Mumbai Police Seize Over Rs 48 Crore in Unaccounted Cash Since Model Code of Conduct

Mumbai, 9th November 2024: Since the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into effect on October 15, the police in Mumbai, Palghar, Navi Mumbai, Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV), and Thane police commissionerates have seized over Rs 48 crore in unaccounted cash. Mumbai city and suburban areas alone accounted for Rs 18 crore. To ensure compliance with election regulations, authorities have set up multiple booths across the city and surrounding districts, where both electoral officials and police inspect vehicles suspected of carrying cash or illegal materials ahead of the state Assembly elections.

According to a senior police official, all details of the seizures have been sent to income tax authorities for further legal action. “While no arrests have been made yet, we have informed the I-T department after discovering unaccounted cash,” stated a crime branch officer from the MBVV police commissionerate.

Mumbai police reported that Rs 18 crore in unaccounted cash had been confiscated since the MCC was implemented. Several instances involved large sums being found in vans transporting money to ATMs. A cash van in Nalasopara West was found with Rs 3.04 crore, another van in Virar contained Rs 2.80 crore, and Rs 4 crore more was recovered within the MBVV jurisdiction. “Due to the failure to follow cash transportation rules, we seized the vans and launched investigations,” said an official.

One cash van carrying Rs 3.5 crore was also detained by the local Crime Branch team. Suspicion arose when the van could not provide an accurate account of the cash, leading authorities to investigate whether the money was meant for ATMs or electoral purposes. Investigations are ongoing, and the van’s employees are being questioned.

Additionally, an ATM van in Vasai-Virar was seized with over Rs 2 crore on the same day. The seizure was part of a trap set up in the vegetable market area of Virar West. In total, over Rs 7.8 crore was seized in areas including Nalasopara, Mandvi, and Mira Road on Thursday.

Ramesh Manale, additional commissioner of the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation, confirmed that the individuals involved did not possess any official documentation for the seized amounts. The case has since been handed over to the income tax department for further investigation.

Thane district’s flying squads have also been active, with Rs 13.29 crore worth of cash and goods confiscated, including 2.85 lakh litres of illegal liquor. To ensure fair elections, over 65 checkpoints have been established in Thane, covering regions like Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayandar, and rural areas. A total of 62 flying squads and 111 additional teams are conducting inspections.

In Palghar, more than Rs 7 crore in cash has been seized since the MCC came into force. In the Mumbai Suburban district, cash and incriminating materials totalling Rs 51.10 crore have been confiscated by a range of enforcement agencies, including the police, income tax department, state excise, CGST, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and Customs.