Chandauli, February 28 – The Government Railway Police (GRP) seized approximately ₹1.75 crore in cash during a routine check at the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction in Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Saturday. The cash was allegedly being transported illegally.
The action was part of intensified security measures being taken in preparation for upcoming festivals.
A joint team of the GRP and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been conducting extensive checks at railway stations, platforms, and on trains to prevent unlawful activities.
According to police, two individuals, identified as Ritesh and Prignesh, both residents of Lucknow, were apprehended during a late-night check on the Akal Takht Express (Train No. 12318), which was travelling from Lucknow to Kolkata.
A police official said that the accused were travelling in coach A1 of the train.
"During the check, the team became suspicious of the two passengers. Upon searching their bags, ₹1.75 crore in Indian currency was recovered from berths 13 and 14," the official added.
The accused allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source or purpose of the cash during questioning.
Preliminary suspicion suggests that the seized amount could be linked to hawala transactions related to jewellery, although officials said that the exact nature of the case will be determined after further investigation.
The Income Tax Department has been informed about the seizure, and further proceedings will be initiated by the department in accordance with the law.
Officials termed the seizure a significant breakthrough and said that coordinated check drives by the GRP and RPF will continue in the coming days, especially in view of the festive rush.
They added that strict action will be taken against those found involved in illegal cash transportation, hawala operations, and other unlawful activities, in coordination with the Income Tax Department and other concerned agencies.