CBI files case in Tamil Nadu gutkha scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case in the gutkha scam of Tamil Nadu against unknown officials of Central Excise, Tamil Nadu government, food safety department, public servants and private persons. The case has been registered under Section 120-B (Criminal Conspiracy) and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI officials said they have registered a case on the direction of Madras High Court on April 26, 2018. The FIR states "The Madras High Court has directed CBI to conduct investigation into all aspects of the offence of illegal manufacture, import, supply, distribution and sale of gutkha and other forms of chewable tobacco which are banned in the state of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Puducherry, including detection of and action against those involved in the offence whether directly or indirectly by aiding or abetting the offence or interfering with attempts to curb the offence."

The scam came to light on July 8, 2017, when Income-Tax sleuths raided the godown, offices and residences of a pan masala and gutkha 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 gutkha 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 gutkha manufacturers.

The 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.

However, the case was being probed by the state police and which was later handed over to the CBI by Madras High Court last month.