A high-level investigation has started after ₹50,000 in cash was found on Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi's seat in the Rajya Sabha. The cash, made up of ₹500 notes, was discovered during a routine security check after the House session ended on Thursday evening. A special committee, including security officials, Rajya Sabha staff, and senior MPs, will lead the investigation.

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar informed the MPs about the incident on Friday morning. "During the routine anti-sabotage check of the chamber after adjournment, a wad of currency notes was recovered by the security officials from seat number 222 presently allotted to Abhishek Manu Singhvi," he said.

CCTV footage under review

Security officials are checking CCTV footage from the Rajya Sabha to find out how the cash ended up on the seat. After every session, security does regular checks to look for any items left by MPs. Normally, such items are kept at the 'lost and found' counter in the Rajya Sabha office.

The cash found in the Rajya Sabha caused a lot of commotion, with both opposition and ruling party members demanding an explanation. Mr. Singhvi said in the House and on social media that he didn’t know anything about the cash bundle. "Heard of it for the first time now. Never heard of it till now! I carry one 500 RS note when I go to RS. First time heard of it. I reached inside the house at 12:57 pm, and the house rose at 1 pm; then I sat in the canteen till 1:30 pm, and then I left," the Congress leader posted online.

Opposition demands thorough probe

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi supported calls for a detailed investigation, emphasising the need for transparency. “The opposition is demanding an investigation. Whether you get the FBI or take the help of Interpol, there is 24-hour CCTV coverage of the entire premises—all of these must be probed. Today it is cash; tomorrow they may try to imply something else on the opposition voices,” she told NDTV.