Rs18 lakh in cash seized from car, hawala link suspected

Patna: Patna police seized around Rs18 lakh in cash during a vehicle-checking drive in Digha police station area on Thursday night. Two persons were detained after they allegedly failed to give a proper explanation about the source of the money. Police suspect the cash may be linked to hawala transactions.

According to officials, the seizure was made during a routine vehicle check near the Digha police outpost. A car approaching the outpost was stopped for inspection. During the initial search, police recovered a portion of the cash from the vehicle.


The two occupants were then taken to Digha police station for further questioning and a search of the vehicle. During the inspection, overall seizure was around Rs 18 lakh.

ASP (law and order-II) Divyanjali said, “The vehicle-checking drive was being conducted to curb criminal activities. During the search of a car, a large amount of cash was recovered. Two persons—Md Saddam and Pankaj Kumar, both residents of Sitamarhi—were present in the vehicle. When questioned about the source of the cash, they gave improper statements.”

Police said the two men changed their versions multiple times during interrogation — initially claiming the money had come from Jharkhand, later stating it belonged to someone in Patna, and subsequently saying it was meant for a family wedding.

The police have seized both the vehicle and the cash and informed the income tax department. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended use of the money.