In a spellbinding episode on the National Highway at Gadwal, a nondescript truck transporting an astonishing ₹750 crore in cash triggered an apprehensive response from police officers engaged in election duty. The sheer magnitude of this monetary cargo sent authorities into a state of bewilderment.
The intrigue deepened due to the location of the interception, which happened at 10:30 pm on the highway that typically serves as a thoroughfare for smugglers.
After several hours of suspense, it was revealed that this incident amounted to much ado about nothing. The substantial cash was the property of the Union Bank of India and was in the process of being transported from Kerala to Hyderabad.
On the subsequent day, Vikas Raj, the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana, officially put an end to the speculations by confirming that the truck was permitted to resume its journey after verification by the bank authorities.
“The truck, loaded with ₹750 crore in cash, briefly seized the limelight, but it ultimately turned out to be a straightforward interbank money transfer. Once authenticated, the police granted passage to the truck,” stated Vikas Raj.
The CEO explained that every vehicle entering the state is subject to meticulous scrutiny, given the enhanced vigilance of law enforcement agencies.
During a recent visit to Hyderabad, prior to announcing the Telangana election schedule in Delhi, the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajeev Kumar, instructed the state election authorities to crack down on smuggling routes between Mahbubnagar and Goa to Hyderabad, expressing dissatisfaction with the relatively limited cash seizures by state police. Following complaints from opposition parties, the Election Commission even implemented personnel transfers, affecting high-ranking IPS officers, four collectors, and senior officials.
In light of the stern directives from the Election Commission, police officers on election duty in the state have adopted a cautious approach, wary of potential foul play. Consequently, they halted the truck’s progress on the highway during the night of Tuesday.
Sanjay Kumar Jain, the Telangana police nodal officer for the Election Commission, elaborated on the incident, stating, “The cash-laden truck encountered a roadblock, prompting a call to Gadwal police for assistance. Our investigators, after thorough inspection, discovered a significant sum. Following the scrutiny of relevant documents and consultations with both the bank and the Reserve Bank of India, the truck, accompanied by Gadwal police, was allowed to continue its journey to Hyderabad.”
Meanwhile, the cumulative value of seizures across the state has reached ₹165 crore, comprising currency, liquor, narcotics, gold, and precious gemstones. The seized gold, diamonds, and precious metals amount to ₹62 crore, while the cash seizures account for ₹77 crore.