BJP Demands CBI Probe Amidst ₹200 Crore Seizure in Odisha Distillery Raids

Bhubaneswar: The Income Tax department conducted raids on an Odisha-based distillery, uncovering over Rs 200 crore. The BJP has seized the opportunity to target the ruling BJD, alleging a nexus between several party leaders and the implicated liquor traders. The saffron party is now demanding a CBI investigation into the matter.

According to BJP spokesperson Manoj Mahapatra, the BJD allegedly stored large sums of money with the company for election-related expenses. He claimed that leaders from Boudh, Sonepur, Titilagarh, Rayagada, and Bargarh within the BJD have connections with the accused individuals. Mahapatra specifically pointed fingers at Minister and Titilagarh MLA Tukuni Sahu, showcasing a photo of her with the accused liquor trader.

Accusing the BJD of engaging in cash and liquor distribution during elections, Mahapatra questioned the transparency of the Chief Minister and BJD supremo regarding this matter. He also raised concerns about how a liquor trader with an annual turnover of Rs 120 crore could possess Rs 500 crore.

In response, BJD MLA Satyanarayan Pradhan dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that no one from their party is involved with the accused. He stated that opposition parties frequently criticize them and encouraged them to continue doing so.

The Income Tax department’s raids targeted various locations linked to Boudh Distillery Private Limited, including Sambalpur, Balangir, Titilagarh, Boudh, Sundargarh, Rourkela, and Bhubaneswar. The raids were conducted on charges of tax evasion by the company.