Kerala gold scandal: NIA takes Swapna, Sandeep to TVM locations for evidence collection

A team of National Investigation ncy took key accused in Kerala gold smuggling case — Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair — to ir residences in Thiruvanathapuram for evidence collection. team split up into two groups and took accused in separate vehicles to different places, including ir residences.

NIA took Sandeep Nair to his house in Aruvikkara on outskirts of city and also to flat near Secretariat where, according to probe team, three of prime accused met and hatched plan. investigation h found that accused h mand to book flat with help of M Sivasankar, former Principal Secretary to Chief Minister's Office. Sandeep was also taken to Vellayambalam and Maruthankuzhy as part of evidence collection.

Meanwhile, Swapna Suresh was also taken to flat near Secretariat, after which she was taken by NIA team to her apartment in Ambalamukku where she used to reside with her family.

Meanwhile, NIA has also request Interpol to issue a blue corner tice against Faisal Fareed, ar accused in high-profile case. Earlier, a n-bailable warrant was issued against Fareed by a special NIA court in Kochi.

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Kerala gold smuggling case

On July 5, Customs officials seized 30 kg of gold worth Rs.15 crore at  Thiruvananthapuram Airport from a diplomatic cargo dressed to a person in UAE Consulate. Sarith Kumar, who worked at  UAE Consulate was arrested in this regard. Reportedly, he told Customs about role of Swapna Suresh, an ex-Consulate employee w working as  manr of  Kerala State Information Techlogy Infrastructure Limited.

case took a political turn after photos with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan surfaced. It has been alleged that Suresh has links with CM and has been seen with him at parties when she was working at UAE Consulate. Following backlash over her appointment, she was sacked by state government. On Thursday, Vijayan anunced that  suspension of his former Principal Secretary M Sivasankar pending departmental inquiry. It was reportedly found that he h violated All-India Services Conduct rules due to his connections with Thiruvananthapuram gold smuggling accused.

(With ANI inputs)

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