The Income Tax Department revealed on Thursday that, out of the total cash amounting to Rs 351 crore seized from premises linked to Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu, a substantial sum of Rs 329 crore was discovered concealed within hidden chambers in dilapidated buildings situated in small towns across Odisha. The meticulous raids conducted by Income Tax officials unearthed this significant cash reserve, strategically concealed in chambers and a covert safe-house cleverly disguised as an unoccupied or inconspicuous residence. Noteworthy locations where the hidden cash was uncovered include Sudapada and Titlagarh in Bolangir district, as well as Khetrajrajpur in Sambalpur district.
These extensive search operations were part of a marathon effort by the Income Tax Department spanning Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Targeting premises associated with a liquor distillery and other properties linked to Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu, the operation, initiated on December 6, persisted for over a week, encompassing more than 30 locations spread across 10 districts in the three states.
The search operation yielded a substantial amount of incriminating evidence in the form of documents and digital data, providing further insight into the financial dealings of the group. Over 100 Income Tax officials were actively involved in the raids, employing more than 40 machines for the meticulous counting of the seized cash.
Officials emphasized that the business operations of the group are under the control of a family based in Ranchi, Jharkhand, with one of the family members identified as a politically exposed person residing in Ranchi. Dhiraj Sahu, the Congress's Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand, is intricately linked to this investigation.
The statement released by the Income Tax Department highlighted admissions from key employees managing the group's business activities. These individuals acknowledged that the seized cash represents unaccounted income generated through multiple business concerns of the group. Such revelations were further substantiated by a family member actively involved in the business.
In summary, the comprehensive raids resulted in the confiscation of undisclosed cash exceeding Rs 351 crore and unaccounted-for jewelry valued at more than Rs 2.8 crore. The operation shed light on intricate financial dealings and raised pertinent questions about the source and legitimacy of the substantial cash reserve discovered during the search operation.
