As the Income Tax department concluded its raids on an Odisha-based distillery firm, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Sahu addressed the situation, asserting that the substantial cash seized—exceeding Rs 350 crore—does not have any political affiliation. Sahu clarified that the funds are related to his family’s liquor businesses, and while acknowledging ownership, he emphasized the money has no association with the Congress or any other political party.
In his first statement following the 10-day Income Tax searches, Sahu admitted the recovered money was linked to his liquor firms, originating from the proceeds of liquor sales. He affirmed his commitment to providing a detailed account of the funds in question.
Sahu responded to the BJP’s allegation of the cash being black money, stating it is up to the Income Tax department to determine its classification as “black or white money.”
The total amount of cash seized during the extensive searches at properties in Odisha, connected to Baldeo Sahu and Group of Companies Ltd (a distillery firm run by Dhiraj Sahu’s family), marked a record-breaking Rs 350 crore. This significant cash seizure is reported to be the highest-ever by the Income Tax department in a single operation.
The counting of the seized currency notes, taking five days to complete, was carried out at three SBI branches in Balangir, Sambalpur, and Titlagarh. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, highlighted the raid’s outcome through a social media post, underscoring the need for accountability.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the silence of Opposition parties, particularly the INDI bloc, on this substantial cash seizure. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of such a large cash amount being recovered from an MP’s residence since Independence.
Dhiraj Sahu’s company has been involved in country liquor manufacturing and selling in Odisha since 1994-95, renewing operations annually. As the situation unfolds, the political landscape may witness repercussions, with the focus now on the Income Tax department’s assessment of the seized funds.