₹5 lakh cash seized near Joka during naka checking, 5 intercepted with vehicle

In a continued crackdown during election surveillance, officials seized ₹5,00,000 in cash from five individuals intercepted at a checking point near D.H. Road, close to Joka Tram Depot in Kolkata. The group was travelling in a white Ertiga vehicle when they were stopped by the SST team during routine checks. Upon inspection, officials recovered a brown bag containing ten bundles of ₹500 currency notes.

Authorities stated that the individuals were unable to provide valid documents or satisfactory explanations regarding the ownership or purpose of the cash. Following this, all five persons, along with the recovered cash, bag, and vehicle, were taken to Thakurpukur Police Station. The Sector Officer of 153 Assembly Constituency was informed and arrived at the station to oversee further action.

After completing necessary seizure formalities, the cash amount, vehicle, and related items were officially seized. The individuals were later instructed to appear before the Returning Officer of Behala Purba Assembly Constituency at the New Treasury Building in Alipore to establish the legitimacy of the cash and its transaction. They were subsequently allowed to leave the police station pending further verification.