A major operation by the Income Tax (IT) department led to the seizure of 52 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately ₹40.47 crore (USD 4.76 million), and ₹10 crore (USD 1.18 million) in cash from an abandoned vehicle.

The incident took place at Mendori forest of Bhopal City in Madhya Pradesh on December 20.

The visual shows the officials meticulously counting a stash of seized gold bars recovered from a car, as a captivated crowd watches with awe and curiosity etched on their faces.

According to reports the abandoned white Innova Crysta, registered as MP 07 BA 0050, was discovered in an under-construction building. Reports suggest that the vehicle was linked to Chetan Gaur, a suspect under the IT department’s surveillance. It is believed the car was being used to smuggle the illegal gold and cash out of the state when it was intercepted.

The operation involved over 100 police officers and a convoy of 30 vehicles, acting on an anonymous tip-off. The team recovered six to seven bags filled with the seized items from the vehicle.

This recovery occurred amidst ongoing raids by the IT department, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Lokayukta on real estate businesses in the region. Officials have reportedly raided 51 premises associated with Trishul Construction, Quality Group, and Ishan Group in Bhopal and Indore.

Additionally, the Lokayukta raided the residence of Saurabh Sharma, a former constable at the Regional Transport Office (RTO), uncovering ₹1 crore in cash and 40 kilograms of silver. Sharma, who left his job a year ago, is said to have entered the real estate business.