Mahasamund Khair Wood Case: ₹81 Lakh Cash Seized

Police investigating illegal transport of 23.35 tonnes of khair wood through alleged fake NOC documents have recovered ₹81 lakh cash from the accused’s house in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district.

Police have recovered ₹81 lakh in cash from the house of an accused linked to an alleged illegal khair (catechu) wood transportation case involving fake NOC documents in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district.The cash was recovered from a house located in Mudpar village of Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district during a search operation. Police said the amount is suspected to be proceeds of crime and action has been initiated for its attachment.The accused, identified as Manish Agrawal, was earlier arrested in connection with the case from Raigarh.

Case linked to illegal transport of 23.35 tonnes of khair wood

According to police, a case was registered following a complaint by the Forest Range Officer, Pithora, regarding the alleged illegal transportation of 23,350 kg of khair wood.Investigators alleged that fake NTPS NOC documents were prepared and used as genuine documents for transporting the wood.A case was registered at Pithora police station, and further investigation was started.

₹81 lakh found in bag during house search

During the investigation, police obtained a search warrant from the court to inspect the accused’s house in Mudpar village.Police conducted the search on September 7, 2026, in the presence of the caretaker and witnesses.According to police, a bag recovered during the search contained 162 bundles of ₹500 currency notes.

The total amount was calculated as:

• 16,200 currency notes

• ₹81 lakh total cash

The entire amount was seized during the operation.

Multiple charges registered

Police said the case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act and the Indian Forest Act.The investigation is continuing to identify other possible links in the alleged illegal wood transportation network.

Police seek attachment of seized money

Police said the recovered cash is being treated as property allegedly acquired through criminal activity.An application has reportedly been submitted before the court under Section 107 of the BNSS for attachment proceedings, which would prevent the accused from using the seized amount.Further action will depend on the investigation and court proceedings.