What Happened to the 5.5 kg Silver Coins Seized on the Bihar-Bengal Border?
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Synopsis
A significant operation by the Kishanganj Excise Department led to the seizure of 5.5 kg of silver coins from a passenger bus. One person was detained, raising concerns about potential interstate smuggling activities. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in border security.
Key Takeaways
- 5.5 kg of silver coins were seized from a bus.
- One suspect, Abhishek Kumar Chaurasia, was detained.
- The seizure was made at the Faringgola check-post.
- Authorities are investigating potential links to interstate smuggling.
- Market value of the coins is approximately Rs 6 lakh.
Patna, June 13 (NationPress) The Excise Department of Kishanganj executed a significant operation on Friday, successfully confiscating 5.5 kilograms of silver coins from a passenger bus close to the Faringgola check-post along National Highway 27, situated on the Bihar–West Bengal border.
One individual has been apprehended in connection with this incident.
Officials revealed that the seizure occurred after receiving a tip-off regarding the illegal transport of silver.
In a prompt response, the Excise team initiated a search at the Faringgola check-post and found the silver coins hidden within the luggage of a bus passenger.
The estimated market value of the confiscated coins is approximately Rs 6 lakh.
The suspect has been identified as Abhishek Kumar Chaurasia, a resident of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
He has been taken into police custody for further questioning.
During initial interrogation, the suspect disclosed that the silver was being shipped from Siliguri to Kishanganj, intended for delivery to an individual named Sunil Chaurasia.
He admitted to receiving between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000 for each delivery.
Significantly, he failed to present any receipts or documentation for the silver in his possession.
Excise Superintendent Devendra Prasad of Kishanganj confirmed the operation, stating, “We recovered 5.5 kg of silver coins during a raid on a passenger bus. Since the individual could not provide any valid documents for the silver, he was detained and handed over to the police for further action.”
Authorities are currently investigating whether this incident is part of a broader smuggling operation spanning state borders.
The Kishanganj Police have filed an FIR regarding this matter, and further inquiries are ongoing to identify the handlers in Siliguri, Kishanganj, and Ballia.
The district police officials suspect that this could be a minor component of an interstate smuggling network involving gold and silver ornaments in the Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal regions.
Point of View
It is imperative to address the increasing challenges posed by smuggling operations across state borders. The recent seizure of silver coins underscores the need for enhanced vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to combat illicit trade effectively.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized by the Excise Department?
The Excise Department seized 5.5 kilograms of silver coins from a passenger bus.
Who was detained in this operation?
Abhishek Kumar Chaurasia from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, was detained.
What is the estimated market value of the seized silver?
The estimated market value of the recovered silver coins is around Rs 6 lakh.
Where was the silver being transported to?
The silver was being transported from Siliguri to Kishanganj.
Is this incident part of a larger smuggling racket?
Authorities are investigating to determine if it is linked to a broader interstate smuggling operation.
