Patna: In a major crackdown on suspected hawala activity, Patna police seized ₹55 lakh in unaccounted cash from three men at the Mithapur bypass checkpost under the Jakkanpur police station limits on Tuesday. The trio, all residents of Patan in Gujarat, failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the large sum and are currently being interrogated.
The accused have been identified as Darshan, Nilesh, and Kannu. They were reportedly on their way to deliver the cash to an individual named Suresh at Nehru Nagar Road No. 4, Boring Road, using an Ola cab booked from the 70-feet road area. During a routine vehicle check, the police stopped them and discovered the cash.
Inconsistent Statements Raise Suspicion
Jakkanpur police officials said that all three suspects are giving conflicting statements during interrogation. “While one claimed they arrived in Patna two days ago, another said it has been 20 days. They have not been able to provide a consistent or credible account of their presence or the purpose of the money,” said a police source.
The accused also revealed that they had been living in a rented accommodation on Boring Road. However, the police suspect that they may be part of a larger hawala network operating between Gujarat and Bihar.
Evidence Found on Mobile Phones
During preliminary checks, police found digital evidence suggesting hawala transactions on the mobile phones of the accused. Investigators believe the trio was acting as couriers, delivering illicit money to local contacts under the guise of regular business transactions.
A case has been registered under relevant sections, and all three suspects remain in custody at Jakkanpur Police Station.
Income Tax Department Notified
Given the nature and amount of the cash involved, the Income Tax Department has been alerted. A team from the department is expected to join the investigation to trace the source and intended recipient of the money. Until the time of reporting, the accused had not produced any valid documentation to justify possession of the seized cash.
Police are continuing their investigation and believe more arrests may follow in connection with the suspected hawala racket.
