Gold Seizure at Venkatachalam: Smuggling Ring Busted

Police seized 4.2 kg of smuggled gold worth Rs 3.38 crore at the Venkatachalam toll gate in Nellore district. Three individuals were arrested, and the gold was handed over to GST authorities. The operation allegedly aimed to evade taxes, prompting intensified vigilance at transit points.

In a significant crackdown on gold smuggling, vigilance officials seized 4.2 kg of the precious metal, valued at Rs 3.38 crore, at the Venkatachalam toll gate in Nellore district. The seizure took place as part of an operation to thwart a suspected tax evasion scheme.

According to police, the gold was being transported illicitly from Chennai to a trader in Nellore, bypassing necessary documentation. The vigilance team strategically tracked suspects and intercepted their vehicle at the toll plaza, where officials uncovered gold ornaments being smuggled for hallmarking purposes.

Three suspects—Harsha Jain, Anna Ram, and Ranjit Kumar—were apprehended in the operation. The matter has been turned over to GST authorities for further investigation, with suspicions of intent to dodge taxes. No formal charges have been filed, but vigilance checks have been intensified at strategic points to prevent similar illegal activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)