Karipur gold smuggling: Case registered against top CISF official, probe to identify co-accused

Malappuram: A case has been registered against Haryana native Naveen, who is Assistant Commandant of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), for allegedly colluding with a senior customs official at the Kozhikode airport to facilitate the smuggling of gold. 

Police have registered a case against Naveen under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Meanwhile, the probe team is trying to unearth the identity of a senior customs official who aided Naveen. According to the police, the accused assisted in gold smuggling via the airport at least 60 times during the last three months.

A few days ago, police arrested four persons from outside the Karipur airport based on secret information received by District Police Chief S. Sujit Das. Subsequent questioning led the police team to Naveen and the conspiracy behind the smuggling. 

The CISF Regional IG in Bengaluru has been notified of the case against Naveen. According to police, Naveen tipped off the smuggling group while the accused customs officer was on duty at the airport.

P. Sharafali (36), a Kondotty native who works as staff of a private luggage handling company, assisted Naveen. It was from him that officials seized Rs 1 lakh and a mobile phone. 

The customs officer will text his duty time to Sharafalis phone, who will then relay the information to Naveen. Officials have also obtained critical information from Sharafali's phone, such as images of smugglers and financial documents.