VARANASI, Feb. 1 -- As part of its ongoing crackdown on codeine-based cough syrup smugglers, the special investigating team (SIT) of Sonbhadra police on Saturday seized assets worth Rs.5,77,17,990 in Varanasi, allegedly acquired illegally by the accused, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, officials said.

The SIT, led by Inspector Punya Prasun Srivastava and Inspector Nagesh Singh, in-charge of Hathi Nala police station, seized seven immovable properties worth Rs.4,55,02,762 located in Madhauli and Bharalai (Tehsil Sadar) and Jagdishpur (Tehsil Pindra) in Varanasi district. The seizure also included four vehicles valued at Rs.51,16,000 and a bank balance of Rs.70,99,228 belonging to the accused and his family members, a senior police officer said.

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