tech Hunt for Hidden Gold: Geo Surveillance in Action
With the massive cash recovery completed, the Income Tax Department has initiated the use of high-tech gadgets to explore the possibility of hidden gold jewelry beneath the ground at locations associated with Sahu. The officials have employed a geo surveillance system, a sophisticated technology capable of detecting concealed valuables, including jewelry, below the ground. This system is actively utilized at the residences of Dhiraj Sahu in Ranchi and Lohardaga in Jharkhand.
“They found a lot of cash. The department is high-tech, so you can expect the latest available technology to be used in the searches to find more gold,” stated an official, as reported.
Raids Launched on Charges of Tax Evasion: Uncovering Off-the-Book Transactions
The Income Tax Department initiated raids on December 6, focusing on allegations of tax evasion and “off-the-book” transactions. The suspicion is that the substantial cash discovered during the searches on Boudh Distilleries and related entities represents unaccounted income stemming from the sale of country liquor.
BJP’s Counter-Offensive: Exposing Opposition’s “Propaganda”
Responding to the developments, the BJP launched a vigorous counter-offensive, particularly targeting the Congress and other opposition parties. Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed prior accusations of the government misusing investigative agencies as mere “propaganda.” Shah asserted that the opposition’s allegations were driven by their fear of being held accountable for alleged corruption.
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PM Modi’s Assurance: “Looted Money” to Be Returned
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reassured the public, stating that the “looted money” would be returned. He shared a Hindi newspaper report showcasing the mountains of cash recovered by the Income Tax Department.
Congress’s Distance: MP Urged to Explain Source of Cash
Meanwhile, the Congress distanced itself from Dhiraj Sahu, asserting no connection with the implicated businesses. The party called upon the MP to explain the source of the substantial cash discovered during the raids.
