In a major operation based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of the Border Security Force (BSF), Customs and Tripura Police seized Bangladeshi currency worth around Tk 24.5 lakh from the Matinagar area under Sonamura police station on Tuesday. 

Tapas Sarkar (30), a resident of North Kalamchaura in Sepahijala district, was detained in connection with the seizure.

According to preliminary findings of the investigation, the large consignment of Bangladeshi currency was allegedly being transported from Bishalgarh to Sonamura and was supposed to be handed over to two persons identified as Zakir and Bahab Mia, residents of the Kulubari area under Sonamura police station.

However, the youth was intercepted before he could allegedly deliver the money to the intended recipients.

Speaking about the operation, Sonamura Customs Superintendent Alok Kumar said the joint team acted on the basis of specific intelligence inputs regarding the transportation of a large quantity of Bangladeshi currency.

According to Customs officials, Sarkar was travelling from the Bishalgarh side towards Sonamura in an Eeco vehicle when the vehicle was intercepted by the enforcement team. During a search, the officials allegedly recovered the Bangladeshi currency from his possession.

Following the seizure, the detained youth, the recovered currency and the vehicle allegedly used for transporting the money have been taken into the custody of Sonamura Customs for further investigation.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the money may have been intended for financial transactions linked to illegal cross-border trade. Officials are now examining the source of the currency, its intended destination and the circumstances under which such a substantial amount of Bangladeshi currency was being transported within the area.

The investigating agencies are also probing whether other individuals or a wider network were involved in the alleged transaction. Customs officials said further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

The seizure assumes significance given Sonamura's proximity to the international border and the continued efforts by enforcement agencies to curb suspected illegal cross-border financial and trade activities in the region.