BSF Detains Smuggler at India-Bangladesh Border, Seizes Gold Worth Rs 1.49 Crore

Synopsis

On February 19, 2023, the Border Security Force (BSF) arrested a smuggler in West Bengal's Nadia district, recovering 1.74 kg of gold valued at Rs 1.49 crore. The successful operation demonstrates the BSF's commitment to preventing smuggling activities along the India-Bangladesh border.

Key Takeaways

1.74 kg of gold seized from a smuggler.
Operation conducted by 32 Bn BSF near the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Smuggler attempted to escape but was apprehended.
Seized gold includes four bars and five biscuits.
Second major operation by BSF in 2023.

Kolkata, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended a smuggler and seized 1.74 kg of gold from his possession in the Nadia district of West Bengal, as reported by an official on Wednesday.

The suspect hails from the border village of Phulbari, which falls under the Banpur Border Outpost's jurisdiction.

"On Tuesday, personnel from the 32 Bn BSF acted on reliable intelligence regarding an attempt by a smuggler from Banpur to illegally transport gold into India from Bangladesh. They set up an ambush near the border fence along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) and monitored the area. Soon, they noticed an individual approaching the border fence from Phulbari. Upon reaching the fence, he picked up two packets that had been discarded by his accomplices in Bangladesh. Immediately, he was surrounded and instructed to surrender," stated N.K. Pandey, DIG and spokesperson for the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF.

As per the DIG, the individual tried to escape but was cautioned by the BSF personnel. When he did not comply, a BSF trooper fired a shot from his non-lethal Pump Action Gun (PAG) in a different direction. The smuggler, losing his nerve, ultimately surrendered.

"The smuggler was taken to Banpur where the packets were examined. They contained four gold bars, five gold biscuits, and a small piece of gold. The total weight of the confiscated gold is around 1.74 kg, with an estimated worth of Rs 1,48,93,575. The smuggler, along with the gold, has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action," added Pandey.

This marks the second significant achievement for the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF this year. On February 14, personnel stationed at the Bithari BOP in North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal apprehended a carrier with 25 gold biscuits valued at Rs 2.96 crore. With the ongoing marriage season in West Bengal, there has been an uptick in attempts to smuggle gold from across the border, noted a senior BSF official.

"Our forces maintain a policy of zero tolerance towards smuggling and other cross-border crimes. The BSF is persistently implementing rigorous measures to thwart smuggling and illegal infiltration. This successful operation underscores our troops' steadfast dedication to border security and the prevention of smuggling," the DIG remarked.