Two staff members from the Delhi Chief Minister’s office were detained by Delhi police on Tuesday evening after Rs 5 lakh in cash was recovered from them, just ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled to begin on Wednesday morning.
Delhi Police officials said they had received a tip-off about the individuals carrying cash. A Flying Squad Team (FST) quickly responded and apprehended the two men, who were later handed over to the police.
Ravi Kumar Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) South East, told ANI, “We received a report of people being caught with Rs 5 lakh. Our team arrived at the scene, and the FST handed over two individuals, Gaurav and Ajit, who are reportedly attached to the Delhi CM’s office according to preliminary information.” He added, “The Rs 5 lakh has been seized, and an investigation is ongoing.”
Police are probing the source of the cash. According to the DCP, “One of the individuals is an assistant to the CM’s personal assistant, while the other is a driver.” The DEO/DM South-East confirmed the incident in a post on X, stating, “FST team found two individuals, Mr. Gaurav and Mr. Ajit Singh, in a car with Rs 5 lakh. Mr. Gaurav said the money came from Mr. Pankaj, PA to Ms. Atishi, for booth management in Giri Nagar, KalkaJi (AC). The cash has been seized, and the police are further investigating.”
In response to the upcoming elections, Delhi police have ramped up security and preparations to ensure a smooth polling process. Special CP DC Srivastava assured that, “All political parties have reached their polling booths and are setting up for an efficient polling process. Delhi police have ensured free and fair elections, and we are taking action against anyone violating the law.”
Ahead of the elections, security forces conducted a flag march in Shahpur Jat village, Hauz Khas area. DCP South, Ankit Chauhan, added, “With less than 12 hours left before the Delhi Assembly election, we’ve intensified patrols in densely populated areas and are conducting flag marches. We will not allow any disruptive elements to interfere with polling. Border checks have been heightened to prevent illegal smuggling, illicit liquor, and the use of muscle power. We are utilizing Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), local police, and home guards.”
Chauhan also highlighted their efforts on social media monitoring, saying, “We have seized over Rs 1 crore in cash, a significant amount of illicit liquor, and detected two commercial quantities of narcotics in the South district.”
Joint CP Law and Order (L&O), Noida, Shiv Hari Meena, confirmed, “With the Delhi Assembly elections tomorrow, we are conducting checks at 11 border points in neighboring districts. Senior officers are overseeing these joint checks with Delhi Police.”
Vote counting will take place on February 8.