Rs 10 lakh cash seized in a joint BSF and police operation in Tripura’s Sonamura border area. Authorities suspect links to illegal cross-border trade as investigations intensify and ownership of the seized money remains unclaimed.
A large sum of unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 10 lakh was seized under mysterious circumstances during a joint operation conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF) and local police in Tripura’s Sepahijala district, raising fresh concerns over illegal cross-border trade and underground financial networks operating along the international border.
According to official sources, the seizure was made on Saturday in the Sonamura subdivision following specific intelligence inputs regarding suspected illegal trading activity in the border areas under Kulubari. Acting swiftly on the information, BSF personnel stationed at the NC Nagar Border Outpost initiated surveillance and verification measures early in the morning.
Officials stated that the intelligence suggested possible movement of illegal trade proceeds near the India-Bangladesh border. Considering the sensitivity of the area and the potential involvement of organized smuggling networks, the BSF immediately coordinated with the Sonamura police to conduct a joint search operation.
Following the alert, a combined team of BSF personnel and Sonamura police officers carried out a systematic search at a pre-identified location based on the intelligence input. During the operation, the joint team reportedly received additional information that a substantial amount of cash had been hidden nearby, carefully wrapped in cloth to avoid detection.
Upon intensifying the search, security personnel recovered the concealed cash from the area. The recovered amount was later confirmed to be Rs 10 lakh in Indian currency notes. The money was immediately secured and transported to the Sonamura police station under proper security arrangements.
Police officials confirmed that the seizure was conducted strictly in accordance with mandatory legal procedures and government norms. Necessary documentation was prepared on-site, and the cash was formally seized to ensure transparency and accountability in the investigation process.
As of Saturday evening, no individual had approached the police station to claim ownership of the seized cash. Officials noted that the absence of a claimant further deepened the mystery surrounding the source and intended use of the money.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the seized cash may be linked to illegal cross-border trade activities, which have long been a concern in the border districts of Tripura. The region has historically been vulnerable to smuggling of goods, narcotics, and other contraband due to its proximity to the international border and difficult terrain.
Security agencies believe that cash transactions are often used by smuggling syndicates to avoid formal banking channels and law enforcement scrutiny. The recovery of such a large sum of unaccounted money points towards a well-organized network that may be operating discreetly in the border areas.
Officials emphasized that the investigation is still at an early stage, and multiple angles are being examined. Police are attempting to trace the origin of the cash, identify individuals involved, and determine whether the money was intended for illegal trade, hawala transactions, or other unlawful activities.
Senior police officers stated that CCTV footage from nearby areas, mobile phone data, and local intelligence inputs are being analyzed to establish possible links to known smugglers or criminal networks. The BSF is also assisting the investigation by sharing border surveillance inputs and recent activity reports from the region.
The seizure once again highlights the importance of coordinated operations between security forces and local law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal activities along sensitive border zones. Officials noted that joint operations have significantly improved intelligence-sharing and response time, leading to more effective enforcement actions.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining strict vigilance along the border and cracking down on illegal trade and financial crimes. Residents in border areas have also been urged to cooperate with security forces and report any suspicious activity.
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Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses, and officials indicated that additional seizures or arrests cannot be ruled out in the coming days. The case remains under active investigation.
