A man was arrested after Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel recovered around 6.5 kg of silver bars worth nearly ₹14 lakh from his bag during a security check at Howrah Metro Station, officials said.
RPF officials intercept suspicious metro commuter
According to the RPF, the incident occurred during peak hours when commuters were passing through the baggage screening area. While other passengers were placing their luggage through the X-ray scanner, the man allegedly tried to bypass the screening without scanning his bag.
Silver bars recovered during bag search
Security personnel stopped him and repeatedly asked him to place the bag through the scanner. However, he allegedly refused and got into an argument with the RPF personnel, claiming that his bag was small and that there was a long queue.
Accused fails to explain silver ownership
Senior security officials then intervened and instructed him to comply with the mandatory baggage screening. Despite repeated requests, he allegedly continued to resist, prompting officials to conduct a physical search of the bag.
During the search, personnel found a piece of cloth wrapped around several silver bars. The recovery triggered further questioning.
According to officials, the man failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source or ownership of the silver. He was also unable to produce any documents to establish legal possession of the precious metal.
Police begin investigation into silver source
The RPF subsequently handed the accused over to Golabari Police Station for further investigation. Police are now probing where the silver was brought from, its intended destination and whether it is linked to any illegal activity.
Officials said seizures of precious metals are occasionally reported at railway stations, but such recoveries at a metro station are relatively rare. The investigation is ongoing.
