Income Tax officials have completed their extensive raid on Congress MP Dheeraj Sahu’s Balangir premises in Odisha. Income tax officials and CISF personnel were seen leaving the site in images.
During the raids, huge sums of money, estimated to be worth Rs 280 crore, were allegedly discovered solely at Dheeraj Sahu’s Balangir location. These seizures were in addition to the large sums discovered during the operation on Sunday, which was linked to properties associated with Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu.
SBI Regional Manager mentioned, “We received 176 bags, with 140 already counted; the remaining will undergo counting today. The counting involves officials from three banks, backed by 50 of our personnel. We’ve employed around 40 currency counting machines, 25 actively running, and 15 in reserve.”
The Income Tax investigation extended to Boudh Distilleries Private Limited’s premises, part of which is Baldev Sahu Infra Pvt Ltd, reportedly linked to Sahu. Raids were conducted as part of the ongoing crackdown by the central agency, which spanned over five days.
These operations have led to the recovery of more than Rs 300 crore in cash from various locations in Odisha and Jharkhand connected to Boudh Distilleries Private Limited and its associated entities.
The discoveries have fueled a political uproar, with BJP figures launching scathing attacks on the Congress. BJP MP Giriraj Singh accused the Congress of stockpiling funds, allegedly intended to be used against PM Modi in the upcoming elections. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress of indulging in corruption, emphasizing that they can’t evade responsibility for their actions.
In response, Congress leaders distanced themselves from Sahu, asserting that the onus lies on him to explain the discovered cash. Congress MP KC Venugopal clarified that the party had no involvement, emphasizing that Sahu must provide an explanation for the seized money.
The ongoing events have intensified the political narrative, highlighting the burgeoning clash between parties amidst these significant cash seizures.