BJP leader arrested with Rs 24 lakh cash in Bengal

In a major embarrassment for the BJP ahead of the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections, three of its leaders of the Baruipur area of South 24 Parganas district were arrested after police seized Rs. 24 lakh from them. According to police sources, one of the accused BJP leaders was hiding the cash inside her saree.

“Four persons including BJP’s Baruipur mandal general secretary Mantu Halder have been arrested in the case so far,” said a district police official. A check of Rs 10 lakh has been seized from Halder as well. The incident took place late on Thursday night, added the district police official.

Following a tip off, vehicles were being searched in the Baruipur area and the related vehicle was intercepted.

"We have already informed the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer about the incident,” the police official said.

While the local TMC leadership alleged that the cash was being taken from the local BJP office to use during the elections, the BJP has denied the allegation saying that Halder was carrying the money for his own business and it has nothing to do with the party.

Earlier, two BJP workers including one who claimed to be the personal assistant of BJP state president Dilip Ghosh, were arrested from Asansol railway station for illegally carrying Rs one crore.