Pune

Political tension was created in Maharashtra after ₹5 crore in cash was found in an SUV by Pune Rural Police. The SUV was stopped on Monday evening while heading to a toll booth on Shivapur road. A police team set up a roadblock based on a tip-off near Rajgad Police Station around 6:30 PM.

Authorities found the cash linked to a member of the ruling MahaYuti coalition, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This seizure was the first major cash haul during the Assembly election season.

Following this, the Pune Police informed the Income Tax Department and the Election Commission of India, which are investigating under the Model Code of Conduct. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut stated that the SUV belonged to a sitting MLA from the ruling party. The MLA denied any link to the cash, claiming he was targeted during the election season.

Increased surveillance of vehicles carrying large cash amounts has been ordered to prevent election misconduct.