Gold Smuggling Trade Claims Young Life in Sonamura
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Sonamura/ Agartala
- Sep 10, 2025
- 830
A sensational murder linked to international gold smuggling has rocked the border subdivision of Sonamura in Tripura. The victim, identified as Suleman Hossain (22), was brutally killed on Tuesday night, allegedly by members of a smuggling syndicate operating along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
The Incident
According to police sources, Suleman was taken away from his residence on Tuesday evening by 4–5 members of the smuggling gang. Later that night, around 2:30 a.m., he managed to call his mother, crying for help and informing her that he was being assaulted. Hours later, his lifeless body was discovered—dumped near the Sonamura hospital premises by the assailants, who fled in a vehicle immediately after.
The shocking discovery on Wednesday morning triggered chaos, drawing large crowds of locals and prompting a swift police response.
The Smuggling Nexus
Investigations reveal that Suleman had been associated with a gold smuggling racket operating across the India-Bangladesh border. Smugglers on the Bangladeshi side reportedly throw gold biscuits over the border fence, which are then collected by local agents.
A woman named Ruksana Begum, a resident of NC Nagar village, has been detained for questioning. Police suspect she played a key role in collecting the smuggled consignments and forwarding them to Agartala, from where they were further routed to Kolkata.
Just three days ago, sources say, smugglers had pushed through gold worth nearly ₹1.2 crore across the fence. Suleman was tasked with collecting the consignment, but he allegedly failed to deliver it. This dispute is believed to have led to his abduction and subsequent murder.
Family’s Allegations
Family members have accused the smuggling syndicate of systematically exploiting and threatening local youths. They allege that Suleman was made a scapegoat when the high-value consignment went missing.
Police Action
Sonamura police have launched a full-scale investigation. While Ruksana Begum remains in custody, officers confirm that raids are being carried out to nab other members of the gang.
A senior officer remarked:
“This is not just a murder case. It exposes a dangerous network of cross-border smuggling that has been thriving in the region. We are determined to dismantle this racket.”
The Bigger Picture
The case sheds light on how international gold smuggling syndicates exploit porous border regions, turning rural youths into carriers and risking their lives in high-stakes operations. With tensions escalating, security forces may face mounting pressure to crack down on such networks and restore a sense of safety in Sonamura.