In a startling discovery, the Ambassa police seized a staggering amount of Rs 56.74 lakh in cash, all in Rs 2,000 denomination, from a secret cabinet hidden in a four-wheeler. The incident took place during a routine naka checking operation conducted in the Bet Bagan area along the Assam Agartala National Highway.
During the operation, a vehicle with the registration number UP64 AJ 4187 drew the attention of the policemen. Upon conducting a thorough search, they stumbled upon a hidden compartment containing the significant cash amount. Three individuals, identified as Kishore Kumar (44) from Uttar Pradesh, Ranjan Kumar Soni (27) from Bihar, and Soum Kumar (27) also from Bihar, were taken into custody in connection with the seizure.
Initial investigations have revealed that the detained individuals had traveled to the state with the intention of exchanging the Rs 2,000 notes, coinciding with the ongoing withdrawal of this particular denomination by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It was also discovered that they were involved in the jewelry business in both Agartala and Uttar Pradesh, according to the police.
The possession and exchange of such large sums of cash is illegal, leading authorities to suspect that the individuals may be involved in illicit activities. The police have given them a stipulated time to provide relevant documentation to account for the seized cash. Failure to do so will result in the involvement of the Income Tax department and the registration of a case against the suspects, added the police officials.
The seizure of this substantial cash amount in high-denomination notes raises concerns about the potential misuse of such currency during the withdrawal process initiated by the RBI. Authorities are determined to thoroughly investigate the matter and take necessary legal action to prevent any unlawful activities related to the illegal exchange of currency.
