The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has indicated that terror group Islamic State (ISIS) was involved in the recent gold smuggling in Kerala. The agency informed the Kerala High Court that they have an intelligence report which says that there are “Islamic State” links to the Kerala gold smuggling racket.
NIA strongly argued that no bail should be permitted for Swapna Suresh and other accused since they have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The counsel informed that they have strong evidence against Swapna Suresh, Sandeep Nair and Sarith that they were involved in the gold smuggling racket and they should be interrogated by the agency to find out the emerging links.
In yet another significant revelation, it has also come to light that the third accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case is allegedly linked to Muslim League leader. According to reports, NIA will seek the help of Interpol to arrest Fazil Fareed, a Dubai resident.
CPM’s minister KT Jaleel phoned Swapna 9 times!
Meanwhile, the call data records between former SIMI leader and present CPM minister KT Jaleel and the accused Swapna Suresh showed that as many as 16 calls were made between them. While Jaleel called Swapna eight times, she called him once.
Speaking to media, Jaleel claimed that he had spoken to Swapna only about distribution of ‘Ramzan food kits’ from the UAE consulate. “The consulate used to distribute food kits during Ramzan. This year, it didn’t happen due to the lockdown. So, the consul-general messaged me on May 27 expressing his wish to distribute the food kits and I agreed to make arrangements through Consumerfed. The consul-general messaged me that Swapna would contact me,” he said.
According to the data, the phone calls were made two months ago. Contrary to the justification of Jaleel, Swapna was no longer working with the consulate during Ramzan period as she left the job in 2019 itself.
Customs questions CM’s principal secretary
As per call data records, Sivasankar, former Principal secretary to the Chief Minister, also found in regular touch with the key accused Sarith and Swapna. Based on the evidence, Sivashankar was interrogated by Customs officials.
However, Chief minister Vijayan told reporters on Tuesday that there were still no proper grounds for suspending Sivasankar from service. Sivshankar was considered to be the blue-eyed boy of CM Vijayan. Sivshankar, as IT secretary came to the rescue of CM Vijayan when the Sprinklr data scam rocked the LDF Government earlier this year.
BJP to launch protest against LDF Government
The BJP has decided to launch a series of agitations in connection with the gold smuggling case till Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan resigns and faces inquiry.
The agitations are scheduled to take place from July 16 to July 23. On July 16 and 17, the party will conduct ‘satyagraha’ at all district centres. There will be one-day ‘satyagraha’ by NDA leaders on July 22. On July 23, 24 and 25, one-day ‘satyagraha’ will be held in all legislative assembly constituencies.
On July 27, the party will launch an agitation in 15,000 centres across the state. Besides, various frontal organisations of the party will launch statewide agitations from July 18 to 23. The party informed media that the leadership and workers will strictly adhere to Covid protocol during the protests.
