A routine police inspection at Raipur’s Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Bhathagaon on Friday led to the discovery of a massive gold haul worth Rs 8 crore. The surprise checking resulted in seizure of 12.8 kilogram of gold from three passengers who failed to present valid documentation. The suspects, Lingaraj Nayak (34), son of Pavitra Nayak, a resident of BSUP Colony, Telibandha, Block 35, House No. 14, Raipur, Hitesh Tandi (27), son of Vijay Tandi, a resident of BSUP Colony, Telibandha, Block 34, House No. 1, Raipur, and Shubham Patro (28), son of Tapan Patro, a resident of RDA Colony, Boriyakhurd, House No. 140R, Raipur, were detained for further questioning. The confiscated gold has been handed over to the Income Tax Department for further investigation.

 

The operation was part of a larger crackdown on illegal activities led by Raipur Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Singh. Acting under SSP Singh’s directives, City Superintendent of Police Rajesh Devangan and Station House Officer Manoj Kumar Sahu, along with their team, conducted the surprise inspection at the bus stand, where the gold was uncovered concealed in the passengers’ luggage. None of the three individuals could provide legitimate documentation proving ownership of the gold. The seized gold was sealed and transferred to the Income Tax Department for further examination. Authorities are now focusing on tracing the origin of the gold and investigating whether the three passengers are part of a wider illegal smuggling network. This operation involved close coordination between law enforcement officials, including DSP Rajesh Kumar Devangan and Inspector Manoj Kumar Sahu, alongside other key personnel.