Andhra Pradesh, India has recently witnessed an unbelievable series of events where law enforcement made two major cash seizures within a couple of days only.
In the East Godavari district on Saturday, a Tata S vehicle going from Vijayawada to Visakhapatnam collided with a lorry and overturned. After the accident, money bundles were scattered all over the road and this exposed that hidden stash of cash. Police who came at the scene discovered 7 crores in cash (about $850,000 USD) packed in cardboard boxes which were inside sacks placed at the back of the van. The driver of Tata S that had just crashed was hurt and he was rushed to hospital for medical attendance.
The previous day however saw an even bigger haul of money in another part of Andhra Pradesh by police from NTR district. In one raid they found 8 crores rupees ($970,000 USD), which were being carried along with pipes by a truck. Two suspects traveling in that truck as well as the impounded currency and vehicle are now in custody with police.
These incidents raise serious questions about movement of illegal amounts of money within the state. The seized cash still remains under investigation its purpose is still unknown. No doubt there will be links drawn between these monies and such illegal acts as tax avoidance, capital flight or political graft.
Much speculation has arisen around illicit funds allegedly used to manipulate election outcomes given that these seizures occurred just days before voting took place. Therefore, electoral officers have been watching closely while cooperating with law enforcement bodies so as not to leave any loopholes for breaking into electoral system.
These major cash seizures demonstrate a continuing problem faced by authorities seeking to stop illegal financial transactions. They also stress the need for ongoing surveillance and stringent measures to guarantee transparency and accountability in terms of financial operations too.