Mizoram govt order CBI probe into gold bar dacoity case

Mizoram government has given formal consent to CBI investigation into the robbery of smuggled gold bars worth Rs 14.5 crore allegedly by Assam Rifles personnel and others near here on December 14 last.
The notification in this regard was issued last evening, officials said today.
The dacoity case, allegedly involving suspended Commandant of the 39th Assam Rifles, eight other AR personnel and four civilians, was handed over to the CBI as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the state police probing it faced various problems.
The SIT officials faced problems like lack of modern equipment, involvement of Army officials and people outside the state and country, Home Minister R Lalzirliana said.

A vehicle carrying 52 smuggled gold bars worth Rs 14.5 crore was waylaid at the outskirts of Aizawl on December 14 by suspected personnel of the Assam Rifles who fled with the booty. The gold bars were concealed in the gearbox of the car.
The owner and driver of the vehicle C Lalnunfela lodged an FIR on April 21 following which a case was registered at Kulikawn Police Station in Aizawl.
Lalzirliana said the SIT did a commendable job by arresting 13 accused including Colonel Singh, eight AR men and four civilians in connection with the case.
"Apart from the problems being faced by the SIT in the investigation, rumours of highly-placed people getting involved in the case and also Col Singh's refusal to cooperate forced us to hand over the case to the CBI," he said.