Rs 75 lakh cash seized from 2 passengers at Bhubaneswar airport; IT dept starts probe

In a major development, Rs 75 lakh cash has been seized from two passengers who arrived at the Biju Patnaik International Airport on Tuesday.

As per initial reports, Rs 28 lakh cash was recovered from the luggage trolley of a passenger who arrived from Delhi while the remaining amount was recovered from the luggage of another passenger from Chennai.

Sources said a team of Income Tax (IT) had some input regarding the passenger travelling from Chennai and subsequently he was frisked along with his luggage. Similarly, the CISF personnel detected Rs 28 lakh cash during luggage scanner of the passenger who arrived from Delhi.

It is being said that the cash belongs to a reputed industrialist. As it is election period in Odisha, a detailed investigation has started to ascertain the source of the cash.

Whether the cash belongs for business purposes or elections, it will only be cleared after the completion of the probe, said sources. Income Tax (IT) department has started an investigation into the matter.

Also Read | Man with 1 kg Gold Concealed in Rectum Nabbed at Bhubaneswar Airport

It is pertinent to mention here that CISF personnel have been trained and instructed to step up vigil in view of the upcoming election in Odisha.