Kerala gold smuggling: Chief Secy to probe link between accused & CMO, CM assures action

In ar update in Kerala gold smuggling case, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has 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. 

Reflecting upon minister KT Jaleel's alleged involvement in case, Vijayan stated that minister has alrey issued a clarification. He ded that Jaleel has also shared a screenshot of mess he received from UAE Consulate General. ncies have told Republic TV that records show Swapna Suresh me nine calls to state's Higher Education Minister Jaleel in last one month alone and an SMS was also shared. On or hand, contact between Sarith Kumar and CM's principal secretary, M Sivasankar, was me at least 13 to 14 times eir through calls or text messs.

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

RE | Kerala Gold Smuggling Case: NIA Moves CBI To Issue Blue Corner tice Against Key Accused

NIA continues investigation

NIA h took 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. 

During a hearing, NIA informed special court that Suresh and Nair forged seal and emblem of UAE Embassy to commit crime. Moreover, it argued that smuggled gold was t used for jewellery purpose, but for terror activities. Suresh and Nair shall remain in NIA custody till July 21.

RE | Kerala Gold Scandal: Swapna Suresh And Kerala Min Exchanged Calls, Records Under Scanner

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. 

Behanan also alleged that link of former IT secretary, who is a key accused in case, with Chief Minister is clear w and that attempts to protect accused have become 'evident w.' He ded that Opposition will continue protests demanding Vijayan's resignation.

RE | Kerala Gold Smuggling: UDF To Move -confidence Motion Against Pinarayi Vijayan Govt

RE | Kerala Gold Smuggling: Cong Calls For CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Resignation, Seeks CBI Probe