Couple Finds ₹83 Lakhs While Fishing, Police Give Green Light To Keep It

In the United States, a pair stumbled upon a submerged safe holding $100,000 (approximately ₹83 lakh) in cash at the lake bed. Engaged in the hobby of magnet fishing, James Kane and Barbie Agostini unearthed the hefty container using a magnet affixed to a line and contacted the police.  They retrieved the old safe from the water, only to find its contents, wrapped in plastic, ruined by water damage, as reported by NY1.

During the pandemic lockdown, the couple embraced magnet fishing as an exciting new pursuit, spurred by both boredom and Kane's enduring passion for treasure hunting. Describing it as a form of 'poor man's treasure hunting' to NY1, Kane observed that the 'finders keepers' principle appeared to suit them admirably.

Their endeavors thus far have yielded fascinating discoveries, including a WWII-era grenade in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, and approximately six or seven antique firearms, some dating back to the 19th century, in Flushing Meadows.

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Kane, an experienced magnet fisherman, recalled numerous instances with Agostini where they uncovered safes, typically finding them devoid of valuables except for plastic bags that might have once contained money. Assuming the pattern would repeat, Kane was astounded when this safe held cash. Initially skeptical, Agostini believed Kane was jesting.

To avert potential legal complications, they promptly contacted the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Upon arrival, officers acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the situation. With no means to trace the safe's owner and suspicions of theft, Kane and Agostini were permitted to retain the cash they had unearthed.

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Nevertheless, as Kane informed NY1, the dollar notes they acquired were 'completely drenched and essentially ruined.'