The Crime Branch detained two persons for smuggling diamonds and gold worth Rs 1.63 crore on Friday afternoon. This action aligns with the police’s intensified efforts to tackle illegal activities in the city ahead of the Assembly elections.
The operation was conducted in the Imambada area around 2 pm, following intelligence inputs 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 while riding a motorcycle in the Imambada area. Acting on a tip-off about the smuggling ring, the officers had set up a trap in the area. Their suspicions were raised by the duo’s behavior, leading them to stop and question them.
Upon searching the suspects, the police found a bag containing diamond jewelry and gold biscuits. When questioned, the two were unable to provide satisfactory explanations. The authorities seized the items, which were valued at Rs 1.63 crore.
Further investigation revealed that the diamonds and gold had been brought in by the two suspects on a flight from Mumbai. After arriving, the accused traveled from the Sonegaon area to Imambada on a motorcycle, where they were eventually arrested.