Customs officials and Railway Protection Force seized gold biscuits worth Rs 4.73 crore aboard the Agartala-Narangi Express. Two passengers from Tripura were detained while allegedly transporting 350 grams of gold to Assam, prompting an investigation into a suspected interstate smuggling network.
In a major crackdown on the suspected illegal transportation of precious metals through the railway network, Customs officials and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) jointly seized gold biscuits worth more than Rs 4.73 crore aboard the Agartala–Narangi Express. Two individuals were detained during the coordinated operation, which has raised concerns over the possible use of railway routes for interstate gold smuggling.
According to officials, approximately 350 grams of gold biscuits were recovered during a search operation conducted aboard the train. The seized gold has an estimated market value of Rs 4,73,72,050, making it a significant recovery in recent enforcement operations along the railway network connecting Tripura with other northeastern states.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, RPF Tripura Assistant Commandant B.K. Sinha confirmed the seizure and detention of the two individuals. He stated that the operation was conducted jointly by Customs personnel and the RPF as part of ongoing surveillance and enforcement measures aimed at preventing the illegal transportation of valuable commodities through the railway system.
Preliminary information suggests that the detained individuals are residents of Teliamura and Agartala in Tripura. During initial questioning, they allegedly told investigators that they had received the gold consignment from an individual in the Motor Stand area. They were reportedly transporting the gold to Assam when security personnel intercepted them aboard the Agartala–Narangi Express.
The seizure followed a coordinated inspection by Customs and RPF personnel, who have reportedly intensified monitoring activities to prevent the misuse of railway routes for smuggling and the unauthorised movement of high-value goods. The operation highlights the continued vigilance of security agencies in monitoring railway transportation across the northeastern region.
Following the recovery, authorities have launched a detailed investigation to establish the origin of the seized gold and verify the statements provided by the detained individuals. Investigators are also attempting to identify the person who allegedly handed over the gold consignment in the Motor Stand area and determine the circumstances under which the precious metal was obtained.
Officials are examining several possible angles, including the involvement of an organised smuggling network operating across state boundaries. The investigation is expected to establish whether the two detained individuals were acting independently or transporting the gold on behalf of a larger network involved in the illegal movement of precious commodities.
Another important aspect of the investigation is identifying the intended recipient of the gold in Assam. Authorities are working to trace the transportation route, establish the ownership of the seized biscuits and determine whether additional individuals were involved in arranging the consignment.
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The agencies are also expected to conduct further questioning based on the information obtained during the preliminary investigation. Additional suspects could come under scrutiny if investigators identify links to a wider interstate operation.
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The detention of the two individuals and the seizure of gold worth Rs 4.73 crore mark a significant development in the ongoing efforts of Customs and the RPF to strengthen railway security and prevent suspected smuggling activities in the Northeast.
Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses and authorities work to uncover the complete circumstances surrounding the transportation of the seized gold.
