The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly widened its investigation into the alleged ‘Abhishek Tax’ or ‘Goonda Tax’ network linked to areca nut (supari) smuggling routes across West Bengal and Assam, with the probe focusing on a suspected syndicate involved in large-scale smuggling and money laundering.
According to sources, the ED’s Guwahati Zonal Office is expanding the investigation into an alleged international and inter-state network spanning Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar, with consignments reportedly transported to Assam and West Bengal before being moved to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan.
The alleged ‘Abhishek Tax’ network has been linked to claims that smugglers were subjected to extortion in West Bengal, with the proceeds allegedly channelled into money laundering. These allegations have not been established in court.
Probe intensifies
The investigation has reportedly moved beyond the recent searches at around 16 locations linked to Dhiraj Ghosh, Binoy Barman, Sandeep Baid, businessman Navratan Baid and others.
Sources said the ED is gathering additional evidence and examining the wider financial and logistical network allegedly involved in the smuggling operations.
The possibility of the agency arresting Dhiraj Ghosh, described as a key accused in the case, cannot be ruled out, sources indicated. However, there has been no official confirmation of any proposed arrest.
GST, CGST officials under scanner
The probe has reportedly widened to include several Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) officials. The agency is said to be gathering information about their alleged roles and examining whether any officials facilitated the movement of smuggled areca nut consignments.
The identities of the officials allegedly under scrutiny have not been formally disclosed.
Investigators are also examining the suspected use of forged invoices, fake e-way bills and fabricated transit documents to transport illegal consignments across state borders and evade customs duties and other applicable taxes.
The latest developments come amid an ED investigation into an alleged areca nut smuggling syndicate involving consignments valued at approximately Rs 1,500 crore.
According to findings cited in the investigation, more than 11 cases have been registered in connection with the alleged smuggling operations and the associated financial network.
The probe has reportedly traced the movement of areca nut consignments from Myanmar into Mizoram, before they were transported to West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and several other states.
Investigators suspect that certain customs personnel and other officials may have colluded with the network by facilitating the use of forged invoices, fake e-way bills and fabricated transit documents.
‘Abhishek Tax’ row during Bengal election
The alleged ‘Abhishek Tax’ issue had also triggered a political controversy during the West Bengal election period. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and senior BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar had reportedly made remarks questioning the alleged network and the role of the previous West Bengal government.
The ED’s ongoing investigation is focused on the alleged smuggling routes, the financial trail and the possible involvement of individuals and officials linked to the network.
The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against those under scrutiny remain subject to verification and legal proceedings.
