Joint RPF–GRP Drive at Shalimar Leads to Seizure of Foreign Currency Worth ₹23.63 Lakh

Shalimar: In view of the upcoming West Bengal Legislative Assembly Election 2026, a special joint intensive checking drive was conducted by RPF Post Shalimar in coordination with GRPS/Shalimar at Shalimar Railway Station on 08.04.2026 from 16:30 hrs onwards.
During the course of intensive checking, at about 4:50 p.m., a person was noticed moving in a suspicious manner near Platform No. 02 (Santragachi end) carrying a black backpack. On noticing the police presence, the individual attempted to flee but was swiftly intercepted by RPF personnel at around 5:00 p.m.
Upon thorough search of the bag, a substantial quantity of foreign and Indian currency was recovered, detailed as follows:
200 Euro notes (05 Nos.) – Total 1000 Euro (₹1,07,540/-)
100 Euro notes (19 Nos.) – Total 1900 Euro (₹2,04,326/-)
50 Euro notes (10 Nos.) – Total 500 Euro (₹53,770/-)
100 US Dollar notes (200 Nos.) – Total 20,000 USD (₹18,50,800/-)
50 US Dollar notes (27 Nos.) – Total 1350 USD (₹1,24,929/-)
Nepalese Currency (500 denomination, 27 Nos.) – NPR 13,500 (₹8,500/-)
Indian Currency (₹500 denomination, 28 Nos.) – ₹14,000/-
The total value of the recovered foreign and Indian currency amounts to ₹23,63,865/- (Rupees Twenty-Three Lakh Sixty-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty-Five only).

On being questioned, the individual failed to produce any valid documents regarding possession of such a large amount of currency. He disclosed his identity as Indra Bahadur Katuwal (41), S/o Chat Bahadur Katuwal, resident of Shikharpur-01, District Sindhupalchok, Bagmati Province, Nepal.
Subsequently, the recovered currency along with his driving license was seized by ASI Prasanta Pakhira of Shalimar GRPS in the presence of RPF personnel hrs on the spot.
In this connection, Shalimar GRPS has registered Case No. 20/26 dated 08.04.2026 under Sections 303(2)/317(2) of BNS. Further investigation is in progress.
The joint action highlights the vigilance and coordinated efforts of RPF and GRP in ensuring security and preventing unlawful activities, especially in the run-up to the upcoming elections.