Maharashtra Polls: Rs 5.55 Crore in Cash Seized from Vehicle in Thane

Thane:  On Saturday, a static surveillance team (SST) of Election Commission seized Rs 5.55 crore in cash from a vehicle in Kalyan Rural assembly constituency of Maharashtra's Thane district, an official reported.

team, stationed in Shilphata area in morning, intercepted a vehicle and discovered Rs 5.55 crore in cash, according to returning officer Vishwas Gujar.

returning officer said that occupants could not provide documentation or valid explanations for huge sum of money.

"Since amount exceeded permissible limit of Rs 10 lakh, matter was referred to Income Tax Department for furr investigation," returning officer told reporters.

cash was verified in presence of a magistrate and subsequently seized by Income Tax Department officials, he said, ding that an inquiry is underway to trace origins of money and determine its intended use.

Ahe of November 20 Maharashtra elections, enforcement agencies have ramped up vigilance. Static surveillance teams, flying squs, and or monitoring units have intensified vehicle checks to curb movement of unaccounted money, liquor, and or inducements.

(with agency inputs)