Wada police in Maharashtra’s Palghar district seized over Rs 3.70 crore from a vehicle on Friday in a major pre-election crackdown. According to Wada police, the seizure was carried out citing non-compliance with the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct as the alleged cash did not have necessary documentation. The seizure comes ahead of the state assembly polls scheduled for November 20.
Police officials reported that the car, en route from Airoli, Navi Mumbai, to Wada, Vikramgarh, was stopped during a routine checkpoint. Despite claims by the vehicle’s owners that the cash was intended for refilling ATMs, necessary documentation and QR codes were missing.
Inspector Dattatray Kindre said, “We received information from our blockade squad about a stopped vehicle carrying cash without the required documents mandated by the Election Commission.” The driver and the vehicle were taken into custody, and an investigation is underway.
The Model Code of Conduct was implemented in Maharashtra on October 15, establishing strict guidelines to prevent undue influence and ensure transparency during the election process.
This seizure adds to heightened vigilance as authorities crack down on unaccounted cash flow ahead of the elections. Voting for the 288-seat Maharashtra assembly will take place on November 20, with results set to be declared on November 23.
(With inputs from ANI)