Dungarpur, May 31: A significant gold smuggling operation was uncovered by the District Special Team (DST) and Bichiwada police in Dungarpur district. The police seized 1 kilogram and 77 grams of gold, concealed within an electronic induction stove, from a car on National Highway-48. The estimated value of the gold in the international market is approximately ₹1.74 crore. Three young men have been taken into custody for questioning.
Tip-off Leads to Operation
According to Superintendent of Police Manish Kumar, the DST received information that an illegal gold shipment was passing through NH-48. Based on this tip-off, a special blockade was set up in the Lehna Valley area. During this operation, a suspicious car was stopped and thoroughly searched.
Gold Rings Found Inside Stove
During the search, the electronic induction stove in the car caught the police’s attention. Upon inspection, gold rings were found hidden inside. The smugglers had adopted this unique method to evade the notice of police and customs officials. The car and the gold have been seized.
Links to Kuwait Identified
The police have detained Rajpal Singh from Nadiyada in Banswara district, Parvesh Patidar from Navagaon, and Pradeep Patidar from Kunwaria. Preliminary investigations reveal that Rajpal Singh works in Kuwait and had returned to India via Ahmedabad Airport, where Parvesh and Pradeep had gone to pick him up.
Investigation by Multiple Departments
Given the seriousness of the case, the police have informed the Income Tax, GST, and Customs departments, which will also conduct their investigations. The police are currently probing the smuggling network and the involvement of other individuals.