Diplomatic baggage case: Customs levies Rs 6 cr penalty on Swapna; Sivasankar also fined

Kochi: The Customs department has levied fines against 66 persons, including former bureaucrat M Sivasankar and former consulate staffer Swapna Suresh, who were implicated in the diplomatic baggage case. The fines have been imposed for violations related to the improper exportation of goods.

The customs found that the accused smuggled gold worth Rs 46.49 crore. The total fine slapped amounts to more than Rs 66 crore. Sivasankar has been slapped with a fine of Rs 50 lakh, while Swapna Suresh has been fined Rs 6 crore. It is learned that all accused are likely to approach the tribunal with an appeal. 

With the slapping of fine and submission of preliminary report by the customs, investigating agencies Enforcement Directorate and National Investigation Agency may get into action for further probe. 
However, the pertinent question for whom the gold was brought remains unanswered. None of the accused have confessed to the possession. Similarly, investigating agencies have not been successful in bringing the key conspirator Faizal Fareed, who allegedly sent the gold, to India.