Gold smuggling: More people with political connections to be nabbed

Kochi: Soon after the arrest of Koduvally municipal councillor Karat Faizal, many other people with political connections are likely to be arrested in connection with the gold smuggling case, it is learnt. Faizal has shared the assets earned through gold smuggling with his friends in politics. The Customs is also probing into the transactions done by Faizal's relatives. They have come to know that Faizal used to deliver gold to the jewelleries in Koduvally.

The statements given by gold smuggling case accused K T Ramees and another accused Sandeep Nair's wife Soumya was crucial in tracking down Karat Faizal. The probe team first heard his name in connection with the case from Sandeep's wife Soumya. She had said that Sandeep and Faizal used to meet each other and always engaged in phone conversations.

Following this, Customs started monitoring Faizal. However, they could not collect any evidence. Samju and others who were arrested from Malappuram had mentioned Faizal's name to the probe team. More information regarding him was received from the key conspirator K T Ramees.

Ramees revealed to the probe team that he had smuggled gold for Faizal many times and even mentioned the dates when he carried out the smuggling operations. He also disclosed names of many others who helped him in smuggling gold.