An Indian national has been detained at the Banglabandha land port in Panchagarh district after authorities recovered a substantial amount of foreign currency from his possession during a security operation.
According to officials, the arrest took place on Monday (27 April) at around midday following intelligence provided by the National Security Intelligence (NSI). Acting on the information, personnel from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) conducted a targeted search operation at the land port area, leading to the detention of Palash Chandra Majhi (34), a resident of Kedarapur village under Khanakul Police Station in Hooghly district of West Bengal, India.
BGB sources confirmed that a significant quantity of foreign currency was seized from the detainee. The recovered money included United States dollars, along with smaller amounts in Indian and Nepalese currency, as well as Bangladeshi taka.
Seized Currency Details
| Currency Type |
Amount |
| US Dollars (USD) |
24,600 |
| Indian Rupees (INR) |
5 |
| Nepalese Rupees (NPR) |
130 |
| Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) |
3,570 |
Intelligence officials stated that Palash Chandra Majhi had entered Bangladesh on 27 March using a tourist visa. He was reportedly attempting to return to India via the Banglabandha land port when he was stopped for inspection. Although he initially passed through customs checks, further scrutiny at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) zero point by BGB personnel led to the discovery of the foreign currency concealed inside a diary carried by him.
Preliminary findings from the intelligence agencies suggest that the individual may be involved in informal money transfer activities, commonly known as hundi operations, and that the currency was allegedly being transported out of Bangladesh without proper legal declaration. However, these claims are under investigation and have not yet been substantiated in court.
Following his detention, Palash Chandra Majhi was handed over to Tetulia Model Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities have confirmed that the matter is being reviewed, and formal action will depend on the outcome of investigations as well as any complaint filed by customs officials.
Tetulia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Laisur Rahman stated that he had been informed of the incident by telephone. He added that once the detainee is formally presented before the police and a complaint is lodged by the customs authorities, necessary legal steps will be taken in accordance with applicable laws.
The incident highlights ongoing vigilance at border points such as Banglabandha, which serves as an important land port connecting Bangladesh with India and Nepal, and where security agencies regularly monitor cross-border movement of goods and passengers.
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