Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai

Chennai, May 22: In a significant crackdown on suspected money laundering, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized unaccounted cash worth Rs 32 lac from three passengers on board the Hyderabad–Puducherry Superfast Express at Chennai’s Egmore railway station on Thursday.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI officials launched a surprise inspection at the station and intercepted a suspect, Aghilan from Hyderabad, who was already under surveillance. The operation soon extended to three other passengers whose luggage raised suspicion.

Those detained have been identified as Ashok D Jain (51), a resident of Strahans Road, Pattalam; his son Shil Ashok Jain (27); and Sangita B Jain (57), wife of Bharat Kumar Jain from Sowcarpet. Upon inspection, officials discovered bundles of unaccounted currency carefully concealed within their bags.

A total of Rs 32 lakh in cash was recovered, and the trio was detained for questioning. The DRI suspects that the seized amount may be part of an illegal interstate transaction network.

“The individuals are currently being questioned to determine the origin and intended use of the cash,” a senior DRI official confirmed. He added that further inquiries are ongoing and coordination with other enforcement agencies is underway to trace the wider nexus, if any.