Three held with Rs 1.5 cr emerald in Baharagora

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, July 12: In a major crackdown on illegal gemstone trafficking, East Singhbhum Police seized 1.095 Kg of emerald (panna) valued at around Rs 1.5 crore and arrested three smugglers near Baharagora Bus Stand on Sunday.

Police have launched a detailed probe to trace the source of the precious gemstone and uncover the wider trafficking network.

Acting on a tip-off that a deal involving a valuable emerald was about to take place near the bus stand, a special raiding team led by the Ghatshila Sub-Divisional Police Officer laid a trap and surrounded the area.

As police moved in, the three suspects attempted to flee but were chased down and apprehended on the spot.

The arrested accused have been identified as Vinay Patar (50), Siddheshwar Kalindi (45), and Snehashish Mangaraj (44), all residents of different police station areas in East Singhbhum district.

During the search, police recovered 1.095 Kg of emerald concealed in a plastic packet inside the storage compartment of Vinay Patar’s scooter.

Officers also seized an Android mobile phone and Rs 1,840 in cash from him.

Siddheshwar Kalindi was found carrying a mobile phone, while Snehashish Mangaraj was in possession of a Hero Deluxe motorcycle, a Poco mobile phone, and Rs 460 in cash.

In total, police seized the emerald, two vehicles, three mobile phones, and Rs 2,300 in cash.

A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Indian Forest Act, the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the prime accused, Vinay Patar, was previously booked in 2018 by Ghurabandha police in connection with mineral smuggling and theft. Investigators are now working to identify the origin of the seized emerald and expose the network involved in its illegal trade.

Police said further arrests are likely based on the ongoing interrogation of the accused.