Role of Kerala CM's office in gold smuggling case needs to be probed: Chennithala

Thiruvananthapuram, July 19 (PTI) Senior Congress leer Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday demanded that role of Office of Chief Minister in gold sensational smuggling case needs to be probed and Pinarayi Vijayan should be questioned.

"Time is ripe for investigating role of CMO in smuggling case and even questioning chief minister himself," Chennithala said.

Reports about close involvement of top bureaucrats at CM's Office with key accused in gold smuggling "have exposed its inefficiency" and rampant corruption prevalent re, Leer of Opposition in Assembly told reporters here.

Responding to claim of Left frontthat Vijayan was an able ministrator, Chennithala said if that was so his office would t have "deteriorated into a haven for smugglers." gold, worth around Rs 15 crore, was received at airport here as a diplomatic cargo dressed to an official in consulate of United Arab Emirates and Customs have said y suspected a syndicate misused diplomatic immunity to smuggle it.

case is being investigated by Customs and National Investigation ncy, which has booked four people-- Swapna Suresh, Sarith, Sandeep Nair and Fasil Fareed, under Unlawful Activities (Prevention ) Act.

On spike in COVID-19 cases and community transmission in two places in Thiruvananthapuram, Congress leer said state government should take remedial measures immediately.

testing and facilities for patients needs to be ramped up.

Accusing Left government of 'failing' to conduct more tests, Chennithala said Kerala did t test eugh, fearing it would dent its "PR-built" im.

government did thing despite opposition seeking an increase in primary care facilities, quarantine centres, rapid response teams and proper training for volunteers.

"Data manipulation by government is ar area of concern," he alleged.

Alleging that it was "Consultancy Raj" w in state, Chennithala said Congress was t against consultancies, but y should be selected and appointed by following strict rms. PTI UD ROH ROH