Balurghat, May 11 -- The District Grievance Committee/Seized Cash Release Committee of Dakshin Dinajpur has ordered the release of Rs 2,03,500 that was earlier seized by the Static Surveillance Team (SST) at Kalkhara Khari SST Naka Point under Balurghat Police Station, after finding no evidence linking the cash to election-related activities.

According to an official order issued by the Office of the District Magistrate and District Election Officer, Dakshin Dinajpur, the cash was seized on April 6, 2026, from Sri Manoj Kumar Paul, son of Bishnupada Paul and a resident of Vill-Trmohini, P.O. Kismatdapat, P.S. Hili.

The seizure was carried out by an SST led by Manotosh Sarkar and Dhiman Hisabia during routine checking at the naka point. Officials had questioned Paul regarding the source and movement of the cash but he reportedly failed to provide satisfactory answers or produce supporting documents at the spot. Following Election Commission of India guidelines, the amount was seized and he was directed to file an appeal before the District Grievance Committee through Annexure-57 for its release. On May 5, 2026, Paul appeared before the committee and submitted documents related to the movement and source of the cash, including his bank statement and credit statement.

After examining the submitted evidence and hearing testimonies, the committee observed prima facie that the seized amount was being carried as donation money for a temple and was not intended for influencing the electoral process.

The Inspector-in-Charge of Balurghat Police Station was directed to release and hand over the entire amount to Manoj Kumar Paul after completing all necessary formalities on Monday. Copies of the order have also been forwarded to the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Treasury Officer, Block Development Officer and other concerned authorities for compliance.

Expressing relief after the decision, Manoj Kumar Paul said: "I am thankful to the District Grievance Committee for giving me a fair hearing and verifying all the documents.

The money was meant solely for temple donation and I am glad the matter has now been resolved. On Monday, I received the amount of Rs 2,03,500 from the Balurghat Police Station."

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.