Former BSF personnel held after brown sugar worth crores seized in Darjeeling

West Bengal Police have confiscated more than 3.3 kilograms of suspected brown sugar valued at several crores of rupees, following the interception of a vehicle carrying Border Security Force (BSF) stickers. 

A former BSF personnel was arrested after investigators alleged he attempted to exploit security-force markings and questionable credentials to avoid routine checks.

The operation took place at a checkpost in the Darjeeling district after officers received intelligence about a suspicious car entering West Bengal from Bihar on Sunday. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, police teams tracked and halted the vehicle for inspection.

According to officials, the car immediately drew attention due to conspicuous BSF insignia displayed on its body. Officers also noticed irregularities in the number-plate structure, prompting a more detailed search.

During the examination, police uncovered a hidden compartment behind the number plate. Several packets containing brown sugar were allegedly recovered from the concealed cavity.

The driver, identified as Alok Kumar Ravikar, a resident of Katihar district in Bihar, initially told police he was a serving BSF inspector posted in Chhattisgarh and currently on medical leave. He reportedly presented an identity card to support his claim.

However, subsequent verification checks contradicted his statement. Police sources said Ravikar was found to be a former member of the BSF and had a prior criminal record.

Investigators revealed that he had been arrested earlier in March 2023 in Bihar’s Kishanganj district in connection with an illegal liquor smuggling case. During that incident, he allegedly used BSF credentials to bypass security checks.

Authorities are now scrutinising the identity documents produced during the latest interception. Officials suspect the credentials may have been forged, altered, or misused from his previous tenure before dismissal. The authenticity of the insignia and vehicle markings is also under investigation.

Preliminary findings suggest the narcotics consignment may have been transported from Bihar, with Siliguri as a possible transit or destination point. Police have launched a broader probe to identify links within the trafficking chain, including suppliers, handlers, and intended recipients.

Ravikar was produced before the Siliguri sub-divisional court on Monday. Police requested custody to conduct further interrogation aimed at mapping the drug network and determining whether security-force symbols were deliberately used as a cover for smuggling activities.

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 Officials noted that the case highlights growing concerns over the misuse of uniforms, insignia, and institutional identity in organised crime, particularly along routes connecting eastern and northeastern regions.