The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has dismantled an organised gold smuggling and illegal melting network operating across Delhi and Kolkata, seizing gold, silver and Indian currency collectively valued at more than ₹14.13 crore and arresting six individuals involved in the operation.
Officials said the investigation exposed a structured syndicate engaged in smuggling foreign origin gold into India, transporting it through rail routes, melting it at illegal facilities to erase identifying marks and subsequently selling it in the domestic bullion market.
During the operation, authorities seized 8,286.81 grams of gold valued at ₹13.41 crore, 7,350.4 grams of silver worth ₹19.67 lakh and Indian currency amounting to ₹51,74,100 under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
The crackdown began after officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence received specific intelligence about the movement of smuggled gold. Acting on the information, officers intercepted a passenger who had arrived from Kolkata by train at New Delhi Railway Station carrying foreign marked gold intended for delivery to a receiver outside the station premises. Both the carrier and the intended recipient were apprehended at the location.
Based on disclosures made during interrogation, investigators conducted follow up searches in Delhi. The searches led to the discovery of an illegal gold melting facility used to deface foreign origin gold before its entry into the local bullion market. Additional quantities of gold, silver and cash were recovered from the premises and the manager operating the facility was taken into custody.
Further investigation traced the syndicate’s operations to Kolkata, where officials located the alleged mastermind operating another illegal melting unit. The suspect was apprehended along with two carriers who admitted to receiving foreign marked gold smuggled into India, melting it to remove identifying markings and preparing it for transport to Delhi through rail routes for further distribution.
Officials said the coordinated operation exposed the full chain of activities involved in the racket including smuggling, transportation, melting and sale of illegal gold in domestic markets.
All six individuals linked to the syndicate have been arrested and produced before the competent court. Authorities said further investigation is underway to identify additional members of the network and trace the broader smuggling routes and financial channels involved in the operation.
