Unusual ‘Rules’ of Hawala Travel: Nearly ₹4 Crore in Cash, But Only Biscuits and Snacks Allowed to Eat

Sagar, Madhya Pradesh:
In a sensational hawala case uncovered two days ago in Sagar district, police seized ₹3.98 crore in cash from a Maharashtra-registered Scorpio traveling from Katni to Mumbai. Along with the massive cash haul, what stunned investigators were the strict travel rules imposed on the carriers—especially the rule that they could not stop the vehicle for food and had to survive only on biscuits and snacks throughout the journey.

Cash Hidden in Secret Compartment; No Permission to Stop the Car

The Motinagar police intercepted the Scorpio and discovered a secret box stuffed with currency bundles meant to be delivered to a Mumbai-based diamond trader. During interrogation, the two youths in the car revealed that they were strictly instructed not to halt at dhabas or hotels under any circumstances.

To curb hunger, the vehicle carried only Parle-G biscuits, packets of namkeen, and nearly 50 bottles of water. The car was allowed to stop only for toilet breaks, and nothing else.

Cash Deposited in SBI; IT Department Begins Probe

Sagar police immediately deposited the entire seized amount into a government account at SBI’s Civil Lines branch. With the money secured, the Income Tax Department has begun investigating the true owners of the hawala funds.

The two men found in the vehicle were released as no direct criminal evidence was established against them so far.

Police Took Extra Precautions After Recent Seoni Controversy

Following the high-profile controversies in Seoni—popularly referred to as the “Pandey Madam factor”—the police took no chances. After the cash was seized:

• It was placed in the police storeroom immediately
• A Special Armed Force (SAF) guard of four jawans was deployed
• The cash was watched round-the-clock for nearly 48 hours

Authorities wanted to avoid any allegations, tampering, or mishandling of the seized money.