Kerala Gold Smuggling: NIA takes key accused Sarith for evidence collection

National Investigation Agency (NIA) team took Sarith PS, an accused in the gold smuggling case, to a flat near Secretariat where according to the probe, the accused in the case planned the smuggling.

Thiruvananthapuram: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on Tuesday took Sarith PS, the prime accused in the high profile gold smuggling case, to a flat near Secretariat where according to the probe, the accused in the case met and planned.

Earlier today, the special NIA court in Kochi extended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair, both accused in the case, till July 24. The court is also set to consider the bail plea of the two accused on July 24.

Sarith, an accused in the case who had previously worked as a public relations officer (PRO) in UAE Consulate-General's office in Thiruvananthapuram, was arrested on July 6 and remanded to 14 days.

READ:Kerala gold smuggling: Swapna Suresh, Sandeep Nair sent to NIA custody till July 24

The NIA, which was directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to probe the matter, has also charged two other main accused -- Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair -- with offences under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

On July 5, 30kg gold worth Rs 15 crore concealed in diplomatic consignment was seized at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport by the Customs Department.