Kochi (Kerala): A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Kochi has sent Sarith PS, who is the prime accused in the high-profile Kerala gold smuggling case, to seven-day NIA custody on Friday.
Sarith was produced before the special court by the agency earlier in the day.
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.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that India is in touch with UAE authorities regarding the probe into Kerala gold smuggling case.
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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, 30 kg gold worth Rs 15 crore concealed in diplomatic consignment was seized at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport by the Customs Department.
Following this, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan government has come under fire from the opposition parties including Congress and BJP
BJP chief JP Nadda on July 12 had alleged the involvement of Kerala CM’s office in the gold smuggling case.
(With inputs from ANI)
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