₹1.5-crore emerald haul: Three held in major Baharagora Anti-Smuggling Operation

 Pioneer News Service

Jamshedpur

Acting against the illegal smuggling of precious gemstones, the police arrested three individuals near the Baharagora bus stand. Police recovered 1.095 kilograms (1,095 grams) of precious emeralds from their possession, with an estimated market value of approximately ₹1.5 crore. This operation is considered a significant achievement in the district’s ongoing efforts to combat the smuggling of minerals and precious gemstones.

According to the police, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) had received a tip-off that smugglers were arriving in the Baharagora bus stand area with a consignment of precious emeralds. Recognizing the seriousness of the information, a special raid team was immediately constituted. The team cordoned off the area and kept a close watch for suspicious activity.

Shortly thereafter, the police spotted three suspicious individuals standing with two two-wheelers. As the police team approached, the three attempted to flee the scene. However, the police personnel acted swiftly and apprehended all three on the spot. A thorough search followed, leading to the recovery of a large quantity of precious emeralds and other items.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Vinay Patar (50), Siddheshwar Kalindi (45), and Snehashish Mangraj (44). All three are reported to be residents of different police station areas within East Singhbhum district. The police are now interrogating them to determine the source of the precious gemstones and the intended recipient.

Addressing a press meet, Rural SP Shubham Khandelwal said that the most significant recovery during the search was made from the storage compartment of the main accused Vinay Patar’s scooter. The police recovered 1.095 kg of emeralds packed in plastic, an Android mobile phone, and ₹1,840 in cash. A mobile phone was recovered from the second accused, Siddheshwar Kalindi. From the possession of the third accused, Snehashish Mangaraj, a Hero Deluxe motorcycle, a Poco Android mobile phone, and ₹460 in cash were seized.

In this operation, the police seized a total of 1.095 kg of precious emeralds, two two-wheelers, three Android mobile phones, and ₹2,300 in cash. All seized items have been placed in police custody in accordance with legal procedures, and further investigation is underway.

During the investigation, the police discovered that the prime accused, Vinay Patar, has a prior criminal record. Cases related to mineral smuggling and theft were registered against him at the Gudabanda police station in 2018. This leads the police to suspect that he may have been involved in the illegal mineral trade for a long time. The police are now investigating his past contacts and financial transactions.

In addition to relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the police have registered a case under various sections of the Indian Forest Act, 1927; the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972; and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Given the gravity of the matter, legal proceedings are being expedited.

Experts believe that the illegal smuggling of precious gemstones is an organized crime potentially involving smugglers from multiple states. In such cases, the investigation extends beyond mere couriers to include buyers, suppliers, and financiers. Consequently, the police are working on a strategy to reach the entire syndicate rather than limiting the case to a single arrest.

The raid involved several police officers and personnel, including Baharagora Station House Officer (SHO) Shankar Prasad Kushwaha and investigating officers Rampravesh Rai, Rahul Kumar, Pankaj Kumar Paswan, and Om Sharan. Through coordinated action, the police successfully arrested the accused without any untoward incident.