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Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) The Border Security Force (BSF) in a coordinated operation with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrested a smuggler in West Bengal’s Nadia district and seized gold worth over Rs 30 lakh from him. An officer gave this information.
A senior BSF officer said, “The troops of 194 battalion of BSF had received intelligence about an attempt to smuggle gold. Based on this information, a joint team of BSF and RPF launched a special operation at Bankim Nagar railway station. The personnel maintained alert but tight vigil around the station premises and local shops to keep an eye on any suspicious activity.”
At around 3.10 pm, an Indian national matching the description of the intelligence report arrived at the station on a motorcycle. He parked his bike and moved towards the platform. When he returned to the parking area about five minutes later, he was caught and searched.
A small red packet was found near him which contained two gold pieces. He also had two smartphones. The man was arrested and taken to Ramnagar border post, officials said.
The weight of the seized gold was 251.7 grams and its value was Rs 30,32,985.
“During preliminary interrogation, the accused revealed that he had received a call from a resident of Puttikhali village around 1.20 pm, informing him that another person would be reaching Bankim Nagar railway station with a small packet. Acting on this information, the accused reached the station around 2.50 pm, where he was contacted by a person from Majhdiya, who handed over the packet containing gold to him,” the officer said.
The accused further revealed that he had to hand over the gold to two local goldsmiths and receive cash in return.
The person along with the seized gold has been handed over to the concerned department for further legal process. His mobile phone data is being examined to trace others involved in the racket.
The BSF officer appreciated the quick response of the troops and their coordination with the RPF to carry out the operation within the railway premises. He said that BSF personnel are fully capable of preventing illegal activities like smuggling not only on the international border but also within their operational areas.
“The soldiers are performing their duties with utmost dedication and vigilance,” he said.
The officer also appealed to residents of border areas to share any information related to smuggling activities on the border.
“They can contact us through the ‘Seema Sathi’ helpline number 14419 or send a message through WhatsApp number 9903472227. Those providing credible information will be given a suitable reward, and their identity will be kept confidential,” he said.
–IANS
Jayant/PGH