Who Were the Smugglers Arrested Along the Indo-Bangladesh Border?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The BSF arrested two smugglers on the Indo-Bangladesh Border.
- Gold worth over Rs 1 crore was seized from the smugglers.
- The smugglers ingeniously concealed the gold in their slippers.
- Intelligence inputs led to the successful interception of the smugglers.
- The investigation is ongoing to dismantle the smuggling network.
Kolkata, Aug 5 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended two individuals involved in smuggling and confiscated gold valued at over Rs 1 crore from them near the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the Nadia district of West Bengal on Tuesday.
According to a senior BSF official, personnel from the 11 Bn BSF stationed at the Vijaymath Border Out Post acted on credible intelligence and intercepted the smugglers who were traveling by bus from Karimpur to Krishnanagar. The gold was ingeniously concealed within their slippers.
A dedicated team was assembled to capture the smugglers transporting gold from Bangladesh into India.
At approximately 10 am, the BSF jawans identified the bus referenced in the intelligence report near the Mahisbathan area, pursued it, and conducted a stop.
A subsequent search uncovered seven pieces of gold discreetly stored in the smugglers' slippers.
Additionally, two mobile phones were confiscated. The two suspects were arrested and brought to the Vijaymath BOP for further questioning.
Upon interrogation, it was revealed that the smugglers hailed from the adjacent Murshidabad district and were employed as laborers. They disclosed that they had received the gold from an individual in Jalangi (Murshidabad) and were meant to deliver it to someone at the Krishnanagar bus terminal in exchange for payment.
“During further questioning, valuable insights regarding this smuggling network were uncovered. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway to identify all individuals involved in this illicit operation,” stated the official.
The total weight of the seized gold amounted to 1030.720 grams, with an estimated value of Rs 1,05,75,187, as reported by the BSF. The detained smugglers, alongside the gold and mobile devices, have been forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further legal proceedings.
The official noted that this incident marks the third interception of gold smuggling attempts along the IBB in West Bengal in recent days, made possible by the unwavering commitment of the border patrol personnel.
“I once again urge the border community to report any information regarding gold smuggling via the BSF's 'Seema Sathi' helpline number 14419. Individuals can also send voice or text messages to the WhatsApp number 9903472227. Those providing credible information will be rewarded, and their identities will be kept strictly confidential,” he added.