Why Did BSF Seize Major Gold Smuggling Operation Along the India-Bangladesh Border?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The BSF seized gold worth Rs 2.5 crore.
- Ratan Bishra was arrested on the Indo-Bangladesh border.
- Follow-up operations led to the arrest of a key accomplice in Maharashtra.
- The BSF is committed to combating smuggling and illegal border activities.
- Both individuals have been handed over to the DRI for further legal action.
Kolkata, Nov 26 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) has successfully intercepted an Indian smuggler at the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in northern Bengal on Tuesday, recovering gold valued at approximately Rs 2.5 crore. Following his arrest, authorities were led to a key figure in this smuggling network, a man from Maharashtra, who was also taken into custody.
According to reports from a senior BSF official from the North Bengal Frontier, this operation was based on precise intelligence inputs received by the Field ‘G’ Team. The smuggler, identified as Ratan Bishra, aged 23, hails from Indira Colony, Bamanbari, in the Uttar Dinajpur district. He was apprehended while trying to cross the IBB Fence gate after tending to his field.
During a search, Bishra was found with a bundle of dry branches concealing gold biscuits weighing a total of 1,963.72 grams. Additionally, two mobile phones were confiscated from him.
The BSF official noted, “The gold is valued at nearly Rs 2.5 crore. Using the information provided by Bishra, the BSF orchestrated another operation resulting in the arrest of Dhanaji Namdev Bhuje, a 34-year-old from Malewadi, Kargani, Atpari, in Sangli district, Maharashtra. Bhuje was apprehended at Caltex Chowk in Kishanganj while waiting to receive the smuggled goods.”
Both individuals have been transferred to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Behrampore, Murshidabad, for further legal actions. The confiscated gold has also been handed over, marking this as a significant success for the BSF. The authorities believe that additional arrests could follow pending further interrogation.
Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, Special DG of BSF (Eastern Command), commended the North Bengal Frontier troops for their impressive gold seizure and dismantling of smuggling networks. He emphasized the BSF's unwavering commitment to eliminating gold smuggling operations along the India-Bangladesh border.
The BSF is determined to pursue such decisive measures with a policy of zero tolerance towards smuggling and illegal activities in the region.