In a major crackdown on suspected illegal transport of precious metals, police in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district seized more than 7.5 kilograms of gold jewellery worth over Rs 9 crore from a luxury car fitted with a secret chamber. Three men from Gujarat were detained after failing to produce valid documents related to the gold consignment.

The operation was carried out late Sunday night during vehicle checking on National Highway-353 near the Rehtikhol check post under the Singoda police station limits. Officials said police personnel were conducting routine checking of vehicles entering Chhattisgarh from Odisha when they intercepted a Volkswagen Virtus car bearing Gujarat registration number GJ 03 NP 4230.

Hidden Chamber Found

According to police officials, the occupants of the car appeared nervous during questioning, which raised suspicion among the checking team. The three men identified themselves as Jayesh Akbari, Sunit Karena and Rushi Agrawat, all residents of Rajkot in Gujarat. During a detailed search of the vehicle, police discovered a specially designed secret chamber beneath the rear seat of the car. Inside the hidden compartment, officers recovered two backpack bags containing six plastic containers filled with gold jewellery. Police said the total weight of the recovered ornaments was found to be 7512.488 grams, or more than 7.5 kilograms. The estimated market value of the seized gold jewellery has been pegged at nearly Rs 9.17 crore. The car used for transporting the consignment was also seized and valued at around Rs 10 lakh.

Documents Not Produced

Investigators said the accused could not provide any purchase invoices, ownership proof or transport documents linked to the gold jewellery. Following this, the police confiscated both the gold and the vehicle under relevant legal provisions. Officials stated that the case is being treated seriously due to the high value of the seized material and the suspicious manner in which it was being transported. Police suspect that the gold may have been moved illegally across states to avoid tax scrutiny or for organised smuggling operations. Authorities have informed the Income Tax Department and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to examine the financial and legal aspects connected to the consignment. Investigators are now trying to determine the origin of the jewellery and the intended delivery destination. The seizure quickly became part of the Latest News Today cycle as law enforcement agencies intensified monitoring of inter-state movement of high-value goods.

Probe Into Network

Police sources indicated that investigators are also examining whether the accused are linked to a larger smuggling or hawala network operating between Gujarat, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Call records, financial transactions and travel history of the detained individuals are being verified. Senior officials said the use of a concealed chamber inside the vehicle suggested prior planning and possible involvement in organised illegal transport activities. The accused are currently being questioned, and more arrests may follow depending on the findings of the investigation. The incident has emerged as a major Public Interest Story due to growing concerns over illegal transport of gold and other valuables through interstate highway routes.

Silver Seized In Ambikapur

In a separate operation in Ambikapur, police seized more than 95 kilograms of old silver anklets and 760 used mobile phones from an Omni van during routine checking. Five men from West Bengal were arrested in connection with the recovery. The action was carried out by Gandhinagar police during vehicle checking near Banaras Road. Officials said the vehicle was stopped after police noticed suspicious movement by the occupants during inspection. Upon searching the van, police recovered 95.5 kilograms of old silver anklets packed inside bags along with hundreds of old mobile phones. The accused allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the ownership and transportation of the seized items.

Five Accused Arrested

The arrested individuals have been identified as Sentu Sheikh, Gaffar Sheikh, Asim Sheikh, Ibrahim Sheikh and Mashdul Sheikh, all residents of Murshidabad district in West Bengal. Police suspect the silver ornaments and mobile phones may have been collected through illegal means. Investigators are particularly examining whether the old mobile phones were intended for use in cyber fraud or online scam operations. Officials said the silver jewellery is worth several lakh rupees in the market. A case has been registered against the accused, and all five were produced before a local court before being sent to judicial custody.

Security Agencies Alert

The back-to-back recoveries in Mahasamund and Ambikapur have prompted security and intelligence agencies to step up surveillance on interstate vehicle movement in Chhattisgarh. Police officials said special checking drives are being conducted on major highways and border routes to track suspicious movement of valuables and electronic items. Authorities are also examining whether the two incidents have any connection with larger interstate smuggling or illegal trade networks. Investigators believe organised groups may be using highway routes through Chhattisgarh to transport unaccounted valuables and second-hand electronic devices.