Guwahati Police have arrested former Congress leader Anowar Hussain after seizing cash and cheques worth over ₹1 crore from his possession, officials said on Tuesday. The arrest followed a targeted operation on the outskirts of Guwahati, intensifying scrutiny around alleged land-related transactions in the city.
Three others were also taken into custody in connection with the case. They have been identified as Dianur Islam of Goalpara, and Imdadul Hoque Sarkar and Malikuddin Sheikh, both residents of Dhubri.
Guwahati Police arrested former Congress leader Anowar Hussain and three others after seizing over ₹1 crore in cash and cheques during a vehicle check at Jorabat. The joint operation by Basistha and Jorabat police followed specific inputs, and investigators are probing the source and purpose of the funds.
Arrest at Jorabat After Specific Inputs
According to officials, the arrests were made during a joint operation by Basistha Police and Jorabat Police on January 28 at Jorabat, a key entry point to the city. Acting on specific source information, police intercepted the vehicle in which Hussain and his associates were travelling.
During the search, officers recovered ₹70.88 lakh in cash and cheques amounting to ₹43 lakh from the vehicle, a senior officer said.
Claim of Land Transaction Under Scrutiny
Police sources said Hussain initially claimed the cash and cheques were meant for finalising a land transaction. However, he allegedly failed to produce documents or a credible explanation to substantiate the claim during preliminary questioning.
Officials added that Hussain, a native of Dhubri district, is known locally for involvement in the real estate sector.
Probe Focused on Source of Funds
Guwahati Police have intensified interrogation to trace the origin of the seized money, verify the identities of beneficiaries named on the cheques, and determine whether the funds are linked to any illegal transactions or financial irregularities.
Investigators are also examining potential links to land deals in and around Guwahati, given the city’s rapid expansion and ongoing concerns around unaccounted cash in property transactions.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Jorabat is a critical gateway into Guwahati, frequently used for the transit of goods and cash. The seizure underscores heightened enforcement and vigilance at city entry points amid concerns over illicit financial flows tied to real estate and other sectors.
What Happens Next
Police said further investigation is underway. Based on findings, additional legal action may follow, including scrutiny under relevant financial and criminal statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where were the arrests made?
The arrests were made at Jorabat, on the outskirts of Guwahati, during a joint police operation.
Q2. How much money was seized?
Police seized ₹70.88 lakh in cash and cheques worth ₹43 lakh, totalling over ₹1 crore.
