Election heat rises as ₹3.7 lakh seized during border checks in North Bengal, three detained

Security has been tightened along the Bengal–Assam border as election preparations intensify, leading to fresh seizures of suspected unaccounted cash. Police and SST team officials recovered more than ₹3.7 lakh from three vehicles during searches at two separate naka checking points under Boxirhat police station. The incident has triggered political discussion in the district amid concerns about possible attempts to influence voters ahead of the assembly elections.

According to police sources, the first recovery took place late Sunday night at the Jorai Mor checkpoint when officers stopped a four-wheeler entering West Bengal. During a search of the vehicle, ₹57,700 was found inside a bag. The occupant, Birendra Saha from Darjeeling, failed to produce valid documents for the money and was subsequently arrested by the police. At the same time, another vehicle was stopped at the Sankosh checkpoint where police recovered ₹1,14,300 in cash from Vikas Saha, a resident of Barbisha in Kumargram. He too was unable to provide documentation for the cash and was taken into custody. On Monday morning, officials intercepted another car with an Assam registration at the same checkpoint and recovered ₹1,99,500 in cash. The driver, Toton Bhowmik from Assam, was detained for questioning after failing to explain the source of the money.

Authorities stated that carrying large amounts of cash without valid documents during the election period violates election regulations. The recovered money has been confiscated and investigations are underway to determine whether it was meant for illegal activities or to influence voters. Officials also confirmed that similar checking operations will continue across the region to ensure fair and transparent elections.