(a) whether the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has recently seized silver and gold worth crores of
rupees from Kolkata and Mumbai Rajdhani Express trains;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether similar types of consignments were detected by R.P.F. earlier also;
(d) if so, the details thereof during the last two years; and
(e) the action taken against the persons found guilty?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI R. VELU )
(a): No, Sir.
(b): Does not arise.
(c) to (e): 07 cases of carrying of gold, silver and currency, misdeclaring them as general goods were
noticed in Ashram Express, Andhra Pradesh Express, Mumbai Rajdhani Express, Ahmedabad Mail and
Grand Trunk Express.
1. On 03.3.2004 on an information received from Army Intelligence, the Leased front brake van of
2916 Ashram Express was checked at Delhi Main Station and 886 Kilograms (Kgs.) of Silver, 7.3
Kilograms (Kgs.) of gold and Rs.55, 03,255/- in cash (Total worth Rs.1.77 Crores approx.) were seized
by Delhi Police Special Branch with the assistance of Railway Protection Force. The case was handed
over to Delhi Police for further inquiry. They have referred the case to the Income Tax Department.
2. In the 2nd case on 03.4.2004, a team of Railway Protection Force and Railway Vigilance staff
detected 614 KGs. of silver valued approximately Rs. 1 (one) crore, booked as general goods and was to
be loaded in the rear brake van of train No.2724 Andhra Pradesh Express at New Delhi Railway Station.
The parties affected had filed the case in the Delhi High Court and the goods are being released to the
parties after imposing appropriate fines under the Railways Act, after clearance from the Income Tax
Department.
3. In the 3rd case, on 02.7.2004, on an information received by the Railway Vigilance, suspected
packages were unloaded from the front brake van of train No.2916 Ashram Express at Delhi Main
Station and 600 Kilograms of silver, 11 Kilograms of gold, Rs.41,68,330/- in cash and precious stones
worth Rs.65,000/-, totally valued at Rs.1.5 crore were seized. The case was handed over to Government
Railway Police / Delhi Main who have registered a case vide crime No.38/04 under section 420, 406, 34
of the Indian Penal Code and Section 163 of the Railways Act, 1989 with the arrest of one accused. The
case is under trial.
4. In the 04th case, on 01.8.2004 the Leased brake van of 2952 Mumbai Rajdhani Exp. was checked
by Railway Protection Force / New Delhi and gold and silver weighing 605 KGs. and currency Notes of
Rs.1000 denominations totally valued Rs. 1 (one) crore was seized. From the same train, on 02.8.2004,
on arrival at Mumbai Central, 02 more packages containing approximately 250 Kilograms of silver,
valued approximately Rs.12,10,000/- was seized. All these valuable items were declared as general
goods. Cases under the Railways Act, 1989 were registered against 03 accused at New Delhi station and
they were convicted with fines. Case against 02 accused registered under the Railways Act in Mumbai is
under trial.
5. On 18.9.2004, RPF/Delhi Main seized Gold and Silver jewelry valued Rs.3,90,000/- from leased
front SLR of train No.9105 Ahmedabad Mail at Delhi Station and arrested one lease holder and his five
associates. In this connection, RPF/Delhi Main registered a case vide crime No.59/04 U/S 163 Railways
Act dated 19.9.2004 against the above accused persons. The five associates were fined Rs.500/- each
and the seized property was handed over to the owner on 5.11.2004 as per order of the Court. The case
is under trial.
6. On 18.12.2004, RPF/New Delhi seized 212 Kgs. Gold and Silver jewelry valued Rs.15,00,000/-
from leased rear SLR of train No.2724 A.P. Express at New Delhi Station and arrested one lease holder
and his two associates. In this connection, RPF/ New Delhi registered a case vide crime No.297/04 U/S
163 Railways Act dated 18.12.2004 against the above accused persons. The case is under trial.
7. On 19.12.2005, RPF/ New Delhi seized 285 Kgs. Gold and Silver jewellery valued Rs.45,00,000/-
from a leased rear SLR of train No.2615 G.T. Express at New Delhi Station and arrested the lease
holder. In this connection, RPF/New Delhi registered a case vide crime No.1029/05 U/S 163 Railways
Act dated 19.12.2005 against an accused person. The case is under trial.