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Gold seized at Vizag airport reveals new tactic by gangs

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Visakhapatnam: The seizure of 63 kg gold at Visakhapatnam international airport has revealed a new strategy adopted by smuggling gangs to conceal the yellow metal in consumer electronic goods and landing at less frequented airports.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized the gold valued at Rs.16.85 crore from 56 passengers arriving from Malaysia and Singapore in the early hours of Monday.

DRI officials said Chennai-based gangs were bringing the precious metal in different shapes resembling the parts of the electronic goods, such as magnets in amplifiers, stand of speakers, central pulley of washing machine, rods of stand/trolley and magnets in transformer.

This was done in a meticulous way to avoid detection by customs officials through regular X-ray scanning of the baggage.

Investigations by DRI revealed that these couriers used to depart from Chennai airport to Malaysia or Singapore and return to less frequented airports with gold concealed in electronic goods or consumer durables such as music system, amplifiers, mini washing machine, electric oven, induction stove and television.

It was also found that the gangs were using large number of non-frequent passengers as couriers.

On specific intelligence, Chennai zonal unit of DRI with the assistance of DRI units at Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Customs Commissionerate, Visakhapatnam launched a major operation which began on Sunday night and continued till late Monday evening.

The operation resulted in huge haul of 63 kg of smuggled gold from three international flights – Air Asia 83 and Malindo 251, both from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Silk Air MI442 from Singapore.

The officials identified suspect passengers in the three flights which landed late Sunday night. Their baggage was segregated and scanned.

“The suspect goods were categorized individually and detailed examination was done by breaking open the goods in the concealment area,” said a statement by DRI.

The gold was brought in an illegal manner in violation of provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and Baggage Rules, 1998. The officials were questioning 56 passengers.

“Necessary legal action under Customs Act, 1962 for offences committed in smuggling of gold has been contemplated and the further investigation is on,” the statement said.

This is the biggest seizure of the yellow metal at Visakhapatnam airport and one of the biggest hauls in the country.

There has been a spurt in gold smuggling in recent years as the precious metal is being brought in illegally to avoid import duty.

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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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