I-T raids in Odisha: BJP alleges BJD Minister’s link with liquor manufacturer, demands CBI probe

The ongoing raids by the Income Tax department on liquor manufacturers heated up the political climate in Odisha with the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging the link of a Minister with a liquor manufacturer.

Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson Manoj Mohapatra alleged that Odisha Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu has links with one of the liquor manufacturers in Bolangir who is now under the Income Tax department scanner for alleged tax evasion.

To prove the allegations, Mohapatra showed a photograph of the BJD Minister with the liquor manufacturer.

“The BJD should clarify the money belongs to whom. How can a liquor trader stock so much cash? What were the Intelligence Department, and Excise and Vigilance Department doing? Was the money stocked to be used in the election? The CBI should probe whether the BJD party fund was used in the liquor trade,” Mohapatra said.

As per reports, the picture in question is said to be from the Ravan Podi Mahotsav at Titilagarh where the liquor manufacturer, Minister Tukuni Sahu, Bolangir SP, Titilagarh Sub-Collector, and other dignitaries shared the dais.

Denying the allegations, BJD MLA, Satyanarayan Pradhan said, “The allegations are baseless. No leader from our party is involved in this. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik would never allow such kind of behavior. As far as the Opposition allegations are concerned, it is their duty to oppose us. So let them do their duty.”

“I do not know anything about the photos that the BJP is showing. Some leaders might have met some businessmen during a social gathering. That does not prove anything,” Pradhan added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the liquor manufacturer in question is a stakeholder of Baldeo Sahu & Group of Companies, one of the biggest country liquor manufacturers and selling companies in western Odisha. The Income Tax has raided the offices and residences of all the persons linked to this group.

The I-T sleuths also raided Boudh Distillery Private Limited (BDPL) which is a subsidiary of Baldeo Sahu Infra Private Limited.