Kerala Gold smuggling:Swapna Suresh's plea seeking copy of statement to Customs, dismissed

In a new development in Kerala Gold smuggling scam, Kerala High Court on Monday dismissed a plea filed by prime accused Swapna Suresh who sought a copy of statement given by her to Customs department during her interrogation.

court observed that document having Swapna Suresh's statement is confidential and hence refused authorities to give her a copy of her statement. customs in previous hearing h urged court to quash plea while contending that many political personalities may try to find an escape route if details of information revealed by Swapna Suresh gets leaked.

"Swapna's confidential statement was t listed under evidence list in report submitted to court. confidential statement given by Swapna was submitted in court to seek custody of accused. accused cant seek report legally as it forms part of investigation," Customs h submitted.

"When Swapna h given confidential statement to probe team, she told magistrate to seal it and keep it safe. Swapna feared a threat to her life and hence requested magistrate to keep it safe," it h ded.

case pertains to smuggling of gold in Kerala through diplomatic channels and is currently being probed by Enforcement Directorate (ED), National Investigation ncy (NIA) and Customs Department. opposition has been alleging complicity of CM Pinarayi Vijayan in scam and demanding his resignation after role of his ex-Principle Secretary M Sivasankar came under scanner, moreover, photos of CM with Swapna Suresh have also come to fore raising suspicion if CM is complicit to scam. Sivasankar has been arrested ED on October 28.

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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 Swapna 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 Swapna Suresh and or accused in past few months.

(With ANI inputs)

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