Border News: A crackdown on smuggling activities has led to the interception of significant gold and silver consignments being transported into India from Nepal and Bangladesh. The intensified vigilance along the India-Nepal and India-Bangladesh borders coincides with the approaching Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
Recently, authorities in Bihar took action against traffickers carrying gold and silver through rail and road routes. In the past few days, three to four cases have surfaced, resulting in the apprehension of traffickers involved in gold and silver smuggling.
Millions Worth of Smuggled Gold Seized:
Officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), PRYU unit, detained three individuals along with a car near Sherghati, Gaya. The confiscated contraband included gold worth approximately INR 2,74,94,656. The operation, based on specific information, was executed by the Mumbai zonal unit of DRI. The seized items, including gold, packing materials, and the vehicle, are now under investigation as per the Customs Act of 1962.
Gold Smuggling from Bangladesh:
According to sources, the DRI Mumbai received intelligence that some individuals were smuggling gold from Kolkata to Gwalior. Acting on this information, DRI officers conducted a raid on the Savakala Toll Plaza in Sherghati, Gaya, on the night of March 8, 2024. Three individuals were apprehended in a Hyundai Creta car, and a search revealed 22 pieces of foreign-origin gold bullion weighing 3987.300 grams concealed in a secret compartment under the car seat. The total value of the seized items is approximately INR 2,74,94,656. The arrested individuals admitted to smuggling the gold from Bangladesh to India.
Smuggling Operation in Araria:
As part of the nationwide crackdown against smugglers in preparation for the Lok Sabha elections, central agencies have intensified their efforts. Recent operations in Bihar, particularly in Patna and Araria, resulted in the arrest of traffickers involved in smuggling gold and silver. A total of one dozen traffickers were apprehended in Mumbai, Gurugram, and Araria, with 40 kilograms of gold, 6 kilograms of silver, and INR 5.43 crore in cash seized from these locations.
Patna Seizure of Gold from Bangladesh:
In a recent operation at Patliputra Railway Station in Patna, DRI officials detained three smugglers with 2.50 kilograms of gold. The smugglers had illegally brought the gold from Bangladesh to India via the Guwahati Rajdhani Express train.
Increased Vigilance Amid Lok Sabha Elections:
The heightened focus on curbing smuggling activities aligns with the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The Chief Election Commissioner recently visited Patna, where discussions with officials took place to ensure preparedness for the elections. Special attention is being given to border districts, and central agencies have escalated their activities to deter smuggling ahead of the elections.
