West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The breakthrough in the ongoing fight against cross-border smuggling, security forces in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district have seized gold biscuits worth ₹52 lakh. The precious metal was recovered during a late-night operation near the India-Bangladesh international border, an area frequently used by smugglers for illegal trafficking of goods, especially gold.

According to officials from the Border Security Force (BSF), the operation was conducted based on a tip-off received by intelligence sources about suspicious movement in the border region. Acting swiftly, a special team of BSF troops laid a trap in the Lalgola sector, a known hotspot for illegal cross-border activity.

During the operation, the jawans noticed a man behaving suspiciously near the border fence. When they attempted to apprehend him, he tried to flee. A brief chase ensued, and although the suspect managed to escape in the dark and dense surroundings, he left behind a bag in the rush. Upon inspection of the bag, the BSF team found several gold biscuits carefully wrapped and hidden inside layers of clothing.

After weighing and verifying the contents, the authorities confirmed that the gold biscuits weighed over 8 kilograms in total and had a market value of approximately ₹52 lakh. The recovered gold was handed over to the Customs Department for further investigation and legal action. A manhunt has been launched to nab the individual who fled during the operation.

Speaking to the media, a senior BSF officer said, “We have intensified our surveillance along the Murshidabad border stretch due to increased intelligence inputs about smuggling activities. This seizure is a result of coordinated action and timely information.”

Preliminary investigations suggest that the smuggled gold was likely meant to be transported to Kolkata or another major city where it could be melted down or sold in the black market. Smugglers often prefer this route due to its porous terrain and network of local operatives familiar with the region’s geography.

Murshidabad, which shares a long and vulnerable stretch with Bangladesh, has increasingly become a focal point for smuggling syndicates dealing in gold, fake currency, narcotics, and even human trafficking. Law enforcement agencies have reported a significant spike in gold smuggling attempts, driven by the rising price of gold and demand in the grey market.

Customs officials believe that the gold may have originated from Dubai or other Gulf nations and made its way into Bangladesh before being routed illegally into India. This international network of smugglers often uses couriers or “carriers” who are paid to sneak contraband across the border on foot or using hidden compartments in vehicles and goods.

The seizure has drawn praise from various quarters, including the state police and central agencies working together to curb the illegal trade. Officials emphasized that more such coordinated crackdowns are being planned in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, authorities are also investigating whether any local contacts or facilitators were involved in aiding the attempted smuggling. CCTV footage from the area and phone records of known suspects are being analyzed to identify possible links.

The recovery of ₹52 lakh worth of gold is not only a significant financial blow to smuggling syndicates but also a reminder of the persistent threats posed by cross-border crimes in sensitive regions like Murshidabad. As the BSF continues to ramp up operations, smugglers may find it increasingly difficult to operate with impunity in the border areas.