On Friday morning, authorities in Pune intercepted over 437 kg of gold jewellery valued at approximately Rs 138 crore, which was being transported in a van belonging to a cargo services firm. The interception was carried out by a static surveillance team composed of representatives from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Pune police.
Pune Collector and District Election Officer Suhas Diwase clarified, “This was an interception, not a seizure. Our surveillance team reports that it was a logistics vehicle used by a company that regularly transports jewellery and that they possess the necessary documentation. The income tax department is currently verifying these papers.”
Diwase explained that if the documents are deemed valid, the jewellery will be released. However, if the paperwork is insufficient, it will be seized, as any transport involving more than Rs 10 lakh or 1 kg of gold must be reported to the income tax department. He emphasized, “We are closely monitoring for any illegal transportation of goods during the election period, as directed by the ECI.”
Saurabh Gadgil, chairman of Pune-based PN Gadgil Jewellers, responded to the situation, stating, “There has been a misunderstanding. All items were fully documented with bills and emails, and there is nothing illegal involved.”
