AP Elections: Police seize over Rs 16 Crore unaccounted cash; 25 arrested

KURNOOL: In a major pre-election crackdown, Andhra Pradesh police seized over Rs 16.94 crore worth of gold, silver, and unaccounted cash during raids across three districts. The operation, which resulted in the arrest of 25 individuals, unfolded in several stages.

In Kurnool district, during a vehicle check near a toll plaza on NH-44, officials recovered Rs 4.59 crore worth of gold, silver, and unaccounted cash from four individuals - Amar Pratap Pawar, Venkatesh Rahul, Senthil Kumar, and Sabari Rajan. The seized items included five kilograms of silver biscuits, 4.32 kilograms of gold, and Rs 1.84 crore in cash.

Acting on a tip-off, Veldurthi police intercepted their vehicle and apprehended them. Superintendent of Police G Krishna Kanth confirmed that all seized items will be handed over to income tax officials for further investigation.

Similarly, raids at the integrated check post and PSR bus stop near the railway station in Nellore district led to the seizure of Rs 7.23 crore in cash and the arrest of 15 individuals. Eight individuals were found carrying a suspicious Rs 4.38 crore at the PSR bus stand, while four others were apprehended at the railway station with Rs 1.44 crore. Preliminary investigations suggest they were acting on behalf of gold traders from Kakinada and Rajahmundry, attempting to evade taxes.

Likewise, the Venkatachalam police seized an additional Rs 1.40 crore in unaccounted cash from three individuals at the Venkatachalam toll plaza. These suspects reportedly planned to use the cash for tax-free gold purchases.

In Tirupati district, the Gudur police conducted vehicle checks at Varagali crossroad in Chillakuru mandal, resulting in the seizure of Rs 5.12 crore in unaccounted cash and the arrest of six individuals in two separate operations. The entire confiscated amount will be investigated by the income tax department.