North Lakhimpur: Lakhimpur Police arrested a woman passenger at Harmuti railway junction on Wednesday for allegedly attempting to transport four counterfeit gold artefacts to West Bengal by train.
The woman, identified as Jaynas Parvin, a resident of Daulatpur under Laluk, was detained on the railway platform while preparing to board a train heading towards New Jalpaiguri.
Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by Anupam Chetia, Officer-in-Charge of Harmuti Police Outpost, intercepted the passenger and seized four small pitcher-shaped artefacts. The items were found to be made of fake gold and were allegedly being taken outside Assam for sale.
The seizure has brought attention to a possible shift in the methods used by counterfeit gold traders operating in Bongalmora, an area in Lakhimpur district known for such activities. Previously, these traders reportedly used boat-shaped objects and crucifix-like artefacts to transport fake gold items to markets outside the state.
The arrest has also highlighted the continued presence of counterfeit gold trading networks in areas under the jurisdiction of Laluk and Bihpuria police stations, despite an apparent decline in such activities over the past few months.