Dhiraj Sahu I-T Raids: Congress Distances Itself From MP Amid Record-Breaking Cash Haul

The Congress has distanced itself from MP Dheeraj Sahu following a staggering cash haul exceeding Rs 200 crore by the Income Tax Department during raids on his properties. The party, through its General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, emphasized having no connection to Sahu's business dealings and demanded a clear explanation from him regarding the origin of the seized cash.

Ramesh said that the party holds no connections to Sahu's business dealings, stating that only Sahu could provide explanations regarding the substantial sums of cash discovered by the income-tax authorities on his properties.

The Income Tax Department conducted raids across locations associated with Dheeraj Sahu in Odisha and Jharkhand, leading to the recovery of the substantial cash sum, which is expected to reach Rs 300 crore as per officials. Most of the cash was reportedly found linked to Boudh Distillery Private Limited in Odisha.

The ongoing process of counting the seized cash involves the deployment of approximately 40 large and small machines by Income Tax officials, alongside increased departmental and bank staff. Additional vehicles were acquired to transport the confiscated cash to government banks.

The cash seizure sparked a political uproar, with BJP leaders criticizing the Congress. Union Minister Smriti Irani remarked on the Congress involvement in corruption, referencing previous instances involving Congress MPs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commented on the raids, assuring that the looted money from the public would be recovered.

In response, Delhi BJP leaders staged a demonstration outside the Congress headquarters, while protests were held in Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, demanding action against Dheeraj Sahu.