GRP, RPF seize ₹1.22 crore hawala cash on Devagiri Express in Secunderabad
Synopsis
Railway police and RPF intercepted a passenger on the Devagiri Express carrying ₹1.22 crore in suspected hawala cash — allegedly ferried from a Mumbai jeweller to a contact in Secunderabad's Monda Market for just ₹5,000. The bust points to an active cash-courier network operating through intercity trains.
Key Takeaways
GRP Secunderabad and RPF seized ₹1,22,70,000 in suspected hawala money on 26 May 2025 .
The accused, Vijay Ambadas Gupta, 40 , was intercepted aboard Train No.
17057 (Devagiri Express) between Bollaram and Malkajgiri stations.
Cash was allegedly sourced from 'Santosh Seth' of 'Kantha Jewellery', Mumbai , and was to be delivered to 'Banti' at a jewellery shop in Monda Market, Secunderabad .
Gupta was allegedly promised ₹5,000 for transporting the cash.
Ramesh Naidu commended the teams and announced rewards for the personnel involved.
The Government Railway Police (GRP), Secunderabad, working in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), seized ₹1,22,70,000 in suspected hawala money from a passenger aboard the Devagiri Express on 26 May 2025. The accused was travelling from Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Secunderabad, Telangana, when he was intercepted during a joint inspection, officials confirmed on Thursday.
How the Interception Unfolded
The operation was carried out on Train No. 17057, the Devagiri Express, at approximately 3 pm between Bollaram and Malkajgiri railway stations. GRP and RPF personnel noticed the accused carrying a luggage bag under suspicious circumstances and moved to detain him for questioning.
The accused has been identified as Vijay Ambadas Gupta, 40, son of Ambadas Gupta, and a resident of Brundavan Colony, Sai Nagar, in Amaravati district, Maharashtra.
What the Accused Allegedly Revealed
During questioning, Gupta allegedly disclosed that the cash — amounting to ₹1,22,70,000 — had been handed to him by a person identified as 'Santosh Seth', who reportedly operates 'Kantha Jewellery' in Mumbai. He further stated that he had been instructed to deliver the money in Secunderabad to an individual known as 'Banti', who allegedly runs a jewellery shop in Monda Market, Secunderabad.
According to officials, Gupta was allegedly promised ₹5,000 as payment for transporting the cash. Preliminary investigation indicated the funds were suspected to be linked to hawala transactions connected to the jewellery trade.
Evidence Seized, Confession Recorded
Gupta failed to produce any valid documentation or offer a satisfactory explanation regarding the source, ownership, or intended use of the seized cash. Officials subsequently recorded his confession in the presence of two mediators. His mobile phone, identity documents, and train ticket were also seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officers Behind the Operation
The operation was led by B. Saieashwar Goud, IRP/SHO, along with T. Madhav, SIRP, and their staff, in coordination with D.V. Narasimha Rao, RPF Inspector (Crime Cell), Sanjeev Rao, RPF Inspector, Malkajgiri, and the Divisional CPDS team of Hyderabad.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Sandeep, in-charge Superintendent of Railway Police; Debashmita C. Banerjee, Senior DSC/RPF Hyderabad; S.N. Jawed, DSRP SC(U); and Ravi Sharma, Assistant Security Commissioner, RPF Hyderabad.
Senior Officials Commend the Teams
IGP Railway and Road Safety K. Ramesh Naidu praised the efforts of the GRP Secunderabad and RPF teams, announcing that the personnel involved would be suitably rewarded. This operation is the latest in a series of railway enforcement drives targeting undeclared cash movements on intercity trains in the Hyderabad division. Further investigation into the hawala network — including the roles of 'Santosh Seth' and 'Banti' — is ongoing.
Point of View
High-volume, and difficult to monitor at scale. The alleged ₹5,000 fee for moving over ₹1.22 crore underscores how hawala operators insulate themselves by using expendable, low-paid couriers with no knowledge of the broader network. The real investigative challenge now is tracing 'Santosh Seth' and 'Banti' — the alleged principals — before the trail goes cold. Joint GRP-RPF operations are effective at interception, but without upstream financial investigation, such busts rarely dismantle the network itself.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized on the Devagiri Express in Secunderabad?
GRP Secunderabad and RPF seized ₹1,22,70,000 in suspected hawala cash from a passenger aboard the Devagiri Express on 26 May 2025. The money was found during a joint inspection between Bollaram and Malkajgiri railway stations.
Who is the accused in the Devagiri Express hawala case?
The accused is Vijay Ambadas Gupta, 40, a resident of Brundavan Colony, Sai Nagar, in Amaravati district, Maharashtra. He was travelling from Mumbai to Secunderabad when he was intercepted.
What was the alleged purpose of the seized cash?
According to officials, the cash was allegedly meant to be delivered to an individual known as 'Banti', who reportedly runs a jewellery shop in Monda Market, Secunderabad. It is suspected to be linked to hawala transactions tied to the jewellery business.
How much was the accused allegedly paid to carry the cash?
Vijay Ambadas Gupta was allegedly promised ₹5,000 for transporting the ₹1,22,70,000 in cash from Mumbai to Secunderabad, according to officials.
Who led the operation to seize the hawala money?
The operation was led by B. Saieashwar Goud, IRP/SHO, and T. Madhav, SIRP, in coordination with RPF Inspector D.V. Narasimha Rao and others, under the supervision of senior officials including Debashmita C. Banerjee, Senior DSC/RPF Hyderabad.
