Kolkata, 25 February (H.S.): Kolkata Police have arrested three persons from the Park Street area of the city after seizing a large quantity of foreign currency valued at over Rs 4.3 crore. The major recovery, made ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, is being treated with utmost seriousness by law enforcement agencies.
According to police sources, 4.74 lakh US dollars were recovered in cash from the accused, which is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 4.31 crore in Indian currency. In addition, three lakh Thai baht were seized, valued at around Rs 8.77 lakh.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sayan Das, Asad Mohammad Punjabi, and Firoz Khan. Police said the trio was intercepted in the Park Street area after their activities appeared suspicious. A search conducted thereafter led to the recovery of the substantial amount of foreign currency.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Sayan Das is a resident of West Bengal, though he reportedly operates from Mumbai as well. The other two accused are residents of Mumbai. During questioning, the accused claimed that they were transporting the foreign currency to Mumbai for business purposes and intended to exchange it through authorised channels.
However, police stated that the trio failed to produce any valid documents or authorised permissions permitting possession or transportation of such a large volume of foreign currency. In the absence of supporting documentation, all three were arrested on the spot.
With Assembly elections approaching in the state, investigating agencies are examining the seizure with heightened vigilance. Police are now probing the source of the foreign currency, its intended destination, and the actual purpose behind its movement. Investigators are also looking into whether the funds have any link to illegal financial activities or any attempt to influence the electoral process.
Police said the accused were arrested late Tuesday night and will be produced before a court for further legal proceedings. A detailed investigation is underway.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
