With the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 around the corner, security measures have been intensified across the state. In a major crackdown, the Bidhannagar Police seized ₹25 lakh in cash from an app-cab near Chinar Park on Friday. Acting on a tip-off, officers intercepted the vehicle coming from Sealdah and discovered bundles of currency hidden in the trunk.

A resident of Gujarat, identified as Suresh Thakur, has been detained for questioning. Interestingly, his family was also traveling with him at the time of the seizure. As per Election Commission protocols, the police have handed him over to the Income Tax Department to trace the source of the money. Investigators are probing whether this cash was being funneled for electoral influence or linked to a local money-laundering network.

This seizure comes just a day after the ED recovered gold coins worth ₹1 crore, ₹15 lakh in cryptocurrency, and ₹10 lakh in cash during raids in Kolkata and Siliguri. With polling scheduled for April 23 and 29, the recovery of such massive illegal assets has put all central and state agencies on high alert to ensure a free and fair election.