2 held with gold worth Rs 1.5cr

BIRESWAR BANERJEE, TT, 24 Nov 2019, Siliguri: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has arrested two persons and seized 5kg gold from their possession taking the haul of the metal from Siliguri to more than 25kg in the last six months.

The quantum of gold seized in Siliguri suggests that the region has become a major corridor for smugglers. Sources said the yellow metal is mostly smuggled from Myanmar and is sold across the country and also in neighbouring Nepal.

The DRI officials on Saturday intercepted a SUV and arrested Shyam Sewa, 50, and his son Bikky, 29 -- both residents of Jaigoan in Alipurduar district -- were arrested from the Champasari area here with the consignment worth around Rs 1.95 crore. Jaigoan lies on the Indo- Bhutan border. Tridip Saha, the DRI lawyer, said five gold bars -- each weighing 1kg -- were recovered from the duo during when they were frisked at the DRI office.

"The father was carrying the gold bars in a specially made belt that Shyam was wearing. The consignment was to be handed over to another party in Siliguri. The duo were produced at a ACJM court here and have been sent to judicial custody for two days," said Saha.

DRI sources said a racket which uses Siliguri as a transit corridor is active.

Since April this year, more than 25 kg gold have been seized from Siliguri. "On most occasions it has been found that the persons carrying gold are from the northeastern states," said a DRI source.