In a major operation, the income tax department has uncovered a staggering amount of nearly Rs 340 crore from multiple factories of an Odisha-based distillery linked to Congress's Jharkhand MP Dhiraj Sahu. This cash seizure marks the largest ever in a single operation in the coastal state.

The seizure was the result of relentless efforts by over 50 bank employees who utilized 40 machines for five consecutive days to count the massive pile of banknotes confiscated from the factories located in Balangir, Titlagarh, and Sambalpur. Despite the fact that it was a weekend, the personnel involved in the counting process worked diligently, and even faced challenges as some machines broke down during the rigorous counting. Technicians were promptly called to repair the machines, ensuring a smooth continuation of the process. The cash will be deposited in the bank on Monday.

The counting of the seized cash took place at State Bank of India (SBI) branches in Balangir, Titlagarh, and Sambalpur. Once the income tax proceedings are concluded, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is expected to investigate the money trail. Sources suggest that the ED will focus on potential money laundering aspects, explore possible links to hawala networks, and scrutinize the suspected hoarding of cash for the upcoming elections in Odisha.

The Congress party has distanced itself from MP Dhiraj Sahu in light of these developments. Jairam Ramesh, the party's general secretary in-charge of communications, took to social media to clarify that the Indian National Congress has no connection to Sahu's business activities. Ramesh further emphasized that it is Sahu's responsibility to explain how such a substantial amount of cash has reportedly been unearthed from his properties.

The income tax department's operation is being closely monitored by a Supreme Court-appointed special investigation team (SIT) on black money. The SIT recently convened a meeting to discuss strategies for the detection and prevention of black money.

As the investigation continues, attention now turns to the enforcement agencies to unravel the intricate details of this vast sum of seized cash and determine its source and purpose.