In a major enforcement action, Dehradun police recovered more than ₹1.5 crore in cash from a hidden compartment of a vehicle during a routine checking drive, officials said on Saturday. The unexpected discovery has triggered a detailed investigation by income tax authorities.
According to police, the vehicle was intercepted during a routine inspection at a checkpoint set up to monitor suspicious movement ahead of enforcement drives in the region. During the search, officers noticed unusual modifications inside the vehicle, which led them to examine it more closely.
On further inspection, police found a specially designed concealed compartment where bundles of cash were hidden. The total amount recovered is estimated to be over ₹1.5 crore, though exact verification is still underway.
Officials said the occupants of the vehicle failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the source and purpose of the cash. As a result, both the vehicle and the money were immediately seized, and the individuals were taken into custody for questioning.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the cash may be linked to unaccounted transactions, though authorities have not ruled out other possibilities. The case has now been handed over to the Income Tax Department for further scrutiny to determine the source of the funds and whether any financial regulations were violated.
Senior police officials said the operation was part of intensified surveillance and anti-illegal cash movement checks in the region. They added that such drives are being conducted regularly to curb black money circulation and ensure transparency in financial activities.
Income tax officials are expected to examine the seized documents, digital records, and statements of the individuals involved to trace the origin and intended use of the money. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing probe.
Authorities have also indicated that similar checking drives will continue across major entry and exit points in the state, especially during periods of heightened monitoring.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over large-scale cash movement without proper documentation and the use of concealed vehicle modifications to evade detection.
