Chennai, Aug 2 (NationPress) - In a notable operation, officials from the Income Tax (I-T) Department have initiated an investigation into two men from Kerala, who were caught with a staggering Rs 26.40 lakh in cash along with gold-plated bangles. This took place on Saturday during a vehicle inspection at Ettimadai, located on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, as reported by I-T officials.

The individuals, named Abdul Hakkim (49) and Abdul Rahman (38), hail from Thrissur district in Kerala. They were stopped at a police checkpoint near the Ellaimakaliamman temple along the Salem-Palakkad National Highway.

It was reported that they were en route from Coimbatore to a jewelry shop in Thrissur, traveling on a motorcycle when law enforcement halted them based on prior intelligence.

The search was executed by a team led by Sub-Inspector Karthikeyan from the KG Chavadi police station.

Upon inspection, the authorities discovered the significant cash and gold-plated bangles, which the duo failed to provide appropriate documentation for.

Coimbatore Rural Superintendent of Police, K. Karthikeyan, arrived at the scene to interrogate the men.

In initial questioning, the pair claimed they had legally withdrawn the funds for purchasing jewelry in Thrissur. However, the lack of supporting documents and the circumstances surrounding their transportation raised red flags.

The police subsequently handed them over to the Income Tax Department for further inquiries.

According to sources, I-T officials are currently verifying the origins of the cash, the method of withdrawal from any financial institution, and whether the funds may be linked to hawala transactions—a persistent issue along the Tamil Nadu–Kerala route, especially during election seasons or festive periods.

This occurrence adds to a series of similar cash seizures in the area. In April, prior to the Lok Sabha elections, enforcement teams had confiscated over Rs 1 crore in unreported cash from vehicles traveling between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Moreover, the smuggling of gold and unreported cash movements through Coimbatore and Palakkad routes have surged in recent years, prompting increased vigilance and collaboration between state and central agencies.

Authorities have heightened security and are closely monitoring traffic at key highway checkpoints.

As it stands, Abdul Hakkim and Abdul Rahman remain in the custody of the Income Tax Department as investigations proceed to determine if any larger networks are involved.