Question : INFILTRATION SMUGGLING FROM BANGLADESH

(a) whether large number of infiltrators are entering in the country and smuggling goods from Bangladesh through the goods train playing between India and Bangladesh;

(b) if so, whether a large number of smuggled goods have been seized from the said train during a raid conducted recently;

(c) if so, the details in this regard;

(d) whether the Government has received any report from BSF in this regard;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the action taken by the Government to check such activities?

(MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS) ( SHRI S. REGUPATHY)

(a) to (e) : Normally, infiltration from across the border takes place clandestinely. It is difficult to determine the precise magnitude of infiltration and smuggling of goods from across the border. During January, 2006, the goods like plastic materials, scrap, battery ash, CFC cylinders, palm oil, cigarettes, zine ore etc., worth Rs. 26,05,280/- were seized in raids, jointly conducted by BSF, Customs and State Police.

(f): To check smuggling of goods from across the border, Government has taken a number of steps which include;

(i) Erection of fencing all along the border;

(ii) Round the clock surveillance of the border by patrolling;

(iii) Conduct special operations including naks/ambushes;

(iv) Use of night vision devices;

(v) Establishment of floating BOPs;

(vi) Upgradation of intelligence network.