Kochi (Kerala): A special National Investigation Agency court on Friday sent Sarith PS, the prime accused in Kerala gold smuggling case, to judicial custody till August 21.
He had earlier been sent to seven-day custody by the NIA court on July 17.
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) had said that India is in touch with UAE authorities regarding the probe into Kerala gold smuggling case.
READ:| Kerala Gold Smuggling: NIA issues notice to CM's former Principal Secretary
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.
Inputs from agencies
