Indore. A major case of gold smuggling involving approximately 1 kg has been uncovered at the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized gold worth approximately ₹1.28 crore. Five accused, including airline employees, have been arrested in this case. All the accused were produced in the district court, where they were remanded to 14-day judicial custody.

Gold being smuggled from Abu Dhabi

According to the DRI, the smugglers were bringing the gold to India via flights from Abu Dhabi to Indore. The smuggled gold was concealed within silver-like metal rods and bangle-like structures to evade detection by investigating agencies.

For some time, the DRI had been receiving continuous inputs that foreign gold was being illegally transported to certain bullion traders in the city through Indore Airport. Based on this information, special surveillance was maintained between August 3 and 4, and the operation was carried out.

Investigation Reveals Entire Network

During the operation, two suspects were searched and two silver-looking bangles were recovered. Investigation revealed that gold was hidden inside them. Subsequently, the investigation was expanded, and the entire smuggling network was uncovered.

The DRI arrested Govind Porwal, Air India Express ground duty employee Vasudev Barnale, Aman Gehlot, Sanjay Munje, and Ajay Kumar Sen in this case.

The Role of Airport Employees Also Revealed

Preliminary investigation revealed that each accused had a distinct responsibility in this smuggling network. According to the investigating agency, Govind Porwal would bring the gold from Abu Dhabi. Airline employee Vasudev Barnale would then allegedly help transport the parcels out of the airport via the aerobridge, avoiding customs clearance.

This gold was then delivered to bullion traders in the city through associates outside the airport, reportedly including a taxi driver.

Interrogation of other employees is also ongoing.

The DRI has currently seized approximately one kilogram of gold. The agency is now investigating who this gang is connected to and whether gold smuggling has occurred in the past using similar methods.

Investigative agencies are also interrogating other employees posted at the airport to uncover the entire network. A detailed investigation into the matter is underway.