**Nagpur News :** In a major operation against the alleged smuggling of foreign-origin gold through the railway network, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) jointly seized **1.242 kg of foreign-origin gold worth ₹1,96,34,307** from the Howrah-Mumbai Duronto Express.
Two passengers suspected of carrying the gold were arrested during the operation, which was carried out while the train was travelling between **<a href="/category/bhandara" class="text-brand font-semibold hover:underline">Bhandara</a> and Nagpur**.
The action followed a specific tip-off received by the RPF Crime Branch. According to officials, it is the **second major seizure of foreign-origin gold from a train within a week**, highlighting increased surveillance of railway routes passing through the Nagpur region.
## Joint Operation After Secret Information
The RPF Crime Branch received information that two passengers travelling on the Howrah-Mumbai Duronto Express were allegedly carrying foreign-origin gold.
Following the tip-off, RPF teams from Nagpur and Raipur alerted DRI officials. A joint team was subsequently formed to monitor passengers on the train and identify the suspected carriers.
When the train was travelling between Bhandara and Nagpur, officials noticed two passengers behaving suspiciously in **coach B-12**.
The team questioned the passengers, but their responses reportedly failed to satisfy the officials. A search of their belongings was then carried out.
## Seven Gold Biscuits and One Gold Bar Recovered
During the search, officials recovered **seven foreign-origin gold biscuits and one gold bar** from the possession of the two suspects.
The total weight of the recovered gold was **1.242 kilograms**, with an estimated market value of **₹1,96,34,307**.
Following the seizure, the two suspects were handed over to the DRI for further investigation and legal proceedings.
## DRI Investigating the Source of the Gold
The DRI has taken over the investigation and is questioning the two arrested suspects to establish the complete chain behind the alleged smuggling operation.
Investigators are trying to determine **where the foreign-origin gold came from, who supplied it and where it was supposed to be delivered**.
The agency is also examining the possible involvement of suppliers, intermediaries and intended recipients who may be connected to the operation.
## Railway Routes Under Increased Surveillance
The latest seizure comes amid increased scrutiny of railway routes allegedly being used to transport smuggled gold.
Reporting confirms that according to the information available, this is the **second major seizure of foreign-origin gold from a train within a week**. The latest operation highlights the growing coordination between enforcement agencies to detect and intercept suspected gold carriers travelling by rail.
The operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence inputs, with RPF and DRI teams working together to identify the suspected passengers and recover the gold.
## Possible Links to a Larger Smuggling Network Under Investigation
Investigators are also expected to examine the travel history and contacts of the two arrested suspects. This could help determine whether they have any previous links to similar gold-smuggling activities.
The source of the seized gold and its intended destination remain key parts of the ongoing investigation.
Officials are also likely to question the accused about their associates and determine whether the seizure is connected to a larger network operating through the railway corridor.
## DRI Continues Further Investigation
The two suspects remain under investigation as the DRI works to establish the complete chain involved in the alleged smuggling operation.
The seizure of **1.242 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at nearly ₹1.96 crore** is being seen as a significant enforcement action in Nagpur's railway sector.
Further details regarding the source of the gold, the intended recipient and the possible network behind the operation are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.