Pune: In a major operation led by Pune police ahead of the upcoming legislative assembly elections, officers seized gold worth ₹128 crore from a tempo during a roadblock inspection in the Sahakarnagar area.

This high-value seizure was conducted as part of an intensified citywide and suburban police patrolling initiative to curb potential electoral malpractices.

On Friday, during a routine roadblock, police officers from Sahakarnagar stopped a tempo, which, upon inspection, was found to contain gold valued at ₹128 crore.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Smarta Patil of Zone 2 reported that the authorities have notified election officials and the Income Tax Department of the seizure, as investigations are underway to identify both the origin and the intended destination of the precious metal.

As part of an extensive security operation, the police have heightened inspections across Pune, maintaining roadblocks and checking suspicious vehicles around the clock to ensure a fair election process.

The substantial amount of gold seized has raised questions about its intended use and destination, with police teams working to trace any connections to election-related activities.

In recent days, additional seizures have been made as police have ramped up operations on the city outskirts.

In the Khed Shivapur area on the Mumbai-Bengaluru bypass, rural police confiscated ₹5 crore in cash from a car. Another ₹17.75 lakh was seized from Mawal taluka, underscoring the authorities' rigorous efforts to prevent any unauthorized financial transactions during the election period.