₹500 currency notes found under Congress MP's Rajya Sabha seat during security check

On December 5, a wad of ₹500 currency notes was discovered in seat number 222, which is allocated to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, during a routine anti-sabotage security check in the Rajya Sabha. The check occurred after the House had adjourned for the day. The notes, identified as 100 ₹500 bills, were recovered by Parliament security personnel. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar informed the House of the discovery on December 6, 2024, and stated that the matter had been referred to authorities for investigation.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the Telangana MP, responded to the discovery, categorically denying any involvement. Singhvi stated that he had arrived at the House at 12:57 PM and that the House rose at 1:00 PM. He explained that he remained in the canteen with a colleague, Ayodhya Prasad, until 1:30 PM, when he left Parliament. Singhvi confirmed that he typically carries one ₹500 note with him when attending Rajya Sabha and expressed surprise upon hearing of the incident, calling for a thorough investigation to ascertain how the notes were placed at his seat.

Chairman Dhankhar, addressing the situation, noted that the notes appeared to be genuine, though he emphasized that further verification would be necessary. He indicated that the investigation would focus on how the currency notes ended up at Singhvi's seat. Dhankhar also mentioned that no allegations had been made against anyone at that time. He added that the discovery had been part of a routine anti-sabotage check, which is conducted to ensure the safety and security of the Rajya Sabha premises after the adjournment of the House.

In response to the incident, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended Dhankhar’s decision to name the seat and its occupant, arguing that such a measure was necessary for transparency. Rijiju stated that there should be no objection to identifying the seat number and its occupant, as it was essential to clarify the situation. He further emphasized that bringing large amounts of currency into the House was not appropriate and that a serious investigation was needed to determine the circumstances surrounding the discovery.

Opposition leaders, particularly Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed concerns over the naming of Singhvi without completing the investigation. Kharge argued that no member should be identified until the facts were fully verified. He also remarked that the matter should not be discussed on the floor of the House until the investigation was concluded. Kharge added that the BJP had attempted to politicize the issue by raising it publicly without the investigation being completed.

The discovery has prompted further scrutiny of security measures within Parliament. The incident has led to calls for a review of the protocols governing security checks and the handling of personal belongings within the premises. Authorities are continuing to investigate the matter, and it remains unclear whether the discovered notes are genuine or counterfeit. The investigation will determine how the notes were placed at the seat and whether any lapses in security were involved.