Here is all you need to know about the Gutkha Scam in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu's health minister Dr. C Vijayabaskar came to limelight last year in July when the Income Tax officials raided his residence and his properties in the state. IT officials came across evidences that eventually snowballed and resulted in cancellation of the RK Nagar by-polls.

All of this began when IT department discovered evidences of several illegalities after raids were conducted at the offices and properties of a pan masala and gutkha manufacturer in Tamil Nadu. The manufacturer, Madhava Rao, was allegedly facing charges of evading taxes worth Rs 250 crore. The manufacture, storage and sale of pan masala, gutkha and other forms of chewable tobacco was banned by the state government in 2013. A diary containing names of people who were believed to have been paid off by the manufacturer was seized during the raid. State's health minister was one of them. 

According to reports by The Hindu the minister and several other officers were paid an amount of Rs. 40 crore in order to facilitate the sale of banned gutkha in Chennai. Further investigation was sought in the case after a letter was written by the the Principal Director of IT to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police. Despite all that no action was taken in the matter.  “Madhava Rao, one of the main partners of the gutkha manufacturer that sells the MDM brand, corroborated the payment of money to them. This was allegedly done over a period of one year," reports The Hindu. 

The evidence found at the property of the manufacturer also suggested that former Chennai Police Commissioner S George, The Joint Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Police had allegedly received money during festive seasons. The bribe amount varied from Rs 5 lakh upto 60 lakhs. Other than this, names of several other officials in the department were highlighted. Officials across departments like Health and Food Safety to local Councillors had also allegedly been on the payroll of gutkha manufacturers. 

According to reports by Times of India, over 30,000 traders sell these products in Chennai district only. Around 119 tonnes have been seized since the ban was implemented in 2013. However, the quantity circulating in the market is predicted to be ten times that amount.

There are 25 officers who monitor the traders and this also includes officials who are allegedly being paid a bribe of Rs 35 lakhs per month by such companies. 

Earlier this year the Ministry of Home affair had called for a report in the Gutkha Scam.

A petition sent by the Arappor Iyyakkam, an organisation against corruption to the Chief Secretary says, “Madhava Rao has given a confession to income tax that he has paid bribes of Rs 56 lakh to Health Minister Vijayabaskar, Rs 60 lakhs to then Chennai Commissioner and current DGP Mr Rajendran.'

Today, the Madras High Court has ordered an unbiased probe in the case by the CBI.