The Darjeeling District Police have successfully intercepted a high-profile narcotics smuggling operation. Authorities seized approximately 3.349 kilograms of brown sugar during a targeted operation in the Muraliganj check post area, located within the Phansidewa block of the Siliguri Sub-division. The confiscated drugs carry an estimated international market value multi crore.
Modus Operandi: Deception and Hidden Compartments
The smugglers utilized a sophisticated cover to bypass security. The narcotics were transported in a four-wheeler arriving from Bihar, which featured BSF (Border Security Force) stickers and a specialized number plate designed to evade suspicion.
Upon receiving a confidential tip-off, officers from the Bidhannagar Investigation Center intercepted the vehicle at a checkpoint. During a thorough inspection, the police noticed irregularities with the vehicle’s number plate. Removing the plate revealed a concealed secret chamber containing multiple packets of brown sugar.
Arrest and Suspect Profile
The driver, identified as Alok Kumar Ravikar, a resident of Katihar, Bihar, was taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Ravikar identified himself as a BSF Inspector and produced an official departmental identity card.
The suspect claimed the following:
He is an active member of a BSF unit based in Chhattisgarh.
He is currently away from duty on medical leave.
Criminal History and Ongoing Investigation
Preliminary inquiries have revealed that the suspect is a repeat offender.
In March 2023, Ravikar was arrested in Kishanganj, Bihar, for illegal liquor smuggling. During that previous encounter, he similarly attempted to use his alleged BSF credentials to avoid prosecution.
The police are currently verifying the authenticity of his employment and identity documents. Key areas of the ongoing investigation include:
Identity Verification: Determining if the suspect is a genuine BSF employee or using a sophisticated fake identity.
Network Analysis: Identifying the intended recipients of the drug shipment in Siliguri and the source in Bihar.
Accomplices: Investigating potential collaborators within or outside official organizations.
The Darjeeling District Police had had sought for Police Custody for further investigation.