Agartala, June 18, 2026: A major cash haul at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport has triggered a multi-agency investigation after security personnel intercepted two passengers from Maharashtra and recovered over Rs 1.68 crore in cash from their luggage.
The operation was carried out by the Special Branch of Tripura Police during a routine security check at the airport. The passengers, identified as Dattatray Thakram Virkar (36) and Sajal Sachin Devkar (21), were detained after officials discovered Rs 1,68,27,000 concealed in their baggage.
Following the seizure, both the suspects and the recovered cash were handed over to officials of the Income Tax and Customs departments for further examination.
Investigators suspect that the incident may be linked to a larger cash transportation network. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the two men had reportedly made multiple trips between Maharashtra and Agartala since the beginning of June. Authorities believe they frequently arrived in Agartala carrying luggage, handed it over to unidentified contacts, and returned to Maharashtra on the same day.
Adding to the mystery, investigators found that the two carriers allegedly did not know the passwords of the luggage they were transporting. Police sources said the passwords were reportedly shared directly between the sender and the recipient, suggesting a carefully coordinated operation designed to keep the carriers unaware of the contents.
Officials also uncovered another unusual pattern during the investigation. The duo were allegedly provided with new mobile phones for each trip, a tactic often used to avoid surveillance and leave minimal digital footprints.
The seizure has prompted authorities to probe the origin of the cash, its intended recipients, and possible links to illegal financial activities. Agencies are now examining travel records, communication trails and other evidence to determine whether the two men were acting independently or as part of an organised network.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not ruled out further arrests as they seek to unravel the full extent of the operation.
