CBI takes over Gutkha scam probe in TN

The CBI has taken over investigation in the gutkha scam, pertaining to illegal import, manufacture and sale in Tamil Nadu and allegedly involving a state minister besides a former and a top police official, on the orders of Madras High Court, officials said.

The agency has registered the FIR against unidentified officials of Tamil Nadu government, Central Excise department and food safety department.

The case which was being probed by the state police was handed over to the CBI by Madras High Court last month.

"The clandestine gutkha business is a crime against society, which is needed to be curbed," a bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose had 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 gutkha 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 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.