Kerala gold smuggling probe: ED arrests Kerala CM's ex-principal secy M Sivasankar

In a massive development, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's ex-principal secretary M Sivasankar on Wednesday, was placed under arrest by Enforcement Directorate (ED) after being taken into custody - 10 hours ago. Kerala High Court h anticipatory denied bail to Sivasankar, earlier in day after which he was taken into custody by ED. Sources report that ED has levelled money laundering and Benami charges against Shivshankar, in Kerala gold smuggling case.

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CM's ex-principal secy arrested

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

Arguments in court

ditional Solicitor General (ASG) Suryaprakash V Raju h submitted sealed case diary to judge stating categorically that it h clear evidence which shows Sivasankar me calls to customs officials t to check bagg that came via diplomatic channels. Emphasising that ecomic offences have 'deep-rooted conspiracies', he said Sivasankar is directly involved with proceeds of crime highlighting "Swapna was totally under Sivasankar's control". Swapna Suresh - main accused in case, has been granted bail by Ecomic Offences Court in Kochi in case filed by Customs department, but she remains in jail after being named in NIA case.  She has mitted to NIA that CM Pinarayi Vijayan was aware of her appointment in consulate, and 11 people have been arrested till date- including her.

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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.

Kerala gold scam: 5 accused sent to NIA custody; Swapna's bail to be heard on Thursday