Gold smuggling: Arjun Aayanki, Shafeeq to be interrogated jointly

Kochi:  Customs informed that the mastermind in the Karipur smuggling activities was Arjun Aayanki. Arjun was interrogated and taken into custody based on the statement given by the first accused Muhammed Shafeeq. Shafeeq told customs that smuggling was undertaken for Arjun Aayanki and this was refuted by Arjun. At the same time, Arjun told Customs that he was aware of smuggling at the airport.

The customs said that Arjun had destroyed the mobile phone and other evidence and is not cooperating with the probe team. He answers all questions in a prepared way. Arjun has been named second accused in the case. Arjun, who appeared before the Ernakulam Enforcement court, was left to Customs custody till July 6. Muhammed Shafeeq was brought to the Kochi Preventive commissionerate and both will be interrogated jointly on Wednesday.

Arjun told Customs during the interrogation that he reached the airport along with his friend Rameez. Rameez had lent Rs 15000 to a person while in Dubai and had come to the airport to collect the money from the person who is reaching from Dubai.Arjun was aware that Shafeeq has sent some expensive items and he would get Rs 45000 for this.

The WhatsAapp chat and phone call details show that Arjun was not only the kingpin in smuggling activities but the real brain behind all the nefarious deeds. This was revealed by the Customs in a written document to the court.

Meanwhile, Arjun’s lawyer declined reports of Arjun accepting the crime. The customs told the court that if Arjun is let off then he could tamper with the evidence and as the value of the smuggled gold is worth over Rs 1 crore, he may not be entitled for bail under Customs Act 104.