Kerala gold smuggling case: NIA gets custody of main accused Sarith

The NIA got custody of the accused Sarith, Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair. According to sources, the NIA would question all of them together in the Kerala gold smuggling case  

Kochi: The main accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case Sarith has been remanded in National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody for seven days. Kochi NIA court ordered the remand.

As the NIA received custody of Sarith, they may question all the accused in the case together. Other accused Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair are already in NIA custody.

The NIA will also probe whether suspended former state IT secretary M Sivasankar is having any links in the conspiracy.

Meanwhile, the NIA have received crucial evidence in the case from Sarith's friend Akhil. A laptop and seal used to make fake consulate documents were also seized from Akhil. Presently, a customs team is questioning Akhil for more information.

Before the diplomatic baggage was opened, Sarith had informed his advocate that the baggage contained 25 kg gold. Advocate Kesari Krishnan also had said that Sarith had informed him that the UAE consulate attache was trying to trap him in the case.