Assam Rifles–DRI Joint Operation Busts Major Gold and Cash Haul in Agartala, Jewellery Shop Owner Arrested

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, January 8, 2026

In a major crackdown on alleged economic offences, a joint operation conducted by the Assam Rifles and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) led to the recovery of a huge quantity of gold and unaccounted cash from two locations in Agartala Shantipara and Dhaleswar late day before yesterday night.

According to official sources, the joint team seized 14 kilograms of gold biscuits, estimated to be worth around Rs. 19 crore, along with Rs. 2.87 crore in unaccounted cash. The recovery was made during coordinated search operations carried out at residential and commercial premises in the city.

Following the operation, the owner of Tanisha Jewellers, identified as Rakesh Debnath, was taken into custody. Sources said Customs officials, after completing the search, detained the accused and seized a trunk allegedly containing gold biscuits and a large amount of cash. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has taken over the investigation to ascertain the source of the gold and money, possible links to organised smuggling networks, and violations of customs and tax laws.

Security officials described the seizure as one of the biggest recoveries of gold and cash in recent times in Tripura. Investigators are examining whether the seized assets are linked to cross-border smuggling, hawala transactions, drug trafficking proceeds, or other forms of illegal trade. Officials indicated that further questioning and financial scrutiny are underway.

The incident has once again sparked public debate in Tripura over the scale of illegal trade, black money, tax evasion, and cash-based businesses. Local residents and civil society voices have questioned how such large quantities of gold and cash could be accumulated and stored, and whether similar illegal stockpiles exist elsewhere in the state.

Questions have also been raised over selective disclosure by law enforcement agencies, with critics asking why, in high-value economic offence cases, details such as the exact address and full identification of accused persons are often withheld, while in minor offences such as cases involving illicit liquor sellers, suspects are frequently paraded publicly with police.

There are also growing allegations that a significant section of the gold and jewellery trade operates largely in cash, allegedly avoiding GST and income tax, thereby causing substantial revenue loss to the government. However, officials clarified that such claims require thorough investigation and cannot be generalised without evidence.

Authorities have assured that the probe will be conducted in a transparent and lawful manner, and that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, regardless of status or influence. Further arrests and seizures have not been ruled out as the investigation progresses.

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