Why Did BSF Apprehend a Minor with 11 Gold Biscuits Along the India-Bangladesh Border?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BSF apprehended a minor with gold biscuits.
- Gold valued at Rs 1.64 crore was seized.
- Minors are being exploited by smugglers.
- Community vigilance is crucial to combat smuggling.
- Authorities are searching for the boy's mother.
Kolkata, Oct 23 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) has detained a minor boy found with 11 gold biscuits near the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal.
This incident highlights the troubling trend of smugglers employing minors as couriers to elude capture.
According to a senior BSF official, "Troops from the 143 Bn BSF, South Bengal Frontier, stationed at the Bithari Border Outpost, acted on intelligence about a gold smuggling attempt in their operational area. Upon inspection, they discovered an Indian minor carrying a briefcase. A search revealed a black packet containing the 11 gold biscuits in his possession."
The seized gold weighs 1,286.17 grams and is estimated to be worth around Rs 1.64 crore.
During interrogation, the boy revealed he hails from Daharkanda village in the Swarupnagar police station area of North 24-Parganas. He stated that his mother sent him to deliver the packet to a specific location.
Authorities have taken the boy and the gold into custody for further legal action. A search operation is underway to locate his mother and others implicated in the smuggling network.
"This recovery again demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism, and dedication of BSF personnel in combating cross-border smuggling along the India–Bangladesh frontier, despite attempts by criminal organizations to exploit minors for illegal activities," the official stated.
The BSF personnel have urged the local community to report any information regarding gold smuggling or other crimes to maintain peace in the region. They can reach out via the Seema Sathi Helpline Number 14419 or send a WhatsApp message to 9903472227. Those providing valuable information will be rewarded, and their identities will remain confidential.