In a significant enforcement action, Konkan Railway police seized ₹35.5 lakh in cash from a grape trader at Tivim railway station, triggering an investigation into the source of the funds.
The trader, a resident of Maharashtra, was detained after being found in possession of the large sum of money while traveling through the station. Authorities grew suspicious of the cash, which was being carried without clear documentation.
According to the trader’s statement, the cash was intended for the construction of a house in Cochin, Kerala, and was sourced from the sale of land in Maharashtra. However, police alerted the Income Tax Department, which has now launched a probe to verify the legitimacy of the claim.
“The individual has been asked to furnish proof of the origin of funds. Until then, the money has been seized as a precautionary measure,” an official from the Income Tax Department said.
Carrying large sums of unaccounted cash, especially during travel, often raises red flags due to concerns over money laundering, election-related transactions, or tax evasion. The seizure has prompted scrutiny under relevant financial regulations.
The trader will be required to submit proper sale deeds, bank statements, and other financial documents to substantiate his explanation. Authorities have yet to confirm whether any criminal charges will be filed, pending the outcome of the investigation.
This incident adds to a growing number of high-value cash seizures across India, especially in the wake of stricter enforcement by financial and law enforcement agencies.