Gutka scam: CBI raids residences of TN DGP Rajendran & Health Minister Vijayabaskar

The scam came to light on July 8, 2017, when Income-Tax sleuths raided the godown, offices and residences of a pan masala and gutka manufacturer in Tamil Nadu, who had been facing charges of tax evasion to the tune of Rs 250 crore.

Vijayabaskar/ ANI file image

Chennai: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday raided 30 places in Tamil Nadu, including the residences of Health Minister C. Vijayabaskar and Director General Police T.K. Rajendran in connection with a gutka scam, a CBI official told media. The raids come day after Madras High Court in April had ordered a CBI probe into the multi-crore gutkha scam. The case was earlier being investigated by the Tamil Nadu police. The court, however, said this did not cast any aspersion on the probe by the state police or the state vigilance authorities. "The clandestine gutkha business is a crime against society, which needed to be curbed," the bench, comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose said, while issuing its directions on a plea by DMK MLA J Anbazhagan. "We, therefore, deem it appropriate to direct the CBI to investigate the illegal manufacture, import, supply, distribution and sale of gutka and other forms of chewable tobacco... detect and take action against those involved in the offence... in connivance with public/government servants," the bench said. The scam came to light on July 8, 2017, when Income-Tax sleuths raided the godown, offices and residences of a pan masala and gutka manufacturer in Tamil Nadu, who had been facing charges of tax evasion to the tune of Rs 250 crore. The manufacture, storage and sale of the chewable forms of tobacco, including gutka and pan masala were banned by the Tamil Nadu government in 2013. During the raids, the department had seized a diary containing names of those, who had been allegedly paid by the gutka manufacturers. DMK had sought appointment of a special investigation team (SIT) headed by a retired judge of the high court and comprising CBI officials, to inquire into the matter. (agency inputs)