The Naroda police have launched an investigation after seizing seized demonetised currency notes valued at ₹90 lakh from a vehicle in Ahmedabad earlier this month.
On March 3, during a crackdown on property-related crimes, law enforcement officials intercepted a vehicle registered in Mehsana. Police Sub-Inspector V R Chaudhary led the operation, which uncovered a staggering haul of 9,100 notes of ₹500 and 4,350 notes of ₹1,000 denominations—both types withdrawn from circulation since the demonetisation movement of 2016.
Following the seizure, two suspects were detained: Anil Leelabhai Somabhai Desai (22) and Krishnapal Singh Bhavsinh Veeramsinh Sodha (28), both hailing from Patan district. They’ve since been released on bail. As investigations progressed, four additional individuals were identified as accomplices: Laxmanbhai Desai, Jayesh alias Jai Patel, Mukeshbhai Rabari, and Jitendrasinh Rathod.
Authorities confirmed that a complaint has been filed under Section 7 of the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Act, 2017. This section addresses issues around possessing or handling demonetised notes beyond what’s legally allowed.
“The accused must provide valid documents proving ownership and legality for the seized currency within a given timeframe,” an official stated. Furthermore, they’ve sought court permission to expand their investigation.
Officials are now delving deeper into this case to determine how these banned notes came into the possession of the suspects and whether they’re linked to a larger network involved in dealing with such currency.