Rs 2,000 Cr in Soiled Bank Notes Detained and Released in Andhra Pradesh

In a significant operation amidst the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Andhra Pradesh Police detained four container trucks loaded with soiled currency notes valued at approximately Rs 2,000 crore. The incident occurred on Thursday, highlighting the vigilant measures undertaken by law enforcement agencies during this critical period. The trucks, which were later released, were found to be transporting money for prominent banks including ICICI, IDBI, and the Federal Bank.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Anantpur Range, R N Ammi Reddy, confirmed that the vehicles were en route from Kerala to the regional office of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Hyderabad. The detention was a precautionary measure under the Model Code of Conduct, currently in effect due to the forthcoming parliamentary and assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh scheduled for May 13.

The consignment comprised entirely of soiled notes belonging to the aforementioned banks and was destined for RBI's Hyderabad office for processing. According to DIGP Reddy, the operation involved escort vehicles and all necessary transit documents were promptly presented to the police for verification. The swift release of the trucks was facilitated by thorough verification processes involving confirmation from the banks concerned and the RBI.

For added scrutiny, officials from the Income Tax Department, the election returning officer among others were involved in the verification process. Despite the successful verification and release of the trucks, DIGP Reddy pointed out that there had been no prior intimation to the state police regarding the movement of such a large consignment of currency notes.

This incident underscores the heightened alertness and stringent security measures implemented by law enforcement agencies during election periods. It also reflects on the complex logistics involved in handling and transporting currency in India, especially during sensitive times such as elections. The collaboration between various departments and adherence to protocol ensured that potential misunderstandings were quickly resolved without any significant disruption.