- NET Web Desk
In a major crackdown, the Meghalaya Police have busted an inter-state gold smuggling racket and apprehended five offenders, in connection with the incident.
According to the Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP) – L R Bishnoi, the security forces have confiscated over 800 gms of gold and Rs 27 lakh cash from the possession of the five perpetrators.
Acting on a tip-off, one person identified as – Abu Bakkar was held from Ri-Bhoi district, while he was travelling to Assam on June 24, which led to the recovery of 819 gms of foreign-origin gold biscuits concealed in his waistband.
During interrogation, it was revealed that the nexus is larger since the gold was given to him by someone in Shillong and he was tasked with delivering it to Assam’s Barpeta; added Bishnoi.
Following the preliminary enquiry, one Shah Jahan of Barpeta was apprehended in a joint operation with Assam Police and Rs 27 lakh in cash was seized from his possession. His accomplice – Siddique Ali, a resident of Barpeta was also arrested.
A team was also constituted, and raids were conducted based on the leads provided by the duo and Aziz Lyngdoh of Laban and Subali Kharbani – hailing from Mawlai was arrested.
From the possession of the five arrested people, 10 mobile phones, ATM cards and fake ID cards were seized. Further investigation is on, the DGP added.
Taking to Twitter, the Meghalaya Chief Minister – Conrad Sangma hailed the state police for the concerned operation. “Interstate Gold Smuggling racket busted. @RibhoiPolice intercepted one taxi on 24th June. Subsequent smart ops for 15 days, resulted in the arrest of 5 accused & recovery of 819 gms Gold Cash ₹27.11 Lakh M/phones-10 ATM/Fake I-cards-07” – he wrote.
Interstate Gold Smuggling racket busted. @RibhoiPolice intercepted one taxi on 24th June. Subsequent smart ops for 15 days, resulted in the arrest of 5 accused & recovery of
✅819 gms Gold
✅Cash ₹27.11 Lakh
✅M/phones-10
✅ATM/Fake I-cards-07Well done again, @MeghalayaPolice! pic.twitter.com/QWNMSfJRuv
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) July 9, 2022