The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered an organised network involved in smuggling foreign-origin gold into India and processing it through illegal melting facilities before selling it in the domestic bullion market.
According to the Finance Ministry, the operation led to the seizure of gold, silver and Indian currency collectively valued at ₹14.13 crore and the arrest of six individuals involved in the racket.
“In total, 8286.81 grams of gold valued at ₹13.41 crore, 7350.4 grams of silver valued at ₹19.67 Lakh, and Indian currency amounting to ₹51,74,100 were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962,” the ministry said.
The investigation began after DRI officers received specific intelligence about the movement of foreign-marked gold through rail routes.
Acting on the information, officers intercepted a passenger who had arrived from Kolkata by train at New Delhi Railway Station carrying the gold meant for delivery to a receiver outside the station.
Both the carrier and the intended recipient were apprehended by the officers.
Read also : APEDA facilitates first export of GI-tagged Joha rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy
Follow-up searches conducted in Delhi led investigators to an illegal gold melting facility that was being used to melt and deface foreign-origin gold before it was sold in the local bullion market.
Additional quantities of gold, silver and cash were recovered from the premises and the manager operating the facility was also taken into custody.
Further investigation then traced the operation to Kolkata, where authorities located another illegal melting unit linked to the syndicate.
The alleged mastermind of the network was apprehended along with two carriers who had been involved in receiving smuggled gold.
According to the ministry, the accused admitted that foreign-marked gold smuggled into India was melted at these facilities to remove identifying markings before being transported to Delhi by rail for further distribution.
All six individuals involved in the smuggling, transportation, melting and disposal of gold have been arrested and produced before the competent court.
The ministry said that further investigation into case is currently underway.
Read also : Over 3.84 crore insured persons and 14.91 crore beneficiaries covered under ESIC, govt tells Parliament
