Rs 1 crore seized in Amravati ahead of civic polls, 2 held

AMRAVATI (MAHA): Cash worth Rs one crore, which was being transported into the city from Nagpur in a car and meant to be used during this week's civic polls, has been seized and two persons have been arrested, police said today.

The cash was recovered after the vehicle, a Ford car (MH-31 /D-4744), was thoroughly checked as part of police 'nakabandi' at Panchwati square here around 1.30 am last night, following which, the two men travelling in the car were held, Commissioner of Police Amitesh kumar told reporters here.

Even though unconfirmed reports say that the vehicle belonged to a minister in Nagpur, police are yet to confirm it as the arrested- Ashish Bodhankar and Prakash Masram, both residents of Nagpur- have not named any person or party.

"However, even though they have not named anybody or any party as yet, they have confirmed that the cash was meant for election purpose," the commissioner said adding that things would become clear by evening.

The cash was kept in two bags that were hidden under the seats of the vehicle, police said adding that the money as well as the car were seized.

Police have registered an offence against the duo under section 41(1)(d) of CrPC and the incident has been informed to the State Election Commission, he said.

Like other civic bodies in Maharashtra, the Amravati Municipal Corporation is going to polls on February 16.