Bangladeshi currency worth Tk 24.50 lakh was seized and one person was detained during a joint operation by the BSF, Customs Department and Tripura Police at Motinagar near a BSF camp in Sepahijala district on Tuesday.
Acting on specific intelligence, personnel of the 81 Battalion BSF, along with Customs officials and Sonamura Police Station staff, intercepted an Eco Van bearing registration number TR01BZ0219 at around 11:30 am.
During a search of the vehicle, the joint team recovered Bangladeshi currency with a face value of Tk 24,50,000. The driver, identified as Tapas Sarkar (38), a resident of North Kalamchoura under Kalamchoura Police Station, was detained in connection with the seizure.
The seized currency and the detained driver were subsequently handed over to the Customs Department for further legal action.
Customs Superintendent Alok Kumar said the operation was conducted jointly by the BSF, Customs Department and Tripura Police. He said an investigation had been launched to determine the source of the currency and the purpose for which such a large amount was being transported.
According to preliminary information available with the Customs Department, the vehicle was travelling from Bishalgarh towards Sonamura in Sepahijala district when it was intercepted.
Officials are also examining whether the Bangladeshi currency had entered India through an illegal route and whether other persons were involved in its movement.
“We are investigating the matter to ascertain the actual reason behind the movement of such a large amount of Bangladeshi currency. The facts are expected to emerge during the investigation, and appropriate legal action will be taken against those found involved,” Alok Kumar said.
The Customs Department is continuing its investigation to identify the source of the currency and trace any other persons who may be linked to the case.
