The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken action once again in Chhattisgarh, this time targeting fireworks businesses in Durg and Bhilai. In Durg, ED officers reached the residence of Suresh Dhingani, operator of Dhingani Fire Works in Padumnagar. A significant number of officers in four ED vehicles arrived at Dhingani’s home early in the morning. After conducting investigations and questioning, the officers left with the businessman’s son, Vivek Dhingani, heading towards their warehouse located in Vasundharanagar.
Additionally, there is ongoing action at the firecracker shop located in front of the police petrol pump in Bhilai 3 and a residence in Padum Nagar. This family also operates a firecracker shop on Pandari Road in the state capital. While some family members reside in Raipur, there is no news of their being targeted by the raids as of now.
This is the second time that the ED has conducted raids on Dhingani’s premises in the last month. These actions have not gone unnoticed by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who tweeted about the ED’s raid in Durg, suggesting that such attempts to intimidate the public will not succeed. He expressed confidence that the results will be similar to the outcome faced by the BJP in the recent voting on 20 seats in the state.
In Bhilai, the Income Tax (IT) team also conducted a raid on the Hukumchand Himmatchand wholesale firecracker store located at Link Road Camp-2. Hukumchand Gehlot, a prominent fireworks businessman in the district, has seen long queues of buyers at his shops, especially in the run-up to Diwali. During the first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh, the IT department had also carried out raids in Bilaspur, investigating M/s Legend Bottling Company of Sirgitti Industrial Area. The company owner is a resident of Madhya Pradesh and is involved in the liquor-related business.
These actions by ED and IT are part of their ongoing investigations and operations in the state. The authorities aim to ensure compliance with financial regulations and are particularly focused on businesses and individuals involved in the fireworks and alcohol sectors.
This development underscores the government’s efforts to maintain transparency and uphold legal standards within these industries. The response from the state government indicates that it is closely monitoring these actions and is committed to ensuring due process is followed.
