Lucknow: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized ₹3 crore in unaccounted cash from a Delhi-bound car near Chhajarsi Toll Plaza in Pilkhuwa, Uttar Pradesh, after acting on specific intelligence about the movement of a large amount of cash from Shahjahanpur.DRI officers intercepted the vehicle near the toll plaza based on inputs that certain individuals were transporting unaccounted money from Shahjahanpur to Delhi. During a search, officers recovered ₹35 lakh hidden inside a bag carried by the occupants. A further examination of the car led to the discovery of specially constructed cavities inside the vehicle’s doors, where another ₹2.65 crore was concealed. The total recovery was ₹3 crore.Officials said the individuals apprehended during the operation could not produce any documents to establish lawful possession of the cash. They were also unable to provide documentary evidence explaining the source of the funds.The use of specially built compartments in the doors to hide currency was cited as a key feature of the seizure, indicating deliberate concealment. The interception and recovery followed the agency’s prior intelligence inputs and subsequent surveillance and checking of the suspected vehicle route.The seizure has assumed significance in view of the forthcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with enforcement agencies maintaining heightened vigilance against the movement of unaccounted cash. While the recovery has raised questions about the source and intended use of the money, officials said available information does not establish any direct link to election-related activities or any specific illegal transaction.The DRI has informed the Income Tax Department for further proceedings. Tax authorities will examine the case to determine the source of the cash and assess any violations under applicable tax and financial laws, with subsequent action to follow based on the outcome of the inquiry.
