Patna: Police in Patna recovered Rs 18.05 lakh in cash during a late-night vehicle checking drive on JP Setu, officials said on Thursday. The seizure was made as part of an intensified campaign launched across the city on the instructions of the Senior Superintendent of Police to keep a close watch on suspicious movements and criminal activity.
The incident took place on the night of 19 and 20 February under the Digha police station area. A team deployed on JP Setu was conducting routine checks when they signalled a car with a Jharkhand registration number to stop. According to police, the driver tried to speed away instead of complying, which immediately raised suspicion. Officers chased the vehicle and managed to stop it after a short pursuit.
During a detailed search of the car, police found bundles of currency notes, mainly in denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 100. The total cash recovered was Rs 18,05,000. Two men were present in the vehicle — Mohammad Saddam, who was driving, and Pankaj Kumar. Both are residents of Sitamarhi district in Bihar. When questioned, the men could not give clear or satisfactory answers about where the money had come from or why they were carrying such a large amount in cash.
Divyanjali Jaiswal, SDPO (Law and Order 2), said the cash was seized after the occupants failed to provide valid documents or a proper explanation. The Income Tax Department has been informed for further investigation. Police said security and vehicle checking have been increased in the city due to student union elections and other sensitive activities. The seized cash has been kept safely, and further action will be taken based on the Income Tax Department’s findings.
