Kochi: In connection with the diplomatic baggage gold smuggling case, Customs is likely to question former principal secretary M Sivasankar again. It is learned that Customs will quiz the IAS official to know whether he was aware of accused Swapna Suresh's financial transactions.
In her statement to Customs, Swapana had claimed that she received $1,85,000 apart from the amount for smuggling gold.
The Customs officials found that Swapna earned crores of rupees within a short period apart from gold smuggling. It was also uncovered that $1,35,00 was transferred to Swapna’s bank account.
Swapna had also revealed that she received $50,000 as remuneration. In the statement to Customs, Swapana had told that she received the amount as a commission for implementing housing projects in Kerala through NGOs in association with UAE government. She also added that a part of commission from these projects was given to UAE consulate general and attaché.
Swapna and first accused in the case, PS Sarith took leadership of the housing projects in various places including Thrissur district under NGOs in UAE. Swapna had told Customs that she sought the help of Sivasankar for the service of a chartered accountant to check her accounts.
When Customs interrogated Sivasankar earlier, Swapna was not taken into custody.
Hence, the customs officials are planning to summon Sivasankar for further interrogation.
Earlier, NIA had recovered Rs 1 crore and 1 kg gold from Swapna’s bank lockers.
