KOLKATA: More than Rs 1 lakh in currency notes, most of them damaged by termites, was recovered from two suitcases kept inside a college union room at Surendranath College in central Kolkata on Tuesday, triggering a police investigation into the source of the cash and how it remained hidden for years.The recovery was made during a pre-monsoon cleanliness drive after workers opened two old suitcases stored inside an almirah in the college union room. According to police, the suitcases contained bundles of Rs 100 and Rs 500 notes that were heavily damaged and in a severely deteriorated condition.Officials from Muchipara Police Station reached the college after being informed and seized the suitcases along with certain documents recovered from the spot. Investigators are now trying to determine the exact amount of money, how long the suitcases had been lying there, and who had access to the room.The suitcases were reportedly opened in the presence of representatives from both the day and evening sections of the college.Police said a detailed inventory of the damaged notes is being prepared, while the source of the money and the identity of the person or persons who stored it remain unknown.The incident quickly sparked a political controversy, with BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh alleging corruption and demanding a thorough investigation. He questioned how such a large sum of cash could remain inside a college union room without anyone noticing and called for action against those responsible.The college authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the recovery.(With PTI inputs)
