In a major development, the Income Tax Department carried out raids on Thursday at Boudh Distilleries Private Limited (BDPL) in Odisha and Jharkhand, a firm reportedly linked to Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu. The ongoing raid has already uncovered a substantial amount of cash, with counting still underway due to the sheer magnitude of the findings.

The cash seizure during the raids is nothing short of staggering, surpassing the Rs 300 crore mark, making it a significant event in recent times. The Income Tax officials are meticulously counting the seized cash, a process that is taking time given the enormity of the discovered funds.

This unprecedented action has brought the spotlight onto Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Sahu, whose connections to Boudh Distilleries Private Limited have triggered these Income Tax raids. The scale of the operation is evident in the need for trucks to transport the seized cash from the MP's premises in Ranchi, Lohardaga, and Odisha to the bank.

The ongoing investigation is poised to unravel the intricacies of this massive liquor empire spread across Odisha and Jharkhand, shedding light on the extent of its financial operations.

The unfolding saga of Income Tax raids in Odisha and Jharkhand has taken a surprising turn, with the cash counting machines grinding to a halt on the first day due to overload. The scale of this operation is underscored by reports that around Rs 150 crore in cash has been counted so far, with an estimated half yet to undergo the meticulous counting process. In addition to the cash, gold ornaments and biscuits have been recovered, adding further complexity to an already intricate situation. The total value of the seized cash alone is reported to exceed a staggering 300 crores.

The raids, which extend across various locations in Jharkhand and Odisha, are directly or indirectly linked to Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu. The authorities have been conducting searches at more than half a dozen companies since Wednesday, including S Shiw Ganga and Company, Boudh Distillery Pvt Ltd (BDPL), and Ranisati Paddy Processing Private Limited, all under suspicion of tax evasion.

Notably, the investigative scope also reached the residences of two prominent liquor entrepreneurs, Deepak Sahu and Sanjay Sahu, in Titilagarh, Odisha. These raids add an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative, revealing the far-reaching consequences of the investigation into the alleged financial misconduct.

In Bolangir, the focus of the raids shifted to the liquor-making units (bhattis) of Baldeo Sahu & Group of Companies. Dozens of Income Tax sleuths, accompanied by CISF personnel, meticulously combed through the premises. The magnitude of the operation is exemplified by the transportation of hundreds of bags and sacks filled with cash to the SBI branch in the city, where the counting process has been ongoing since the morning of December 7th.

The intensity of the Income Tax raids reached new heights as the sleuths targeted the residence of Dheeraj Sahu, Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand, who is purportedly linked to all the liquor companies mentioned earlier. The raids at the MP's properties in Lohardaga and Ranchi reportedly led to the seizure of almirahs full of cash, further deepening the financial implications of the ongoing investigation. Simultaneous raids were carried out at multiple locations, including Sambalpur, Bolangir, Titilagarh, Boudh, Sundargarh, Rourkela, and Bhubaneswar.

The focus of the Income Tax team's scrutiny on Wednesday was Boudh Distilleries Private Limited and its affiliated premises. A significant revelation during the raids was the connection between Boudh Distillery Private Limited and Baldeo Sahu & Group of Companies, a partnership firm. This group encompasses diverse businesses, including Kwality Bottlers Private Limited (IMFL Bottling), Kishore Prasad Vijay Prasad Beverages Private Limited (involved in sales and marketing of IMFL Company), and Baldev Sahu Infra Private Limited, among others.

The roots of Baldeo Sahu & Group of Companies trace back to the Sahu family, with a substantial 40-year-old history in the liquor manufacturing business in Odisha. The company, named after MP Dheeraj Sahu's father, Baldeo Sahu, holds a prominent position in the industry. Notably, other family members are listed as directors of various companies within this group, as reported by Live Hindustan. This familial connection adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, raising questions about the extent of involvement and potential ramifications for those connected to the MP.

In a significant twist to the unfolding saga, Sundargarh's BJP MLA Kusum Tete has made startling allegations, asserting that the liquor empire extends its roots to leaders of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Tete specifically points fingers at former MLA Jogesh Singh from the BJD, claiming that the liquor manufacturing units were previously registered under the name of Singh's mother.

The gravity of these allegations amplifies as Tete discloses that she has brought this matter to the attention of the assembly on multiple occasions, emphasizing the urgency for government intervention. Despite her efforts to highlight the issue, Tete contends that no substantial action has been taken by the government to address these concerns. This revelation adds a political dimension to the ongoing investigation, underscoring the potential involvement of leaders from multiple political parties in the alleged improprieties within the liquor industry. The coming days may see further developments and responses from the implicated leaders as the situation unfolds.

CONGRESS == CORRUPTION |  कांग्रेस सांसद धीरज साहू के 10 ठिकानों पर रेड, मिले 200 करोड़ | अभी भी गिनती जारी है

Massive Cash Haul and Gold Recoveries Mark Unprecedented Raids in Bolangir

The focal point of the ongoing Income Tax raids has shifted to Bolangir in Odisha, where a substantial cash recovery has taken center stage. Shockingly, nine shelves crammed with currency notes were unearthed in the offices of Baldeo Sahu Group of Companies, underscoring the enormity of the financial discoveries. Local Odia media reports reveal that a staggering 157 bags and sacks filled with cash were transported to the SBI branch in Bolangir. Such was the volume of cash that when bags ran short, the surplus was filled in sacks. The subsequent transportation of this substantial sum of money to the bank necessitated the use of trucks, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

The scale of the operation is further highlighted by the damage sustained by the cash counting machines, a consequence of the overload caused by the sheer volume of currency notes. The counting process is still ongoing, with reports suggesting that the total cash recovery may surpass Rs 300 crores, of which approximately half is yet to be meticulously counted.

In addition to the cash windfall, the Income Tax officials have also uncovered gold jewelry and ornaments during the raids. The true value of these recoveries is yet to be determined, according to local media in Odisha. The inclusion of gold items in the seizures further adds to the overall net worth of the recoveries, underscoring the multi-faceted nature of the ongoing investigation and the significant financial implications for those involved. As the counting and valuation processes continue, the full extent of this unprecedented operation will gradually come to light.

Unraveling Financial Irregularities: Raids Triggered by Unaccounted Country Liquor Sales

The recent spate of Income Tax raids was instigated by reports revealing a concerning trend of unaccounted country liquor sales by the company through its outlets across the state. The information suggested that the company was conducting cash sales without maintaining proper records of bills or vouchers. This, in turn, led to a substantial amount of cash transactions going unreported in the regular books of accounts maintained by the firm.

The decision to take action gained momentum when officials noticed irregularities in the company's financial records. Specifically, there were indications of fluctuating and disproportionately low net profits from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, expenses related to the acquisition of Mahua and other items appeared inflated, raising suspicions about the accuracy of the company's financial reporting. Further scrutiny of the balance sheet revealed questionable entries for other payables, deepening concerns about the transparency and legitimacy of the company's financial operations.

In light of these red flags, the Income Tax Department deemed it necessary to conduct raids to uncover the extent of financial irregularities and potential tax evasion. The focus on unaccounted country liquor sales adds a crucial layer to the investigation, shedding light on the practices that prompted this unprecedented action. As the authorities delve deeper into the company's financial affairs, the full scope of the alleged misconduct is expected to become clearer, offering insights into the intricate web of financial discrepancies that triggered this high-profile investigation.

In a significant development, senior officials of the Income Tax department have descended upon Odisha to oversee and supervise the ongoing raids and operations. This heightened level of oversight underscores the gravity and complexity of the investigation, as authorities aim to ensure a thorough and meticulous examination of the financial affairs under scrutiny.

As part of the ongoing operations, the factory and office premises of the companies currently under raid have been sealed. This strategic move aims to preserve the integrity of potential evidence and prevent any tampering or unauthorized access to the locations involved in the investigation. The sealing of these premises emphasizes the seriousness of the allegations and the meticulous nature of the ongoing probe.

Furthermore, in a measure to enhance security and maintain order during the raids, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been deployed. Their presence is crucial in safeguarding the areas under investigation, preventing any potential disruptions, and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in the operations.

Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu Unreachable Amidst Ongoing Raids

In a surprising turn of events, Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu, a close associate of Rahul Gandhi, has become untraceable in the midst of the ongoing Income Tax raids. Sahu, known for his active participation in the Bharat Jodo Yatra, a significant Congress event, has been notably absent and unreachable in the aftermath of the raids.

Dhiraj Sahu's close association with Rahul Gandhi and his involvement in the Bharat Jodo Yatra adds a layer of political intrigue to the situation. His absence and unavailability for comment following the raids raise questions about the potential implications and reactions from the political front. Sahu's active engagement in party activities, including social media posts about the Bharat Jodo Yatra mere hours before the raids, creates a stark contrast with his current unavailability.

Despite attempts by the media to seek clarification or a statement from Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu, he remains elusive and unreachable. This development adds a dimension of mystery to the unfolding scenario, leaving the public and political observers curious about the possible reasons behind the MP's silence and absence during this critical juncture. As the investigation progresses, the role and response of key political figures involved, including Dhiraj Sahu, will likely become a focal point of public and media attention.

PM Modi Reacts with Humor to Income Tax Raids - Twitter Erupts with Laughter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed his humorous side in response to the Income Tax raids, taking to Twitter (referred to as X) to share his take on the matter. In a tweet, he wrote, "देशवासी इन नोटों के ढेर को देखें और फिर इनके नेताओं के ईमानदारी के 'भाषणों' को सुनें... 😂😂😂

जनता से जो लूटा है, उसकी पाई-पाई लौटानी पड़ेगी, यह मोदी की गारंटी है।

❌❌❌💵 💵 💵❌❌❌"

The Prime Minister's tweet added a touch of humor to the unfolding situation, using emojis and wit to convey his message. The playful tone suggested that those who have taken from the public will have to return it, ensuring accountability.

Immediately, after PM Modi's tweet, people responded in good spirits, with one individual commenting, "Modi Ji Aaj Full on mood mai hai. Mujhe pahli nazar mai laga ye parody Account hai 🤣🤣" expressing surprise and amusement at the Prime Minister's humorous tweet.

Another person chimed in, "Waise yeh sach hai! Insaan jab jyada emojis use karne lage to samajh jao he is in love 🙈," playfully suggesting that an abundance of emojis may indicate someone is in love, alluding to the recent viral #Medlodi hashtags associated with PM Modi.

The Twitter reactions showcased the public's appreciation for the Prime Minister's lighthearted response, turning a serious matter into a moment of shared laughter and banter on social media.