Raipur: Ahead of Diwali, jewelry worth crores has been seized in Raipur. The valuables were found in the Tikrapara area of the city, with such a large amount of jewelry that it filled the station officer’s desk. The police have informed the Income Tax department about the incident.
During their investigation, the police found that the seized gold weighs 12.8 kilograms, with an estimated market value of Rs 8 crore. It is reported that the gold belongs to a businessman from Raipur, though the police have not yet revealed his identity. However, employees of the businessman are being questioned.
The police seized the gold on Friday morning during a routine check at the new bus stand. Seeing the large number of jewelry packets, they immediately brought them to the station and informed the Income Tax department. Since the Model Code of Conduct is in effect due to the by-elections in Raipur South, the administration is also monitoring the entire operation.
During the investigation at the Tikrapara police station, it was revealed that the businessman’s employees had taken the gold to Jagdalpur a few days ago. After making some deals there, they were returning to Raipur with the remaining gold when they were caught during the check. The employees were unable to produce legal documents related to the jewelry during the police investigation.
Tikrapara Station In-Charge Manoj Kumar Sahu said that during routine checks at the Bhathagaon bus stand, the police caught Lingaraj Nayak, a 34-year-old resident of Telibandha BSUP Colony, along with his companions Hitesh Tandi, 27, and Shubham Patra, 28. They found jewelry worth Rs 8 crore in their bags. These three are employees of a jeweler from Raipur, whose name the police have not disclosed.
More than 10 packets containing gold rings
Several sets of necklaces worth Rs 10-15 lakh each
Bracelets, bangles, and packets of earrings
Various lockets and chains were also recovered.
The administration is investigating whether the seized gold is connected to the upcoming elections, as the Tikrapara area falls under the Raipur South constituency, where voting is scheduled for November 13.
