Kochi: In an affidavit submitted in court, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said they can not provide protection to Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the gold smuggling case. Earlier, Swapna Suresh approached the court alleging that her life was in danger and requested protection from the central government.
In reply to her petition filed in Ernakulam District Court, ED said they hold no power to provide protection to anyone. Upon request, the protection is provided by concerned state governments. Additionally, the central government cannot guarantee protection to the petitioner since they are not a party in the case, ED added.
Meanwhile, Swapna failed to appear for questioning in front of ED on Wednesday. By citing the ill health of her child, Swapna Suresh requested another day for the procedure.
She also failed to appear for questioning in the conspiracy case based on a complaint lodged by former minister KT Jaleel. Swapna said that the ED and the crime branch had asked her to appear for questioning on the same day.