Cache of 221 pieces of rough diamonds seized in Chhattisgarh, one held

In August last year, Gariyaband police had seized 171 pieces of rough diamonds worth around ₹25 lakh from a smuggler. Police had said that the man was a part of an inter-state gang working in the area and more arrests could follow.

Updated on: Feb 3, 2021, 19:00:49 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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The Chhattisgarh police arrested a person for smuggling diamonds worth over ₹22 lakh in Gariyaband district, police said on Wednesday.

The police recovered 221 pieces of diamonds of different sizes worth around ₹22.10 lakh kept in an envelope, from the man's possession. (PHOTO: Chhattisgarh Police)

According to the police, a total of 221 pieces of rough diamonds were recovered from his possession and further investigation is on.

With the recovery of this latest cache, the Gariyaband police have so far seized 573 pieces of rough diamonds worth ₹74.60 lakh in five separate cases in the district during the last one year, a police official said.

According to a release issued by the Gariyaband police, one Arvind Pradhan, a resident of Mongra village of Gariyaband district was arrested on Tuesday evening.

The police recovered 221 pieces of diamonds of different sizes worth around ₹22.10 lakh kept in an envelope, from his possession. “The investigation revealed that the accused had illegally brought the diamonds from Payalikhand area and was planning to sell it,” said the press release.

In August last year, Gariyaband police had seized 171 pieces of rough diamonds worth around ₹25 lakh from a smuggler. Police had said that the man was a part of an inter-state gang working in the area and more arrests could follow.

Diamonds are found in Deobhog area of Gariyaband district.

“Some people carry out illegal mining for months and manage to get some diamonds after which they contact traders. Some gangs engage labourers and locals for mining and collect rough diamonds. There are some inter-state gangs who supply the diamonds to some traders of other states,” said a police officer posted in the district.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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