Gold, diamond & silver worth Rs 24 crore seized in Ahilyanagar

NASHIK: In poll-bound Maharashtra , a static surveillance team (SST) deployed near a toll plaza in Ahilyanagar district seized gold and silver jewellery and diamonds worth more than Rs 23.7 crore from a van on Thursday morning. An official said since the value of the consignment did not match with the receipts found on the vehicle, the SST reported the matter to the income tax department for further investigation.

However, Fatehchand Ranka, president of Maharashtra Jewellers Association, said transportation of the valuables had nothing to do with the polls. "Police should have called the jewellers before depositing the jewellery."

In view of polls, police and district administration have set up SST checkposts in their respective jurisdictions to monitor excessive campaign expenses, distribution of items as bribes in cash or kind, and movement of illegal arms, ammunition, liquor as well as anti-social elements.

Though the transporters produced 14 receipts, the value of the consignment was much higher.