Siliguri, 06th October: The DRI Siliguri Unit has seized 72 gold biscuits weighing 8.352 kg and valued at around Rs 12.36 crore during an operation in Cooch Behar’s New Town area ahead of Durga Puja. Four people have been arrested in connection with the alleged smuggling.
The arrested accused have been identified as Dinhata residents Rasidul Sekh (42), Manowar Rahaman (40), Mabidul Sekh (39) and Mijanur Rahaman (32).
According to DRI sources, a surveillance operation was being conducted in the New Town area on Monday night based on a tip-off. During the operation, four people travelling on two motorcycles from the Dinhata side were stopped and questioned. Following inconsistencies in their statements, the DRI team conducted a search.
During the search, 43 gold biscuits were recovered from Rasidul Sekh, concealed inside a specially prepared cloth belt around his waist. Another 29 gold biscuits were recovered from Mabidul Sekh. The seized gold was found to carry foreign markings.
According to the DRI, during questioning, the accused stated that the gold consignment had been brought into India from Bangladesh through the India-Bangladesh border. Both motorcycles allegedly used in the smuggling were also seized.
The four accused were arrested under the Customs Act and produced before the Siliguri court on Monday. The court rejected their bail pleas and sent them to judicial custody. The next hearing has been scheduled for October 13.
DRI lawyer Ratan Banik said the seizure was among the agency’s major gold recoveries so far. The DRI is currently investigating the source of the seized gold and the wider smuggling network allegedly operating behind the consignment.
