Niranjan Paul, who was originally from West Bengal in India, was caught while returning to Baglung from Parbat by taxi, informed police. Paul has been living in Laligurash of Baglung Municipality-2 all these years. [break]
"We arrested Paul during regular checking. The gold he was found in possession of was bought without paying any customs duty," said DSP Surendra Bahadur Gurung.
"Through preliminary investigation, we have come to learn that Paul reached Baglung by taxi (Ga.1. Ja. 3120) at around 11p.m. and we believe he is involved in gold smuggling," added Gurung.
Gurung informed that Paul will be charged under the Customs Service Amendment Act. "If he is found guilty, he will face a fine and five-year jail term at the least," said Gurung. "We have found that the taxi driver is not implicated," he added.
However, Paul, in his statement, claimed to have payed all taxes for the gold in question.
"The marriage session is on and demand for the yellow metal is high. Paul is a local goldsmith we have known for years," said Chairperson of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, Balgung, Sudesh Rajbandari.
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