Written by Sharadiya Mitra

In a major crackdown on smuggling, the Border Security Force (BSF) South Bengal Frontier recovered gold and silver worth over Rs 1.64 crore in two separate operations conducted Saturday along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.

In the first operation, acting on a credible tip-off, BSF personnel from the 32 Battalion’s Banpur outpost in Nadia district set up an ambush near the border fencing. Around 11 am, they noticed suspicious activity—three people on the Indian side were seen approaching the fencing as a person from Bangladesh threw packets across the border. As the trio moved in to collect them, BSF troops moved to intercept.

The BSF said the suspects escaped into the crowded Phulbari (Banpur) village in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, taking advantage of the population density. Despite their escape, a swift search of the area led to the recovery of 12 gold biscuits wrapped in plastic. The total weight of the seized gold was 1,662 grams, with an estimated value of Rs 1.56 crore.

In a separate operation later in the day, BSF jawans from the 143 Battalion’s Tarali outpost intercepted an Indian smuggler at the Nityanandkati check post in North 24 Parganas. He had hidden 10.83 kg of silver ornaments inside the oil tank of his motorcycle. The seized silver is valued at Rs 8.36 lakh.

Both recoveries have been handed over to the authorities concerned, and investigations are ongoing to trace those involved, said the BSF.

The BSF, in its release, has encouraged locals to share any information related to smuggling by calling BSF’s Seema Sathi helpline at 14419 or messaging on WhatsApp at 9903472227.

“Tipsters will be rewarded and their identity kept confidential. We are vigilant and determined to protect the border from illegal trade activities,” said a BSF official.

Sharadiya Mitra is an intern with The Indian Express