Bargarh, April 19: Police in Odisha's Bargarh district have apprehended the driver of a pick-up van and confiscated unaccounted-for cash totaling Rs 10 lakh. The operation, conducted by a flying squad led by Bargarh's additional tehsildar, Dibakar Pradhan, aimed to curb illegal transportation of money, alcohol, and other prohibited substances, in line with the model code of conduct for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

The interception occurred at the Barahaguda checkpoint within the district, where the squad halted the pick-up van. Upon inspection, the team discovered the substantial sum of money inside the vehicle. As the driver failed to furnish any documentation or provide satisfactory explanations regarding the cash, Bargarh Town police detained him.

In a statement to the press, Pradhan disclosed that initial inquiries indicated the van was traveling from Barpali to Sambalpur when intercepted. He clarified that, as per model code guidelines, individuals are permitted to carry up to Rs 50,000 in cash with prior authorization. Since the driver lacked such authorization, the funds were seized, and he was detained. Authorities are currently conducting further investigations to ascertain the origin of the money.

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