Political Controversy Flares as Pune Rural Police Seize ₹5 Crore in Cash Ahead of Elections

In a significant development ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Pune Rural Police seized ₹5 crore in unaccounted cash from an SUV at the Khed Shivapur toll plaza on the Pune-Bengaluru highway. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, has sparked a heated political debate, with opposition parties pointing fingers at a Shiv Sena MLA linked to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction.

Cash Seized at Election Checkpoint

The seizure took place around 6:30 PM on Monday, during routine vehicle checks as part of pre-election security measures. Pune Rural Police had set up nine checkpoints across key locations in their jurisdiction, including entry and exit points, to enforce the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the elections scheduled for November 23. A police team stationed at the Khed Shivapur toll plaza intercepted a white Toyota Innova traveling from Mumbai towards Satara and discovered ₹5 crore in cash inside.

The occupants of the vehicle, one of whom claimed to be a construction contractor from Sangola in Solapur district, were unable to provide valid documentation for the cash. The police immediately notified the Election Commission’s flying squad, as well as the Income Tax (I-T) department, for further investigation.

Income Tax Department Takes Over the Investigation

Following standard procedure, the I-T department took charge of the investigation to determine the legitimacy of the cash and trace its origins. According to an officer from Pune Rural Police, the ₹5 crore was confirmed to be genuine currency and has since been deposited at the State Bank of India’s treasury branch in Pune. The I-T department is now investigating the source of the funds and whether any laws related to cash transactions were violated.

The officer added, “The I-T department will investigate both the forward and backward linkages of the cash. If there is evidence of illicit activity, such as bribery or money laundering, they may take further action, including legal prosecution.”

One of the individuals in the vehicle, who identified himself as a contractor, claimed ownership of the cash, but this assertion is still under scrutiny. Authorities are now working to determine if the large sum was being transported for legitimate business purposes or if it was intended for electoral malpractice.

Political Fallout and Allegations

The discovery of the cash has fueled political tension, with opposition parties accusing the ruling Shiv Sena faction of involvement in the incident. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut openly questioned the official narrative, claiming that the seized cash amounted to ₹15 crore, not ₹5 crore, as stated by the police. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Raut indirectly implicated Sangola MLA Shahajibapu Patil from CM Shinde’s faction, using a coded reference: "Kay Zaadi… Kay Dongar," a popular phrase often associated with Patil.

Raut further alleged that only one of several vehicles carrying cash had been caught, suggesting that a larger sum had already been delivered to its intended destination. “My credible information says there was a total of ₹15 crore cash. Of that, ₹5 crore has been seized, and the remaining ₹10 crore has reached where it was destined,” Raut claimed in his media statement on Tuesday.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Rohit Pawar also weighed in on the issue, echoing Raut’s accusations. He suggested that multiple vehicles were involved in the transportation of the cash but alleged that only one was intercepted by the police.

MLA Shahajibapu Patil Denies Allegations

In response to the allegations, MLA Shahajibapu Patil strongly denied any involvement in the incident. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Patil said, “I have no information about this case, and I have absolutely nothing to do with the cash the news media is reporting. All these allegations are baseless. I challenge them to provide a single piece of evidence. I am ready to face any investigation.”

As the investigation progresses, the political stakes continue to rise. With the Maharashtra Assembly elections just weeks away, the case has become a flashpoint for accusations of corruption and electoral manipulation, heightening tensions between political factions.

Election Code of Conduct and Vigilance Measures

The Pune Rural Police’s actions are part of broader efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in the upcoming elections. Authorities have implemented stringent measures, including multiple checkpoints and random vehicle inspections, to prevent the illegal transport of money or other resources that could influence voter behavior. The seizure at Khed Shivapur is one of several such incidents reported across Maharashtra as law enforcement agencies crack down on any violations of the Model Code of Conduct.

With the involvement of the I-T department, the case is expected to unfold further in the coming days, potentially impacting the political landscape as the state prepares for a high-stakes election.