Nagpur: In a late-night operation on Wednesday, police seized Rs 1.50 crore in cash from a man riding a moped on Central Avenue. The rider, identified as 42-year-old Shakir Khan Haji Nasir Khan from Yashodhara Nagar, was detained after officers discovered the large sum of cash hidden in the utility box of his moped and an additional Rs 15 lakh in a bag he was carrying.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. as police were conducting routine vehicle checks. Officers reportedly grew suspicious of Khan’s behavior, prompting a search. Upon inspection, police uncovered Rs 1.35 crore concealed in the moped’s storage compartment, along with the remaining amount in Khan’s bag. When questioned at the scene, Khan provided unclear and evasive responses about the origin and intended purpose of the cash.

The seizure of such a large amount, especially during a high-stakes Assembly election period, has raised concerns about potential electoral malpractice. Police sources indicated that Khan’s statements failed to clarify whether the cash was for personal use or linked to election-related or illicit activities, such as money laundering.

The Election Commission of India has been notified of the incident, as authorities investigate whether the cash is connected to illegal activities or unaccounted funds that may influence the ongoing elections. Senior officials from Tehsil Police Station are overseeing the investigation, with special attention given to verifying any possible links to electoral bribery.

Police have also launched a review of CCTV footage from the surrounding area to determine how the money was acquired and if any accomplices were involved. A senior police official confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway, as law enforcement seeks to trace the origin of the cash and any connections to unlawful activities during the election period.