Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Kolkata, October 23 (IANS) The Border Security Force (BSF) has caught a minor boy with 11 gold biscuits along the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal.
This incident has revealed how smugglers are now using minors as couriers to avoid arrest.
A senior BSF officer said, “Troops of 143 Battalion BSF, South Bengal Frontier, deployed at Bithri border outpost had received intelligence input about an attempt to smuggle gold in their jurisdiction. During investigation, they found an Indian minor carrying a briefcase. During search, a black packet with 11 gold biscuits was recovered from him.”
According to an official, the weight of the seized gold is 1,286.17 grams. Its price is around Rs 1.64 crore.
During interrogation, the boy told that he is a resident of Daharkanda village of Swaroopnagar police station area of North 24 Parganas. He also said that he was sent by his mother to deliver the packet to a designated place.
The boy has been handed over to the concerned authorities along with the gold for further legal process. A search has been started for the boy’s mother and other people involved in the racket.
“This recovery once again underlines the vigilance, professionalism and commitment of BSF troops in preventing cross-border smuggling along the India-Bangladesh border, despite attempts by criminal networks to exploit minors for such illegal activities,” the officer said.
Saying that the BSF personnel are fully capable of preventing all types of illegal activities on the border, he urged the border population to report any information regarding gold smuggling or other crimes to ensure peace in the area.
“They can call the Seema Sathi helpline number 14419 or send a WhatsApp text or voice message to 9903472227. Those providing credible information will be given a suitable reward and their identity will be kept confidential,” he said.
–IANS
Jayant/PGH