Siliguri, 14th June: In a significant breakthrough, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has foiled a gold smuggling attempt, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of a substantial amount of gold. The arrested accused identified as Suraj Shivaji Pawar (19) and Bhim Subhash Bibhuti (43), both hailing from Maharashtra but residing in Tamluk and Islampur respectively.
According to reports, the operation unfolded following a tip-off received on June 12, indicating the smuggling of gold from Bangladesh into Islampur. Subsequently, the DRI officials intercepted Suraj Shivaji Pawar travelling on a bus in Islampur carrying 3.66 kilograms of gold concealed within a specially designed belt. Due to the absence of valid documentation for the gold, Pawar was promptly taken into custody. Following this, the name of Bhim Subhash Bibhuti surfaced during interrogation of the accused Pawar at the Siliguri DRI office on June 13.
The officials in collaboration with the central forces promptly conducted raids on Bibhuti’s residence and shop in Islampur and recovered 932 grams of gold biscuits and Rs 34,66,300 in cash, in addition to 569 grams of gold. Consequently, Bibhuti was arrested for not being able to produce valid documentation for the gold and cash. The estimated market value of the recovered gold is worth Rs 3,71,49,869. On Friday, the accused duo was produced before the Siliguri Court. The court rejected the bail application of the arrested individuals and ordered them to be kept in custody until June 27.