A major cash seizure in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur district has raised questions after police reportedly recovered ₹1.29 crore from hidden compartments inside a Mahindra Scorpio-N parked behind a sarpanch’s house. The incident came to light on October 14, with reports continuing to emerge on October 15. Three people, including the village sarpanch, were reportedly detained for questioning.
Cash Discovered in Secret Compartments
According to media reports, the incident took place in Barkheda Uda village, within the Shamgarh police station area of Mandsaur district. Police reportedly received information about a suspicious Scorpio-N parked in an enclosure behind the residence of village sarpanch Bhavanishankar Meena.
The vehicle allegedly did not have a registration number. During the initial search, officers could not locate the cash. A mechanic was subsequently called to examine the vehicle more thoroughly. The investigation reportedly led to the discovery of concealed compartments containing cash worth ₹1.29 crore.
The vehicle, reportedly valued at around ₹20 lakh, was also seized by the authorities.
Three People Questioned by Police
Reports identified the three individuals as Bhavanishankar Meena, 49, the sarpanch of Barkheda Uda; Mohammad Islam, 47; and Surya Prakash, 59. The latter two were reported to be residents of Bareilly district in Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities are investigating the source and ownership of the seized money. Some reports have also mentioned the possibility of a connection with suspected narcotics trafficking. However, this alleged connection has not been established as a proven fact.
Investigation Into the Money’s Source Continues
The recovery has drawn attention because of questions surrounding the large amount of cash and the circumstances in which it was concealed. Reports have also discussed the sarpanch’s monthly income, although figures differ across publications.
Police are expected to establish who owned the money and why it was allegedly hidden inside the vehicle. Until the investigation establishes the facts, the source of the cash and any possible criminal links remain matters requiring verification.
The case has sparked discussion about the circumstances behind the recovery, while the investigation remains central to determining the facts.