A joint team of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) Crime Branch and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 1.242 kg of suspected foreign-origin gold, estimated to be worth around ₹2 crore, from the Howrah-Mumbai Duronto Express.

Two men were arrested during the operation, which was conducted amid heightened security arrangements ahead of Independence Day. The seized consignment included seven gold biscuits and one gold bar.

Joint Operation on Duronto Express

The action followed information received by an inspector of the RPF Crime Branch in Nagpur regarding two passengers allegedly travelling with a gold consignment on train number 12262, Howrah-Mumbai Duronto Express.

Following the information, teams from the RPF Crime Branch in Raipur and Nagpur, along with officials from DRI Nagpur, launched a joint operation.

The teams began checking the train while it was travelling between Raipur and Nagpur.

Suspects Held Between Bhandara and Nagpur

During the search, officials identified two suspects, Suresh Kumar and Dhairyashil, in coach B-12.

The two were intercepted between Bhandara and Nagpur. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of seven gold biscuits and one gold bar.

The total weight of the seized gold was approximately 1.242 kg. Preliminary investigation identified it as foreign-origin gold, according to officials.

The two suspects were subsequently handed over to DRI Nagpur for further investigation.

Case Registered Under Customs Act

DRI Nagpur has registered a case against the two accused under Section 135 of the Customs Act, 1962.

Officials are questioning the suspects to determine the origin of the gold and the intended recipient of the consignment. Investigators are also examining whether the two men were part of a larger smuggling network.

The process of producing the accused before a court is also underway.

Probe Into Gold Smuggling Network

Investigators are now attempting to establish how the gold entered the country, who arranged the shipment and where it was supposed to be delivered.

The agency is also looking into the possible involvement of other individuals connected with the consignment.

Officials suspect that the seized gold may be part of a broader network that transports smaller consignments through railway routes to different parts of the country.

Dubai Route Under Scanner

According to information from the DRI, smuggled gold can enter India through routes involving Dubai, Bangladesh and Nepal, before reaching West Bengal.

From there, smaller consignments may be moved by train towards major commercial centres such as Mumbai, Surat and Ahmedabad.

Investigators are examining whether the seized consignment was connected to any such route.

The seizure comes at a time when security agencies have stepped up surveillance and checks across transport hubs ahead of Independence Day on August 15.