Kolkata, 14 July (H.S.):

Bidhannagar Police seized ₹22 million (₹2.20 crore) in cash during a late-night raid at a guest house in New Town on Monday and detained seven persons for questioning. Police are investigating the source of the cash and the purpose for which it was allegedly being kept.

According to police sources, the operation was carried out by a joint team of the Bidhannagar Police's Cyber Crime Wing and Intelligence Branch following specific intelligence inputs. The team conducted a surprise raid on the guest house late Monday night, after which a search operation continued for several hours, leading to the recovery of the large cache of cash.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the seized money may be linked to a cyber fraud network. Investigators are also probing whether the cash was being prepared for transfer through an alleged hawala channel.

The seven detainees are being questioned to establish the ownership of the money, trace its origin, and identify others involved in the suspected network. Police said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh