Raids in Bargarh Yield ₹16 Lakh in Cash Ahead of Odisha Polls

Bhubaneswar: In an effort to curb illegal cash transportation ahead of elections in Odisha, police seized Rs 6,52,800 from two motorcyclists near Dhaba Chhaka, Bargarh. The individuals, identified as Mitrabhanu Sahu and Manoj Kumar Sahu, claimed the cash was for business purposes but cannot access it until after the elections, as per police sources.

Additionally, a joint raid by Town police and the flying squad recovered Rs 10 lakh from a pick-up van near Haldipalli. The driver, en route from Barpalli to Sambalpur, has been detained for interrogation.

Due to its proximity to Chhattisgarh, the region remains under police vigilance to prevent cash influence from neighbouring states.

Chief Electoral Officer Nikunja Bhal disclosed that enforcement agencies have seized inducements valued at Rs 118.65 crore between March 1 and April 17, including Rs 2.7 crore in cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other items.