Income Tax Raid: 200 Crores Found at Congress MP’s House; Modi Ensures Full Public Money Return
In a series of operations initiated since Wednesday, the Income Tax Department has undertaken searches at ten locations associated with Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu. The ongoing investigation has led to the confiscation of a substantial sum, exceeding Rs 200 crore in cash. The sheer volume of currency notes seized during the operation was so significant that the counting machines deployed for the task reportedly malfunctioned.
These coordinated raids have been carried out across various regions, including Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, as part of the Income Tax Department’s efforts to scrutinize and uncover potential irregularities in financial matters linked to the Congress MP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to address the recent Income Tax Department raids on multiple locations linked to Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu. In a post, the Prime Minister stated, “The countrymen should witness these substantial piles of currency notes and then heed the speeches of their leaders. Every penny of what has been looted from the people must be returned. This is Modi’s guarantee.”
Ongoing Cash Counting Process Reveals Significant Seizure in Odisha: Investigation Into Baldev Sahu and Group of Companies
The meticulous counting of currency notes, initiated on Thursday, continues as authorities delve into the massive financial haul discovered during the Income Tax Department raids. A staggering 157 bags laden with cash were transported to the bank via truck. Due to the absence of bags, the bundles of notes have been temporarily stored in sacks. The exhaustive counting process is anticipated to extend for an additional two days, with the possibility of the seized amount escalating further.
This substantial cache of cash has been retrieved from the offices of Baldev Sahu and Group of Companies, situated in the Bolangir district of Odisha. The ongoing investigation seeks to ascertain the origins and legitimacy of the seized funds, as well as any potential connections to financial improprieties.
Widespread Investigations Target Business Figures, Leaders, and Officials in Jharkhand
A sweeping probe by investigative agencies has placed numerous prominent businessmen, leaders, and officials in Jharkhand under scrutiny, prompting simultaneous raids at various locations across the state. Among those facing investigation are the premises associated with Congress MP Dheeraj Sahu’s Baudh Distillery Private Limited (BDPL) group.
In a coordinated effort, a total of 43 locations are currently under investigation, encompassing 18 business entities linked to the well-known state businessman Ramchandra Rungta (RC Rungta) and 25 associated with ‘Green Tech.’ Furthermore, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) executed searches at approximately eight locations around 10:00 am on Thursday, focusing on matters related to illegal mining and money laundering.
Unprecedented Joint Operation: Multi-Agency Raids Uncover Potential Record-Breaking Seizure
In what could potentially mark the largest-ever raid in the state, various investigative agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Income Tax Department, are collaboratively conducting operations. The focus of these efforts is centered around Congress MP Dheeraj Sahu’s residence, where, reportedly, multiple substantial cupboards have been discovered, containing a staggering sum exceeding 200 crores in cash. The meticulous counting of the currency is currently underway, with the precise figure expected to be disclosed upon completion of the process.
The gravity of the situation is emphasized by the presence of Hyderabad DG Investigation, Sanjay Bahadur, who has personally arrived in Odisha to oversee proceedings. Accompanying him are several high-ranking officials from Odisha, indicative of the significance and scale of the ongoing operation. According to departmental sources, the amount in question is anticipated to be the largest sum of legally seized cash in the country.
Unprecedented Cash Seizure in Jharkhand-Odisha-Bengal: Record-Breaking Income Tax Raids
In a historic development, the Income Tax Department has conducted the largest cash seizure in the country, amounting to a staggering 200 crores during raids at the premises of Piyush Jain. This remarkable feat surpasses previous records, including the seizure of 142 crores in Chennai and 95 crores in Kanpur during Income Tax department raids, where the entire amount was found in 500-1000 rupee notes.
The seized cash, comprised of bundles of 500, 200, and 100 rupee notes, was meticulously arranged on nine shelves, marking a significant milestone in the history of income tax operations in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bengal. Notably, the raids were carried out at the locations associated with Baldev Sahu & Group of Companies, recognized as one of the largest producers and marketers of country liquor in Western Odisha.
A dedicated 40-member team from the Income Tax Department initiated simultaneous raids in various regions, including Boudh, Bolangir, Raigad, and Sambalpur in Odisha, as well as Ranchi-Lohardaga in Jharkhand and Kolkata. The raids commenced at 6:30 am on Wednesday, and the proceedings are still underway, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the operation.
Multi-State Raids Uncover Unprecedented Cash Seizure
In a coordinated effort spanning three states, the Income Tax Department has conducted raids of significant magnitude, leading to an unprecedented cash seizure. The targeted regions include:
- Odisha: Boudh, Bolangir, Rayagada, Sambalpur
- West Bengal: Kolkata
- Jharkhand: Ranchi-Lohardaga
Extended Network Under Scrutiny: Family Members of Dheeraj Sahu and Baldev Sahu in the Spotlight
In addition to Dheeraj Sahu, the ongoing investigations into the financial activities of the Sahu group encompass other family members, particularly those affiliated with Baldev Sahu. Key figures within the Sahu group include Baldev Sahu, along with family members Rajkishore Sahu, Swaraj Sahu, and others, all of whom are associated with the group of companies under scrutiny.
Dheeraj Sahu, who has secured a position as the Rajya Sabha MP for the third consecutive term, is part of a prominent political family. His attempts to secure a parliamentary seat from the Chatra constituency in Jharkhand were unsuccessful on two occasions.
In the management of the Odisha business operations, Dheeraj Sahu’s brothers, namely Sanjay Sahu and Deepak Sahu, assume key roles. Notably, during the recent raids conducted by the Income Tax officials, no family members were found at the residences in Ranchi and Lohardaga.
Significant Financial Freeze Following Raids: Possibility of ED Involvement
In the aftermath of the recent raids, the Income Tax Department has taken decisive action by freezing numerous company accounts, rendering transactions temporarily inaccessible. The accounts affected by this measure are subject to scrutiny, with the Income Tax Department seeking comprehensive information on the sources of income and the deposit of the substantial amount in question.
It is anticipated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may assume a pivotal role in the investigation, considering the magnitude of the funds involved. While no official confirmation has been provided by the Income Tax Department regarding the potential involvement of the ED, sources suggest that such a move is under consideration.
The secrecy surrounding the entire operation was maintained to such an extent that those directly involved in the raid were unaware of the specific locations they would be investigating. The entire investigation is being closely monitored from Delhi, underscoring the gravity and sensitivity of the situation.
Legacy in Liquor: Sahu Family’s 40-Year Stint in Country Liquor Business
With a rich legacy spanning four decades, the Sahu family has been deeply entrenched in the country liquor business, particularly in the state of Odisha. Dheeraj Sahu’s relatives have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of this industry. The family’s prominent venture, Baldev Sahu & Group of Companies, traces its roots to Lohardaga, Jharkhand, and has been actively involved in the production of country liquor in Odisha for the past 40 years.
Operating as a partnership firm under the name Buddhist Distillery Private Limited (BDPL), the company has been a stalwart in the country’s liquor manufacturing sector. Over the years, the Sahu family’s business footprint has expanded, with the establishment of various entities contributing to the overall success and diversification of their ventures.
Notably, Baldev Sahu & Group of Companies extends its influence through subsidiaries such as Baldev Sahu Infra Pvt Ltd (specializing in Fly Ash), Quality Bottlers Pvt Ltd, and Kishore Prasad Vijay Prasad Beverages Pvt Ltd, which focuses on the sales and marketing of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brands.
Minister Defends Business Transactions: Emphasizes Cash Norms in the Industry
State Drinking Water Minister Mithilesh Thakur has come forward to address recent developments, asserting that substantial sums of money are naturally associated with business operations. Thakur emphasized that the availability of cash at a businessman’s location is a common occurrence and should not be viewed as inherently problematic.
The minister highlighted the rugged nature of business, particularly in sectors like the one under scrutiny. He argued that significant cash transactions are routine in such industries, where large sums of money, often in crores, are handled on a daily basis. Thakur pointed out that this financial dynamic is not exclusive to the current situation but is rather a characteristic of businesses, including those of major industrialists across the country.
