As the first phase of polling approaches, large amount of unaccounted cash was seized in the state. This time, nearly Rs 50 lakh was recovered from two youths from Bihar in the industrial town of Durgapur. The duo was arrested on Friday night at Durgapur railway station under the Asansol Railway Division of Eastern Railway by the Government Railway Police (GRP) of Andal.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Guddu Ray and Tapan Kumar Mitra. With barely four days remaining before polling, the purpose behind carrying such a large sum of cash remains unclear.
According to GRP sources, the two men alighted at Durgapur station from a train arriving from Bihar on Friday night. They were carrying heavy bags, and their behaviour and responses raised suspicion among on-duty police personnel.
They were questioned and, although they initially failed to provide satisfactory answers, a subsequent search revealed bundles of cash neatly stacked inside their bags. Upon counting, the total amount was found to be approximately Rs 50 lakh.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused were planning to travel via Durgapur to Howrah. However, it remains unclear who was meant to receive the money or what its source was. On Saturday morning, the accused were produced before the Asansol District Court by the Andal GRP. The GRP has sought custody for further investigation.
The recovery of such a large amount of cash just ahead of the elections has triggered political reactions. Opposition leaders have raised questions about whether the money was intended to influence the electoral process or to “buy votes”.
Investigators are now examining whether any influential individuals are involved with cash, as the Andal GRP continues its probe.