Did BSF Capture Two Smugglers and Seize Gold Along the Indo-Bangladesh Border?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BSF apprehended two smugglers along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
- Seized gold valued at 1.11 crore.
- Community involvement is crucial in combating smuggling.
- 41 kilograms of ganja were also confiscated in separate operations.
- Residents can report illegal activities to BSF for rewards.
Kolkata, May 17 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended two individuals involved in smuggling and confiscated 10 gold biscuits valued at approximately 1.11 crore from them along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal on Friday, as reported by N K Pandey, the Deputy Inspector General and spokesperson for the South Bengal Frontier of BSF, on Saturday.
“Our jawans at the Hakimpur Border Outpost acted on credible intelligence regarding a gold smuggling operation. In response, a meticulously planned operation was initiated. All personnel at the Hakimpur check post were placed on high alert, and surveillance was intensified across all potential routes and sensitive areas,” he stated.
DIG Pandey mentioned that at around 10:30 am, the BSF personnel detected suspicious movement from two individuals near Hakimpur Uttarpara village. Both were halted for questioning, followed by a thorough search, during which 10 gold biscuits were recovered from their possession.
“The smugglers were promptly detained and taken to the Hakimpur BOP for further questioning. During initial interrogations, they disclosed that they were residents of Hakimpur Uttarpara village and were to deliver the gold to another local resident in exchange for Rs 2,800. The total weight of the confiscated gold is 1.167 kilograms, with an estimated market value of Rs 1.11 crore,” added the DIG.
In separate operations on the same day, BSF personnel from the 32 Battalion in Nadia district and the 143 Battalion in North 24 Parganas district seized 41 kilograms of ganja.
The contraband was seized while smugglers attempted to transport it from India into Bangladesh. The confiscated gold and ganja have been turned over to the relevant authorities.
DIG Pandey affirmed that BSF personnel are fully equipped and dedicated to combating illegal smuggling activities along the border.
“I encourage local residents to report any information regarding gold smuggling to BSF's Seema Sathi helpline number 14419 or send voice/text messages to the WhatsApp number 9903472227. Those providing credible information will receive appropriate rewards, and their identities will remain confidential,” he emphasized.