Did BSF Capture a Smuggler with Gold Worth Over Rs 5.47 Crore at the India-Bangladesh Border?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, Dec 5 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement, the Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended a smuggler and confiscated gold biscuits estimated at over Rs 5.47 crore from him along the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in West Bengal's Nadia district, an official announced on Friday.
“Personnel from the 32 Bn BSF stationed at the Banpur Border Outpost in Nadia thwarted yet another smuggling attempt. Acting on precise intelligence, the troops caught an Indian smuggler in the act and retrieved 36 gold biscuits, weighing 4234.98 grams and valued at around Rs 5,47,37,117. This operation represents a significant blow to the cross-border smuggling operations,” stated N.K. Pandey, DIG of the BSF, South Bengal Frontier.
“On December 4, based on specific intelligence, the BSF troops in the Banpur border region escalated surveillance and set up ambushes along potential smuggling routes. During the operation, a suspicious figure was spotted moving from the border road towards Banpur village. When approached, he tried to escape but was effectively intercepted by the vigilant troops,” he added.
According to the officer, searching the captured smuggler led to the discovery of gold biscuits wrapped in packets, which were promptly seized. The smuggler along with the confiscated gold was handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal action. This incident marks the third significant anti-smuggling success for the BSF in the South Bengal Frontier this month, he highlighted.
Pandey commended the rapid and effective response by the troops and affirmed that the watchful personnel of the BSF are fully dedicated to curbing illegal activities such as smuggling.
The DIG also urged residents of border regions to report any information related to gold smuggling to the BSF via the Seema Saathi helpline number 14419 or WhatsApp number 9903472227 through messages or voice notes.
A suitable reward will be offered for credible information, and the informant's identity will be kept entirely confidential, he noted.