M Sivasankar | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: The suspension of M. Sivasankar, former Principal Secretary of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and IT secretary, has been extended. The state had intimated to the Centre on extending the suspension of Sivasankar who was named in the gold smuggling case. Sivasankar’s suspension period would end by July 16.
The probe agencies have not got any substantial proof against Sivasankar and he was not named accused in the case. But he had close contacts with gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh. Swapna was offered job at the IT department on the recommendation of Sivasankar. Hence, the name of Sivasankar cannot be completely removed from the case. Moreover, the opposition may come out against the government if he is taken back.
Sivasankar was shunted out from his post of IT secretary and principal secretary to CM after his name popped up in connection with his involvement of Swapna Suresh who was charged in a smuggling racket. There were allegations that Sivasankar maintained close links with Swapna and had lengthy phone conversations with her. Sivasankar was also questioned by the Customs in connection with the case.
In February he was granted bail and was directed to furnish a bond of Rs 2 lakh, two sureties for the like amount. The customs had arrested him in the dollar case on January 23, 2021. He was granted bail in two cases.
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