Kerala gold smuggling: UDF to move no-confidence motion against Pinarayi 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. 

" UDF meet today has decided to move a -confidence motion against government and resolution against Speaker. UDF has entrusted matter with Opposition Congress Leer Ramesh Chennithala," PTI quoted UDF convener. 

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

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Accused sent to 8-day NIA custody 

As per latest update in case, key accused Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair have been sent to NIA custody for 8 days. During 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.

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Meanwhile, Customs officials in Kochi have also recorded statement of Fazil Fareed - third accused in case. According to Customs officials, Fazil is in Dubai and y called his friend to contact him and recorded his statement. Fareed is a native of Thrissur.

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Kerala Gold Smuggling 

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: Swapna Suresh & Sandeep Nair Sent To 8-day NIA Custody

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.