Kolkata, July 14 (IANS) Seven persons, including a woman, were arrested and around Rs 2.20 crore in unaccounted cash was seized following a marathon overnight raid conducted by multiple units of the Bidhannagar City Police at a private guesthouse in New Town on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, officials said on Tuesday.

The joint operation, which began on Monday night and continued till Tuesday morning, was carried out by officers from the detective department of Bidhannagar City Police, Techno City Police Station, and Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station after receiving specific intelligence inputs about large quantities of cash and gold stored at the premises.

The police are investigating where the huge amount of money came from and for what purpose it was kept in the premises of the guest house. Investigators are also probing whether there was a plan to launder the money through hawala. The police have arrested seven people from the guest house. They are being questioned.

On receiving the input, the officers of the joint team reached the guest house on Monday night. Soon, a search operation began. It was alleged that the money hoarded there was obtained from cyber fraud. According to police, an investigation was launched based on the complaint, which resulted in the discovery of a huge amount of cash and gold.

Investigating officers are questioning the owner of the guest house and other occupants to ascertain the origin of the seized assets and identify those involved in the alleged operation.

The detectives of Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate are taking all necessary steps while carrying out the investigation.

Several documents have been seized for examination by the police, while four vehicles found at the premises have also been taken into custody as part of the investigation.

All seven arrested persons are being interrogated as police seek to uncover the broader network behind the cash and gold recovery. The investigation is continuing.

–IANS

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