LUCKNOW: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized Rs 3 crore in unaccounted cash from a Delhi-bound car near Chhajarsi Toll Plaza in Pilkhuwa, Uttar Pradesh, after acting on specific intelligence inputs about the movement of a large amount of cash from Shahjahanpur. The cash was concealed in a bag carried by the occupants and in specially constructed cavities inside the vehicle’s doors. The operation was conducted ahead of the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.The seizure was made when DRI officers intercepted the vehicle near Chhajarsi Toll Plaza following intelligence inputs that certain individuals were transporting unaccounted cash from Shahjahanpur to Delhi.During the search, the officers recovered Rs 35 lakh from a bag carried by the occupants. A further search of the car led to the discovery of specially constructed cavities inside its doors, which were being used to conceal another Rs 2.65 crore in cash.The total amount recovered during the operation was Rs 3 crore.According to the DRI, the individuals apprehended during the operation failed to produce documents establishing their lawful possession of the recovered cash. They were also unable to provide documentary evidence explaining the source of the money.SEIZURE ASSUMES SIGNIFICANCE AHEAD OF ELECTIONSThe recovery of such a substantial amount of unaccounted cash from a vehicle originating in Shahjahanpur has assumed significance in view of the forthcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.The seizure has raised questions about the source and intended use of the money. However, the available information does not establish whether the cash was connected to election-related activities or any other illegal transaction.Shahjahanpur is a district in Uttar Pradesh, a state that shares an international border with Nepal. The geographical context of the vehicle’s origin adds significance to the recovery ahead of the forthcoming elections.INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT INFORMEDThe DRI has formally informed the Income Tax Department about the recovery for further proceedings and necessary action.The Income Tax Department will examine the matter to determine the source of the cash and whether any tax-related violations have occurred. Further action will depend on the findings of the proceedings.The seizure was carried out by the DRI, an agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, which gathers intelligence and acts against suspected smuggling and other forms of illicit trade.
