Bargarh: Police have seized Rs 10 lakh unaccounted money from a pick-up van and detained its driver in Odisha’s Bargarh.
According to sources, a flying squad headed by additional tehsildar of Bargarh Dibakar Pradhan was carrying out checking of vehicles to prevent illegal transportation of money, liquor and intoxicating substances as part of the drive against violation of model code of conduct for the ensuing elections to Lok Sabha and Assembly in the state.
During the drive at checking point of Barahaguda in the district, the squad intercepted the pick-up van. On searching the vehicles, they found Rs 10 lakh in the vehicle. As the driver could not produce any document in support of the cash nor give satisfactory answer in its support, he has been detained by Bargarh Town police.
Speaking to the media, Pradhan said it has been revealed from preliminary investigation that the vehicle carrying the cash was going from Barpali in the district towards Sambalpur when it was intercepted.
“As per the model code guidelines, one person is entitled to carry Rs 50,000 in cash with prior permission from the authorities. Since the vehicle’s driver did not have the requisite permission, the money has been seized and he has been detained. Further investigation is going on to know the source of the money,” he added.