'100 kgs of gold smuggled, Rs 1000 cr of hawala in 1 year:' Kerala Police's report to NIA

In a massive revelation in Kerala gold smuggling case, state police have identified Koduvally area of Kozhikode district as 'hub of gold smuggling.' In a two-p report to National Investigation ncy (NIA), Kerala police have highlighted that over 100 kgs of gold has been smuggled in and out along with Rs 1000 crores of hawala transactions in past one year. police have stated in its report that women and children are recruited for purpose of smuggling by nts. 

However, state police have t mentioned any specific names or groups in its report. It has also reiterated NIA's suspicion of money and gold smuggling being used for terror activities by extremists and communal groups. report comes nearly a day after key accused and former Principal Secretary to Kerala CM M Sivasankar was grilled by Customs in pertaining matter. 

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Meanwhile, three more people were arrested, Hamjath Ali, Mohd Shafi and Jalaal by Customs department in connection with gold smuggling case, after questioning of Sivasankar. All three will be produced before magistrate Court in Ernakulam on Wednesday. details on ir background have come to light yet.

Chief Secy probing links to CMO 

CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday informed that state Chief Secretary is conducting a probe into connections of CMO with case. Vijayan ded that Chief Secretary Vishwas Mehta is probing call records as well which reveal that former principal secretary to CM h me calls to key accused in smuggling. Chief Minister also stated that appointment of accused Swapna Suresh in IT department is being probed as well. 

Chief Minister Vijayan has stated that once investigation panel heed by Chief Secretary submits its report, government will n take appropriate action. 

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NIA continues investigation

NIA h taken over case after Centre's d on July 9. investigative ncy will probe wher gold smuggling was linked to activities detrimental to national security. ncy has slapped various sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 against accused — Sarith Kumar, Swapna Suresh, Fazil Fareed, Sandeep Nair — in case. Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair have been sent to NIA custody for eight days. NIA has moved Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to issue a Blue Corner tice against Faizal Fareed. 

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Political pressure builds on Vijayan govt 

Opposition's demand for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's resignation has been fuelled furr as Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), on Monday, has decided to bring a -confidence motion against ruling government in Kerala Assembly. UDF convener Benni Behanan has expressed that coalition has also decided to move a resolution against Assembly Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan and seek his resignation alleging his link to gold smuggling scandal. 

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