Motihari, Feb. 7: Several gold traders have gone into hiding following revelations that a consignment of gold looted at gunpoint from a train at Bapu Dham Motihari railway station on January 29 evening was smuggled from Dubai.

Sources said the traders, in a state of panic, have not only switched off their cellphones but are presently staying with their political godfathers in Patna trying to wriggle out of the situation.

However, no FIR related to smuggling has been lodged even after a week of the incident either by the district police or the government railway police (GRP), which are conducting investigation into the alleged gold smuggling.

The loot FIR had however, been lodged. Four persons, including a policeman, had been arrested for the crime.

The Dubai connection has triggered speculations and gossip in the town.

"The case falls under the jurisdiction of the GRP and district police. If the gold was smuggled from Dubai, an FIR in the matter is to be registered by them. Only then would the customs initiate investigation in the matter", said the East Champaran assistant commissioner of customs," Pranesh Gupta.