Diamond smuggling busted: INR 4.33 crore worth seized
The operation, carried out by India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), led to the arrest of Delhi-bound passenger Deepak Kumar Mehta.
KATHMANDU: Authorities at Bagdogra Airport have intercepted a major diamond smuggling attempt, seizing 48 diamonds valued at approximately INR 4.33 crore.
The operation, carried out by India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), led to the arrest of Delhi-bound passenger Deepak Kumar Mehta.
According to DRI officials, Mehta was placed under surveillance after exhibiting suspicious behavior at the airport.
Subsequent questioning and baggage inspection revealed the diamonds, which collectively weighed 661.66 grams.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the diamonds were smuggled into India via Siliguri, having crossed the Nepal–India border.
Mehta reportedly stayed overnight in Siliguri before attempting to fly to Delhi on Tuesday.
Authorities are examining whether the gems originated in Nepal or were transported through the country from elsewhere.
“The incident highlights a growing trend of Nepal being used as a transit route for diamond smuggling,” an official told Indian media.
Following his arrest, Mehta was remanded to judicial custody by the Siliguri District Court for two weeks to facilitate further investigation.
