Dhiraj Sahu Raid: Allegations and Accountability Echo in Political Circles
The recent cash recovery by the Income Tax Department from the premises of a distillery company owned by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Sahu has sparked intense political debates. The recovery, exceeding ₹300 crore, has brought BJP’s focus squarely onto Rahul Gandhi, holding him accountable for the alleged financial irregularities.
BJP’s Target: Rahul Gandhi
In a bold move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) targeted Rahul Gandhi, asserting that he and Dhiraj Sahu must answer for the reported heaps of cash. BJP chief JP Nadda, in a strongly worded statement, emphasized the principles of the “new India,” where the exploitation of the masses in the name of the royal family would not be tolerated. The BJP positions itself as the guarantor of action against corruption, in stark contrast to what they allege about the Congress party.
Cash Recovery Details
The Income Tax department’s operation uncovered more than ₹300 crore from the premises of Boudh Distilleries Private Limited, a company owned by the Sahu family. The recovered amount is expected to exceed ₹350 crore as the investigation continues. The involvement of the distillery company, known for producing country liquor, raises questions about the source of the cash and its connection to their business operations.
Search Operation and Political Dynamics
As the marathon search operation entered its sixth day, new counting machines were brought in, indicating the scale and complexity of the investigation. JP Nadda’s statement not only targeted Rahul Gandhi but also drew a clear line between the BJP’s commitment to action against corruption and what they perceive as Congress’s association with corruption.
Dhiraj Sahu: Political Background
Dhiraj Sahu, a Rajya Sabha Member from Jharkhand, is at the center of the controversy. The raids were initiated based on “actionable intelligence” regarding significant “out of book” sales and cash remittances by liquor distributors, sellers, and business groups. Out of the ₹300 crore recovered, ₹250 crore were found in several almirahs at the company’s premises in Bolangir.
Chirag Paswan’s Critique
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Chirag Paswan criticized the opposition’s alleged tradition of engaging in corruption and then attempting to brush it aside when caught. He called for a thorough investigation and consequences for those found guilty.
LK Bajpai’s Demand for Answers
BJP leader LK Bajpai joined the chorus, demanding answers from Rahul Gandhi about the origin of the recovered money. He highlighted the incident as a reflection of those who regularly spoke against investigative agencies like the CBI and ED and had formed alliances to protect themselves.
Congress’s Response
In response, the Congress party distanced itself from Dhiraj Sahu, expressing surprise at the large amount of cash recovered from his residence. Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay, commenting on the Income Tax searches, emphasized the need for justification from the Sahu family.
Banna Gupta’s Perspective
Jharkhand health minister and Congress leader Banna Gupta defended Dhiraj Sahu and his family, describing them as family people with a longstanding involvement in business. He urged clarity from the Income Tax Department, emphasizing that the investigation would reveal the truth about the source of the money.
Investigation and Clarity
The ongoing investigation holds the key to unraveling the mystery behind the recovered cash. Speculations abound regarding the source of the money, and the investigation is expected to bring clarity on whether it is linked to the distillery business or if there are other dimensions to the case.
Public Reaction
The public’s reaction centers around expectations for transparency and accountability. As the investigation unfolds, there is anticipation about its potential impact on the Congress party and how it might shape public perception.
