Bargarh, (Reporterspen), April 19: On Friday, police in Odisha’s Bargarh district confiscated Rs 6,52,800 from two motorcyclists near Dhaba Chhaka under Jharabandha police jurisdiction. The cash, seized from Mitrabhanu Sahu and Manoj Kumar Sahu, residents of Jharbandha in Balangir, was part of raids conducted to prevent illegal cash transportation ahead of state elections.
According to police sources, the duo claimed the cash was for their business purposes. However, they cannot claim it until after the elections, even with proper evidence. “The cash will be submitted to the authorities and can only be claimed post-elections,” stated a police official to the media.
In a separate raid jointly conducted by Town police and the flying squad on Thursday, Rs 10 lakh was recovered from a pick-up van near Haldipalli. “Regular raids are being conducted at various locations, including Haldipalli. The detained driver claimed to be en route from Barpalli to Sambalpur and is currently under interrogation,” mentioned another officer.
Due to the region’s proximity to Chhattisgarh, police remain vigilant to prevent illegal cash transportation from the neighboring state to influence voters in Odisha. Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha, Nikunja Bhal, previously disclosed that inducements valued at Rs 118.65 crore were seized between March 1 and April 17. “Enforcement agencies have seized Rs 2.7 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 18.19 crore, drugs and narcotics valued at Rs 43.69 crore, precious metals worth Rs 7.17 crore, and freebies and other items worth Rs 47.44 crore,” he informed during a press briefing on Thursday.
