Arunachal: BJP supporter caught with Rs 1 crore cash, handed over to police in Basar

In Basar, Leparada district of Arunachal Pradesh, police seized a staggering sum of Rs 1 crore in cash from a supporter of a BJP candidate. The incident took place as the electoral battleground heated up between the sitting MLA and National Peoples Party (NPP) candidate Gokar Basar and Nyabi Jini Dirchi, the BJP MLA candidate for the Basar assembly constituency.

D. Toli Basar, who intercepted the Bolero vehicle of Tomo Bam carrying the substantial cash amount spoke on previous incidents, alleging similar occurrences. "Earlier, in Gori Village, Rs 2 lakhs were recovered from a vehicle belonging to BJP MLA candidates, but it mysteriously disappeared from the police station later," stated D. Toli Basar.

According to MLA Gokar Basar, supporters of the NPP intercepted a Bolero vehicle bearing registration number AR 25 0109 and discovered the substantial cash amount inside. Allegations arose that the cash was intended for luring voters to support the BJP candidate, Nyabi Jini Dirchi.

"I called the SP at 6 pm, informing them about the vehicle whose owner withdrew ₹1 crore from SBI Basar for using money in elections to buy voters. This money culture should be stopped in the state, which is prevailing everywhere," stated MLA Gokar Basar.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed. One FIR, lodged by the owner of the cash, claimed that the money was extorted by the goons of MLA Gokar Basar forcefully. However, another FIR filed by the opposing party alleged misuse of money for election purposes, a violation of the model code of conduct.

The Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed the registration of both FIRs and stated that an inquiry is underway. The seized cash has been confiscated, and information letters have been issued to the District Election Officer of Leparada district.

In a letter addressed to the Officer In-charge of Basar Police Station, a complaint was lodged by Mar Bay, alleging extortion and criminal house trespass against Gokar Basar, D. Toli Basar, and others. Bay claimed that the cash, withdrawn for personal and business purposes, was forcibly taken away at gunpoint by the accused.