Large Seizures of Gold and Cash in Hyderabad Ahead of Telangana Polls
Hyderabad, Oct 16: In a significant development, police in Hyderabad made substantial seizures of over 27 kg of gold, 15 kg of silver, and unaccounted cash exceeding Rs 2.09 crore in two separate incidents on Monday as part of ongoing checks in preparation for next month’s Telangana assembly elections.
In the Miyapur area, police confiscated 27.54 kg of gold jewelry and 15.65 kg of silver ornaments, collectively valued at over Rs 15 crore, during a vehicle inspection. Since the three individuals carrying these valuables failed to produce relevant documents, the police seized the items and subsequently handed them over to the Income Tax department for further investigation.
In a separate incident, the Commissioner’s Task Force North Zone Team, in collaboration with Gandhi Nagar Police, seized Rs 2.09 crore in cash from a vehicle during another vehicle inspection in Kavadiguda, Secunderabad. The police apprehended six individuals and also seized a car and a scooter belonging to them. The arrested individuals were identified as Dinesh Kumar Patel, Sachin Kumar Vishnu Bai Patel (also known as Sachin), Jithender Patel, Shivraj Naveenbai Modi, Rakesh Patel, and Thakor Nagji Chaturji (also known as Nagji).
Since the announcement of the assembly election schedule on October 9 and the subsequent enforcement of the model code of conduct, law enforcement agencies in Telangana have conducted checks and have seized a substantial amount of cash, gold, liquor, and other items valued at approximately Rs 75 crore.
As of October 14, enforcement agencies have confiscated Rs 48.32 crore in cash, 37.4 kilograms of gold, 365 kilograms of silver, and 42.203 carat diamonds, with a total value of Rs 17.50 crore.
With the recent seizure of additional cash, gold, liquor, and other items over the last two days, the estimated total value has now reached Rs 100 crore.
In light of previous complaints regarding the widespread distribution of money, liquor, and freebies during elections in the state, the Election Commission of India has issued strict instructions to both state and central enforcement agencies. After a three-day visit to the state earlier this month, the Election Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring inducement-free elections.
