In a crackdown before the elections, the police in Andhra Pradesh seized over Rs 16.94 crore worth of gold, silver, and unaccounted cash. The raids took place in three districts and resulted in the arrest of 25 people.
In Kurnool district, officials found Rs 4.59 crore worth of gold, silver, and unaccounted cash during a vehicle check near a toll plaza. The items were seized 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. The police intercepted their vehicle based on a tip-off and handed over the seized items to income tax officials for further investigation.
In Nellore district, raids at the integrated check post and PSR bus stop led to the seizure of Rs 7.23 crore in cash and the arrest of 15 individuals. Eight individuals were found carrying 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 helping gold traders from Kakinada and Rajahmundry evade taxes.
The Venkatachalam police also seized Rs 1.40 crore in unaccounted cash from three individuals at the Venkatachalam toll plaza. It was discovered that these suspects planned to use the cash for tax-free gold purchases.
In Tirupati district, the Gudur police conducted vehicle checks at Varagali crossroad and found Rs 5.12 crore in unaccounted cash. They arrested six individuals in two separate operations. The income tax department will investigate the confiscated amount.
Overall, the seized items and cash will be thoroughly investigated by the income tax officials.
