By Firstdespatch Desk Jun 02, 2023
Agartala, June 02 (FD) In a recent incident in Tripura's Dhalai district, three individuals were detained by the police while transporting a staggering amount of Rs 56 lakh, all in Rs 2,000 denomination notes.
The trio, identified as Kishore Kumar from Uttar Pradesh, Rajan Kumar Sonia from Bihar, and Sonkumar from Maharashtra, were apprehended as they failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for carrying such a large sum of high denomination notes, which are being phased out by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The individuals were travelling from Ambassa to Agartala in a vehicle with an Uttar Pradesh registration. During a search of the vehicle at the Bethbagan check gate, the police discovered 2,800 notes packed in six bundles concealed in a secret chamber.
The detained individuals, aged between 27 and 36 years, claimed to be involved in a jewellery business in Uttar Pradesh and stated that they had come to Ambassa to "exchange the cash." However, it remains unclear whether their intention was to convert the Rs. 2,000 notes into lower denominations or to purchase gold.
In response to the situation, the police officer in charge stated that the individuals would be interrogated further and requested that they provide the necessary documents to account for the substantial amount of unaccounted cash they were carrying. If they fail to produce satisfactory documentation, the income tax department will be involved.
A thorough investigation has been initiated to determine the source of the money and its intended destination. The police are prepared to engage the assistance of the Income Tax Department if necessary. The RBI had previously urged the public to either deposit their Rs 2,000 banknotes into their own accounts or exchange them for other denominations by September 30, 2023.
The incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to tackle illegal cash transactions and curb the circulation of high-denomination notes. FD SB