Nagpur, India: In a significant crackdown on illegal activities ahead of the Assembly elections, Nagpur’s Crime Branch detained two men on Friday afternoon for smuggling diamonds and gold valued at ₹1.63 crore. Based on precise intelligence, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) Rahul Maknikar led the operation in the Imambada area.

The two suspects, Sheikh Salim Sheikh Wazir (30) and Kunal Ramesh Shirke (30), both residents of Siraspeth, were stopped by police while riding a motorcycle in Imambada. Acting on a tip-off, the officers had set up a trap in the area and, after noticing the suspects’ suspicious behaviour, intercepted them. Upon searching the duo, authorities discovered a bag containing diamond jewellery and gold biscuits.

Questioned about the high-value items, the suspects were unable to provide satisfactory explanations. Initial investigations indicated that the diamonds and gold had been smuggled in by plane from Mumbai. The two had then travelled from Nagpur’s Sonegaon area to Imambada on a motorcycle, where they were apprehended.

With the recovery of smuggled items worth ₹1.63 crore, the operation marks a key success in the Crime Branch’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal trade in the city. Further investigations are underway to uncover potential links to larger smuggling networks.