Chitrakoot: The Income Tax Department has launched an investigation after ₹63 lakh in cash was recovered from an AC coach of the Betwa Express, with authorities examining a possible hawala connection. The large amount was allegedly being carried without valid supporting documents, while the passenger could not provide clear information about the source of the money or the person to whom it was supposed to be delivered. Following the action by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Crime Wing, a three-member Income Tax Department team from Kanpur reached Chitrakoot on Tuesday and questioned the passenger for around four hours.
The incident took place on Monday when the RPF and Jhansi Crime Wing team was conducting checks on the Betwa Express between Bahilpurwa and Karwi. During the inspection, the team checked a passenger seated at seat number 19 in AC coach B-3. The passenger was identified as Pritamdas, a resident of Rasala Mohalla in Satna. A large amount of cash was recovered from a bag in his possession.
Cash Counted With Banking Equipment
After the recovery, the RPF arranged for the cash to be counted. A currency-counting machine was brought from the State Bank of India, while a cashier from Punjab National Bank was called to assist with the counting.
The cash consisted of 12,000 ₹500 notes, 1,300 ₹200 notes, 100 ₹100 notes and 600 ₹50 notes. The total amount was calculated at ₹63 lakh.
When questioned about why he was carrying such a large amount of cash, Pritamdas allegedly failed to produce any document supporting the transaction. During questioning, he reportedly told the authorities that the money had been given to him by Sanjay alias Sanju, a resident of Satna, and that he had been instructed to take it to Kanpur.
Pritamdas allegedly claimed that he did not know who was supposed to receive the money in Kanpur. According to his statement, Sanjay had told him that the details of the recipient would be provided after he reached Kanpur.
Passenger Taken Off Train at Karwi
According to the RPF, the passenger could not provide a satisfactory explanation about the source of the money or its final destination. He also allegedly had no bill, bank document or other proof relating to the cash.
The authorities subsequently took him off the train at Karwi railway station and questioned him for several hours. As no clear information regarding the source of the cash emerged, the matter was reported to the Income Tax Department.
The investigation is now focused on determining who owned the ₹63 lakh, where the money originated and who was supposed to receive it in Kanpur.
Income Tax Team Conducts Four-Hour Interrogation
At around 3 pm on Tuesday, a three-member team from the Kanpur Income Tax Department reached Chitrakoot. The team questioned Pritamdas for approximately four hours.
Officials sought information about the source and ownership of the cash, his connection with Sanjay alias Sanju and the purpose of transporting the money to Kanpur. However, the questioning did not immediately produce any significant document or concrete lead establishing the source of the money.
The investigation has therefore been kept open, with agencies examining additional financial and transaction records.
Why Authorities Suspect a Hawala Link
The suspicion of a hawala connection has emerged primarily because of the large amount of cash, the absence of supporting documents and the passenger’s alleged inability to identify the owner or intended recipient of the money.
RPF officials have said that the circumstances raise suspicion of hawala transactions, although there has been no official confirmation yet that the ₹63 lakh was actually linked to an illegal hawala network.
RPF station in-charge Rajendra Kumar said the absence of documents along with such a substantial amount of cash had raised the suspicion. Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghupati Lal said no detailed information had so far been received from Chitrakoot. He added that if the money is found to be connected with hawala activity and relevant information is received, the matter will be investigated and further action taken.
Investigating agencies are now examining the role of Sanjay alias Sanju, the source of the cash and possible contacts associated with any suspected financial network. Banking records and other financial documents could help establish whether the ₹63 lakh was connected to a legitimate business transaction or an illegal financial operation. The investigation is continuing.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
