A major cash seizure has triggered a financial investigation after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a car travelling from Shahjahanpur to Delhi and recovered ₹3 crore in unaccounted cash. Acting on specific intelligence, officials stopped the vehicle near the Chhijarsi Toll Plaza in Pilkhuwa on Saturday.
During the search, officials found ₹35 lakh in a bag inside the car. They later discovered another ₹2.65 crore hidden in specially modified compartments inside the car doors. The occupants reportedly failed to provide valid documents explaining the source of the money or its intended destination.
The concealed compartments have become a key focus of the investigation. Officials dismantled the door panels and found the remaining cash packed inside the vehicle’s structure. Investigators are now examining the identities and backgrounds of the occupants and their possible links to the actual owners of the money.
Authorities are recording statements from the passengers and reviewing transport-related documents to determine whether the cash was connected to a business transaction or another financial activity. Although concealment alone does not establish that the money came from illegal sources, investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding its transportation.
Following the seizure, the DRI informed the Income Tax Department, which has begun examining the financial aspects of the case. Tax officials will work to establish ownership of the cash, review relevant business accounts and trace banking transactions linked to the individuals involved. Further action under applicable tax laws may follow if the investigation identifies undisclosed income or other violations.
Investigators are also trying to determine whether the occupants were transporting the money on behalf of others or had a direct connection to the funds. The inquiry will examine business activities in Shahjahanpur and seek records that could explain the movement of such a large amount of cash.
The seizure has drawn attention amid heightened enforcement activity ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Authorities often intensify highway checks during election periods to prevent the movement of unaccounted cash that could potentially be used to influence voters or finance unauthorised campaign activities.
However, officials have not confirmed any link between the seized ₹3 crore and electoral operations. The amount recovered and the method used to conceal it do not independently establish a political motive.
The joint investigation remains focused on tracing the source of the money, identifying its intended recipients in Delhi and determining whether any financial laws were violated.
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