Major Cash Seizure in Surat Uncovers Discontinued Rs 2,000 Notes
In a significant operation, the Chikli police in Surat seized a substantial amount of cash totaling Rs 50 lakh during a routine vehicle inspection at the Chikli crossroads. The seizure, which occurred on Sunday, included 18 notes of the now-discontinued Rs 2,000 denomination, raising suspicions of illicit financial activities.
Routine Check Leads to Major Discovery
The incident unfolded when Police Sub-Inspector FH Patel stopped a tempo traveling from the Valsad side. Acting on a suspicion that the vehicle might be transporting illegal liquor, officers conducted a thorough inspection. To their surprise, they discovered 30 plastic bags filled with cash, along with 24 other parcels.
The cash breakdown was as follows:
- 2.28 lakh notes of Rs 10 denomination, amounting to Rs 22.8 lakh
- 1.16 lakh notes of Rs 20 denomination, totaling Rs 23.2 lakh
- 8,000 notes of Rs 50 denomination
This brought the total seized amount to exactly Rs 50 lakh, a figure confirmed by police officials.
Fresh Currency Raises Suspicion of Illegal Circulation
Officials noted that most of the seized notes appeared fresh, with only a small portion showing signs of wear. This observation led police to suspect that the cash was intended for circulation through illegal schemes involving the exchange of fresh currency notes for commission.
"The condition of the notes suggests they were part of an organized operation," one official commented, highlighting the systematic nature of the suspected activity.
Inter-State Transport Connection Uncovered
Investigations revealed that the cash consignment had originated from Mumbai and was en route to multiple destinations in Gujarat. According to police information, the parcels were scheduled for delivery to offices of a transport company located in Surat, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot.
This inter-state connection has broadened the scope of the investigation, with authorities examining potential networks involved in currency exchange operations across state lines.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
All seized currency has been confiscated under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Additionally, the Income Tax Department has been formally notified about the seizure, indicating potential tax evasion concerns.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine the exact purpose of the cash transport and identify all individuals involved in what appears to be a sophisticated currency circulation scheme.
