Kerala gold smuggling case: MoS says CM tried to 'aid smugglers', demands his resignation

As Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's ex-principal secretary M Sivasankar in Gold smuggling probe, MoS MEA V Muraleedharan has once again demanded resignation of Kerala CM. Terming him as 'arrogant and shameless', Muraleedharan said that arrest has proved his direct involvement in Gold scam. In a tweet, he also said that arrest exposes  "deliberate attempt" of Kerala CM to "shelter and aid smugglers & anti-national elements."

Earlier, in his first reaction after arrest, he h congratulated investigative ncies in thwarting efforts by Kerala government and Vijayan to sabot probe in gold smuggling scam. He h said that former Principal Secretary to Kerala CM was one of masterminds of gold smuggling case and demanded resignation of Vijayan while ding that ar member of ruling alliance in Kerala should take over as Chief Minister.

RE | Kerala Gold Smuggling Probe: ED Arrests Kerala CM's Ex-principal Secy M Sivasankar

Sivasankar arrested by ED

On Wednesday, Sivasankar was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) after being taken into custody ten hours ago. Kerala High Court h denied anticipatory bail to Sivasankar. Sources report that ED has levelled money laundering and Benami charges against Shivshankar, in Kerala gold smuggling case. On Thursday, Sivasankar will be brought to principle session court. 

RE | Kerala gold smuggling: ED takes CM's ex-Secy Sivasankar into custody after HC denies bail

What is 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 and was arrested, told Customs about role of Swapna Suresh, an ex-Consulate employee working as manr of Kerala State Information Techlogy Infrastructure Limited. NIA which took over case on July 9 confiscated a bag containing documents of dubious financial dealings while arresting Suresh and Nair.

case took a political turn after photos of Suresh with CM Pinarayi Vijayan surfaced allegedly attending several parties where he was present. Moreover, Principal Secretary to CM M Sivasankar has been replaced after his role in hiring Suresh and his contact with her came under probe and has been questioned several times by ED. Opposition has unsuccessfully moved a -confidence motion against CM, demanding his resignation.

Reportedly, neighbours of Swapna Suresh have seen Sivasankar visiting her house quite often. This house has allegedly been used for planning smuggling operations. Customs raided his residence and obtained CCTV foot from various places where he met Suresh and or accused in past few months.  As per ED, Sivasankar directed his Chartered Accountant Venugopal and Suresh to open a joint locker. proceeds of crime are believed to have been stored in locker. Previously, NIA seized cash and gold worth Rs.1 crore from same locker.

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