Representational Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Kochi: Nine customs officials were dismissed from service for their involvement in gold smuggling via Karipur International Airport. An order in this regard was issued by the Kochi Customs Preventive Commissioner on the basis of an internal probe report.
As per reports, a CBI case is also pending against these officers. Their involvement in the gold smuggling was traced by a probe by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)-Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team amid a raid in January 2021.
Officers namely customs superintendents S Asha and Ganapathi Potty, inspectors Yogesh, Yasser Arafat, Sudheer Kumar, Naresh Gulia, V Minimol and head hawaldars Ashokan and Francis have been dismissed from service.
Meanwhile, another officer superintendent KM Jose, who faced CBI action, had retired from the service. Also, two increments of customs superintendent Satyamendra Singh were suspended earlier. These officers would have to face action from CBI court later.
The CBI raids were carried out following recurring complaints from the passengers alleging gold smuggling at the airport with the aid of customs officials.
The accused officers were suspended for six months the very next day of conducting the raids. However, as the investigation prolonged, they joined the head office of the preventive commissionerate in Kochi as the suspension period got over.
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