Two persons were detained by the Crime Branch on Friday afternoon for smuggling diamonds and gold worth Rs 1.63 crore. The action comes at a time when the police are intensifying their efforts to curb illegal activities in the city ahead of the Assembly elections. The operation was carried out in Imambada area around 2 pm, based on intelligence received by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection), Rahul Maknikar. The smugglers, identified as Sheikh Salim Sheikh Wazir (30) and Kunal Ramesh Shirke (30), both residents of Siraspeth, were detained by the police team after they were spotted riding a motorcycle in Imambada area.

 

The officers, who had set up a trap following a tip-off about the smuggling ring, grew suspicious of the duo’s behaviour and stopped them for questioning. Upon searching them, the police discovered a bag containing diamond jewellery and gold biscuits. When questioned, the two were unable to provide satisfactory explanations. The police seized the material worth Rs 1.63 crore. Further investigation revealed that the diamonds and gold had been brought in by the two while travelling in a plane from Mumbai. The two accused had travelled from the Sonegaon area to Imambada on the two-wheeler, where they were nabbed.