Siliguri: (DRI) and the Special Task Force (STF) have successfully apprehended four individuals involved in separate incidents of smuggling, seizing a substantial cache of gold and narcotics in the border state of West Bengal's Siliguri. These operations, conducted within a span of just a few days, have significantly curtailed illicit activities and potentially disrupted extensive criminal networks.
DRI's gold seizure operation:
The DRI, responsible for combating smuggling and tax evasion, played a pivotal role in the first operation involving the recovery of a substantial quantity of gold. The contraband, valued at crores, had made its way into India after crossing the porous Indo-Bangladesh border. A nefarious plan was hatched to transport the gold biscuits from Tripura through Guwahati, utilising a train route.
Acting swiftly on a critical tip-off, the DRI orchestrated a well-coordinated raid at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station, executed under the cover of night. Their tireless efforts bore fruit when they arrested two individuals, identified as Ankit Tak and Kamlesh Ghanchi, both hailing from Rajasthan. The duo was apprehended aboard the Rasch Kranti Express, which was stationed at NJP at the time.
Upon conducting a meticulous search operation, DRI officials discovered four gold biscuits discreetly concealed within packets in a luggage bag, collectively weighing 1.768 kilograms. The estimated market value of this precious cargo was assessed at an astounding Rs 1.7 crore. Subsequently, the accused were presented before the Siliguri court on Thursday, where the government lawyer, Ratan Banik, successfully argued against their bail plea. Consequently, the court ordered a 14-day judicial custody for the accused. Their intention to transport the gold biscuits to Kolkata has come under scrutiny, with the DRI actively investigating the possibility of additional culprits being involved in this audacious smuggling attempt.