Kerala Gold Smuggling racket gets fresh suspect; customs sure of cracking case in 2 days

In Kerala gold smuggling case, Customs officials investigating case on Wednesday stated that a person named Sandeep, involved along with Sarith Kumar and Swapna Suresh is absconding. Sources said that Sandeep's wife has been summoned by Customs in Ernakulam and is been questioned.

Officials to crack entire chain of crime in 2 days

Officials said that Sandeep, partner in crime with Sarith, is on run but  department is hopeful that y will be able to crack entire chain of crime in 2 days. Meanwhile, late-night raids at flat of Swapna Suresh continued as Police took charge of CCTV foot from building.

UAE Embassy in India on Tuesday said that authorities h launched an independent investigation into  gold smuggling case.  Embassy said that culprits have t only committed a major crime but also "sought to tarnish reputation of UAE mission in India" and y will t be spared.

'Culprits will t be spared'

" authorities in UAE have launched an investigation to find out who sent cargo containing gold to dress of UAE consulate," UAE Embassy in New Delhi said in a tweet.

Kerala gold smuggling racket

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.

RE | Kerala Gold Smuggling: Congress writes to PM Modi seeking intervention, demands CBI probe

case took a political turn after photos with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan surfaced. It has been alleged that Swapna 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. Moreover, Principal Secretary to CM M Sivasankar has been replaced after his role in hiring Suresh came under scanner.

RE | Kerala gold smuggling case: CM Vijayan sheds responsibility, distances from key accused

Kerala CM responds to controversy

dressing media on Tuesday, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan ruled out connection of state government to gold smuggling case. Stating that all airports are working under Centre, he said that state governments cant do anything. He also claimed that Swapna Suresh has connection with Chief Minister's Office and IT Department, ding that she was recruited through a placement ncy.

RE | Pinarayi Vijayan's grandson crashes press conference as Kerala CM works from home

RE | Kerala gold smuggling: UAE commences independent probe; says 'Culprits will t be spared'