In a significant interception, the Coimbatore district police on Tuesday confiscated a substantial amount of unaccounted cash, totaling a whopping ₹56 lakh, from a motorcyclist who was en route from Tamil Nadu to Kerala.
Routine Check Turns into Major Bust
The incident unfolded during a routine vehicle inspection conducted by the K G Chavadi police. Officers were stationed at the Velanthavalam check post on Tuesday morning when their attention was drawn to a suspicious act. A biker, who was heading towards Palakkad in Kerala, abruptly turned his motorcycle around upon spotting the police personnel.
This evasive maneuver immediately raised red flags for the alert officers. Acting swiftly on their suspicion, the police team gave chase and managed to apprehend the rider near Appachi Goundanpatti, close to the K G Chavadi area.
Secret Compartments and Hidden Cash
The detained individual was identified as H Shafeeq, a 38-year-old resident of Kerala. A thorough search of his motorcycle led to a startling discovery. The police found an ingeniously modified extra compartment, essentially a concealed box, attached to the petrol tank of the two-wheeler.
Upon opening this hidden cavity, officers recovered bundles of cash stashed inside. An additional stash of money was also found concealed under the bike's seat. The total sum seized amounted to ₹56 lakh.
Source of Money Under Scrutiny
During preliminary questioning, Shafeeq revealed that he was involved in the gold business. He stated that the cash was proceeds from the sale of old gold jewellery, and he was returning to his home state of Kerala with the money.
However, the crucial lapse was his inability to provide any valid documents or proof to substantiate the legal source of the large sum of cash in his possession. Failing to produce legitimate source documents led to immediate action by the police.
Consequently, the law enforcement officials seized both the massive cash haul and the motorcycle used for its transport. The case and the seized items have been handed over to the Income Tax Department for a detailed investigation to trace the origin and intended use of the funds. Further probes are currently underway.
