New Delhi: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence uncovered a major gold smuggling racket operating between Kolkata and New Delhi, seizing gold, silver and cash worth more than ₹14.13 crore and arresting six people.
Officials said the network smuggled foreign-origin gold into India and transported it through railway routes. The syndicate then melted the gold at illegal facilities to remove identifying marks before selling it in the domestic bullion market.
Authorities seized 8,286.81 grams of gold worth about ₹13.41 crore, 7,350.4 grams of silver valued at ₹19.67 lakh and ₹51.74 lakh in cash under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Gold smuggling racket traced through rail route
Acting on intelligence inputs, DRI officers intercepted a passenger at New Delhi Railway Station who had arrived by train from Kolkata.
Investigators said the passenger carried foreign-marked gold meant for delivery to a receiver outside the station. Officials detained both the carrier and the recipient during the operation.
Based on their disclosures, officers carried out follow-up searches in Delhi. As a result, they discovered an illegal gold melting facility used to deface foreign-origin gold.
Authorities recovered additional gold, silver and cash from the premises. They also arrested the manager who operated the melting unit.
Further investigation led officers to another illegal facility in Kolkata, where they located the alleged mastermind behind the gold smuggling racket.
Officials said they seized more defaced gold at the site and arrested the suspect along with two carriers.
During questioning, the accused admitted that the group received smuggled foreign-marked gold, melted it to remove markings and transported it by train to Delhi for distribution.
DRI officials produced all six accused before a competent court. Meanwhile, investigators said further inquiries are underway to identify other members of the network.
