After the Income Tax Department seized over Rs 200 crore in cash from premises linked to Congress' Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand, Dhiraj Sahu, the party distanced itself, stating it has no connection to Sahu's businesses. The seizures were made during searches at locations in Odisha and Jharkhand linked to Baldeo Sahu and Group of Companies Ltd, a country-liquor manufacturing firm associated with Dhiraj Sahu's family. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized that the party is not connected to Sahu's businesses and called for him to explain the large amounts of cash found. Congress leader Manickam Tagore criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for linking Sahu's business with the Congress and called for an explanation from Sahu's business group. The party has reportedly sought a report from its Jharkhand unit on Sahu's businesses.
Key Points
1. The Income Tax Department seized over Rs 200 crore in cash from various premises linked to Congress' Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand, Dhiraj Sahu.
2. The cash seizures occurred during searches at multiple locations in Odisha and Jharkhand connected to Baldeo Sahu and Group of Companies Ltd, a country-liquor manufacturing and selling firm operating in western Odisha.
3. Dhiraj Sahu's family members reportedly run the business, which is linked to the seized cash, according to Income Tax sources.
4. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized that the Indian National Congress has no connection to the businesses of Dhiraj Sahu and stated that only Sahu can explain the large amount of cash found in properties associated with him.
5. The Income Tax Department's actions have drawn criticism from the BJP, and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the seizures in a tweet, emphasizing the need for accountability for any public funds looted.
6. Congress leader Manickam Tagore responded to the Prime Minister, accusing him of engaging in "cheap politics" by linking Sahu's business with the Congress.
7. Tagore provided background information on Dhiraj Sahu, stating that the Sahu family has been in the country liquor business for 40 years, and Sahu's relatives have a significant liquor business in Odisha.
8. Dhiraj Sahu, a three-time Rajya Sabha MP, declared assets worth Rs 34 crore when elected in 2018, according to Tagore.
9. Tagore questioned why Congress was being dragged into the controversy and called for Sahu's business group to explain the cash seizure.
10. The Congress party has reportedly sought a report from its Jharkhand unit regarding Sahu's businesses and the circumstances surrounding the significant cash found in premises linked to him.
(With Agency Inputs)
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