7 arrested as police seize 3 trucks smuggling potatoes to Jharkhand amid price surge in Bengal

On Sunday afternoon, Boro police successfully intercepted three trucks carrying large quantities of potatoes on the Manbazar-Bandwan road, near the Boro BDO office. The vehicles were stopped as part of a routine inspection at a check-post. Upon questioning, the drivers provided inconsistent answers regarding the cargo. This prompted further investigation, during which it was revealed that the trucks were transporting potatoes illegally to Jharkhand, violating the state’s recent ban on potato exports.

The police arrested seven individuals, including the three drivers and their helpers. The arrested individuals were taken into custody for their involvement in the smuggling operation. The police seized the trucks and the potatoes being transported. The trucks are now in the custody of the authorities, and the arrested individuals are scheduled to be presented before the Purulia court on Monday for further proceedings.

The trucks were intercepted at a strategic location where police had set up a check-post to monitor the movement of goods. While the exact quantity of potatoes being smuggled has not been disclosed, the operation marks a significant effort by authorities to curb illegal transportation amid rising potato prices in the state. The confiscated goods and vehicles are currently under investigation, and additional legal actions are expected.