Ulhasnagar: Barely an hour after campaigning for the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation elections ended on Tuesday, police seized around Rs 50 lakh in cash from an autorickshaw in the Camp No. 4 area, triggering political ripples and raising suspicions of voter inducement.The incident took place near Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk at Subhash Tekdi. Independent candidate Naresh Gaikwad alleged that the cash was being transported for distribution among voters during the election. Acting on suspicion, he followed the autorickshaw from the Camp No. 3 area. When the vehicle reached Ambedkar Chowk, the occupants reportedly abandoned it and fled the spot.Gaikwad detained the autorickshaw driver and handed him over to the Vitthalwadi police. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a bag containing bundles of cash, estimated at around Rs 50 lakh. The seizure drew a large crowd at the spot, prompting police to deploy additional personnel to maintain law and order.Police officials said the cash has been taken into custody and the autorickshaw driver has been detained for questioning. “We are investigating the source of the money and its intended purpose. It is also being verified whether the cash is linked to any political party or candidate,” a senior police officer said.Further investigation is underway to establish ownership of the cash and determine whether it was meant to influence voters ahead of polling.
