Bhubaneswar: With a Congress MP from Jharkhand reportedly linked to seizure of unaccounted cash of Rs 300 crore during IT raids in Odisha, the party has demanded a judicial inquiry into the issue.
Speaking to media persons in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, Rajani Mohanty, spokesman of Odisha Congress, said the Income Tax (IT) department has been carrying out raids in the state keeping 2024 General Elections in view.
“It has been reported in the media that more than Rs 300 crore has been seized during IT raids at different locations in Boudh, Sundargarh, Khurda, Sambalpur and Balangir districts. While the raids have been continuing for 4 days, the seized currency notes have not been counted nor the IT department has issued any statement in this regard,” said Mohanty.
Pointing out that huge amount of cash was seized from businessmen Raj Kishore Sahu, Debraj Sahu, Baldev Sahu and Sons’ brewery company, Kameswar Tiwari, Raj Kishore Jaiswal and others, the Congress leader demanded to know what was the source of the illegal money and why the traders kept those in their possession.
He further said it is surprising how neither the state nor the Central government agencies including Excise department, police, Crime Branch, IT department and revenue intelligence could not know about the money so far.
Stating that the government must reveal the details about the money seizure to the people, Mohanty demanded that the state government to form a special investigation team (SIT) and appoint a sitting judge to ensure impartial investigation into the case.
Also Read: Huge Cash Haul During I-T Raids In Odisha: BJP Targets BJD & Congress Over Corruption
