In a stunning development, the income-tax department's ongoing raids against an Odisha-based distillery company, owned by a Congress MP's family, have resulted in a jaw-dropping cash seizure of Rs 351 crore. This unprecedented amount, counted over a period of five days, marks the highest-ever haul in a single action by any probe agency in the country.

The premises of Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand, Dhiraj Prasad Sahu, in Ranchi and other locations, were also subjected to searches by the tax department as part of the operation. However, both the company and the member of Parliament have chosen not to respond to media queries regarding the ongoing investigation.

The raids, which commenced on December 6, targeted Boudh Distillery Private Limited, its promoters, and other individuals, based on allegations of tax evasion and undisclosed transactions. The scope of the operation involved nine teams, comprising approximately 80 individuals from the tax department, who tirelessly worked in shifts around the clock to conduct the counting process.

As the counting concluded, it was revealed that a staggering Rs 351 crore in cash had been meticulously tallied. This enormous sum necessitated the involvement of 200 officials, including bank representatives, security personnel, drivers, and support staff, who ensured the safe transportation of the cash to various bank branches in Odisha. Over 200 bags and trunks were deployed for this purpose.

Official sources within the department believe that the entire cache of currency constitutes "unaccounted" money acquired through the cash sales of country liquor by the business group, distributors, and other parties linked to the company. This significant cash seizure sets a new record for the country, surpassing previous instances such as the 2019 raid where Rs 257 crore was uncovered from a Kanpur-based businessman and the 2018 revelation of Rs 163 crore during searches against a Tamil Nadu road construction firm.

In addition to the cash haul, the tax department is meticulously recording statements from the executives and staff present during the searches. Summonses will soon be issued to the main promoters of the company for further statements. However, no details have yet emerged regarding the amount of cash and documents seized from MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu's residence.

Political parties have been quick to respond to the escalating controversy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress and opposition parties, stating that their concerns about probe agencies being misused were merely motivated by their fear of having their own corruption exposed. The BJP questioned the silence of INDIA bloc leaders, particularly criticizing the Congress for distancing itself from MP Sahu and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for alleging bias in targeting only Congress members.

Jharkhand Congress in-charge Avinash Pandey called on MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu to provide an official statement clarifying the source of the substantial amount of money. Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy also questioned the silence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the issue.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi assuring the public that the looted money will be recovered, the magnitude of the cash seizure has intensified the ongoing political debate surrounding corruption and accountability in the country.

As the investigation continues, the repercussions of this massive cash haul linked to a Congress MP and his family-owned distillery company reverberate across the political landscape, leaving the nation eagerly awaiting further developments.