Gold smuggling case: Swapna Suresh knew Anil Nambiar since 2018

Thiruvananthapuram: Gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh has revealed that she knew journalist Anil Nambiar for a long time.

In her statement, Swapna told Customs department that she knew Anil Nambiar since 2018. "'On the day the gold was seized at the airport, Anil had called me and asked to make the UAE consulate general release a press statement that the gold was not smuggled through diplomatic baggage," she told the officials.

According to Swapna, she got acquainted with Anil when entrepreneur Atlas Ramachandran was imprisoned in Dubai. As there was a cheating case against Anil in Dubai, he could not visit the country. Anil wanted to interview Atlas Ramachandran in UAE. Two years ago, Anil had called Sarith seeking help in this regard. Sarith then called Swapna, who brought the matter to the notice of the UAE consulate general. Using his influence, the consulate general arranged help for Anil to visit Dubai without problems, Swapna said.

To thank Swapna for the favour, Anil organised a dinner for her at Taj hotel in 2018 and they also consumed liquor together. Anil asked Swapna about UAE investments in India and sought her help to secure the consulate’s support for BJP, Swapna said.

Anil asked Swana if she could arrange for the consulate general to inaugurate his friend’s establishment named Naveen Tiles. Swapna promised to arrange it.

Swapna said that she met Anil again for the inauguration of Naveen Tiles. Before the event, Anil had asked Swapna what the consulate general should be gifted for inaugurating the firm. Swapna had suggested an Apple MacBook. Subsequently, the consulate general was gifted an Apple MacBook during the inauguration. From then on, Anil used to stay in touch with Swapna, she said.

When the gold was seized at Thiruvananthapuram airport, the consulate general from Dubai called Swapna and asked her to prevent the news from coming out, Swapna told the Customs.

Swapna added that she was helpless at that time. Meanwhile, Anil Nambiar called Swapna after watching the news about the gold being seized. Anil asked Swapna to make the consulate general release a statement that the gold was not smuggled through diplomatic baggage.

Swapna informed this to the consulate general who asked her to make Anil Nambiar prepare the press release. Based on Swapna’s request, Anil prepared a press release and emailed it to her. Swapna told the Customs officials that she did not follow up on the email as she was afraid of her own safety.