Kochi: Customs department stated that Thiruvananthapuram native Sandeep Nair is also one of the prime accused in the gold smuggling case. Customs hinted that along with the accused Sarith and Swapna, Sandeep was also involved in the crime. Hence, the search for Sandeep, who is missing, has been intensified.
Meanwhile, Sandeep’s wife Soumya was interrogated for several hours. She was brought to the customs office in Kochi on Wednesday. She told the officers that Sandeep made frequent forign trips. Soumya reportedly said that although she was suspicious of Sandeep's foreign trips, she did not know that it was related to gold smuggling. It is learned that Soumya would not be arrested in connection with the case.
Sandeep has a close relationship with Sarith and Swapna, the other accused in the case. The inauguration of Sandeep's firm was done by Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan. Customs department has also initiated steps to interrogate employees of the UAE consulate. It is reported that they are communicating with the central government regarding this. Agencies including NIA are also collecting information over the incident.
Meanwhile, investigation into the Kerala connection of Fasil, who sent the baggage from UAE, is also underway. It has also been revealed that Sarith took the smuggled gold out of the airport in his own vehicle. It is learned that the investigation officers will take Sarith under custody for seven days. Customs department will submit a request in the court in this regard.