Gold smuggling: 23 SIs transferred

KOCHI: In the wake increasing incidents of gold smuggling via Nedumbassery airport, 23 SIs under the Immigration department have been shunted out. It was only recently that two SIs were arrested in connection with the smuggling incidents centred on the airport. The transfer of the SIs follows this arrest.

The State Home Ministry has issued them a circular, asking them to return to State police force  when their deputation ends in December. The immigration department has received a letter confirming the transfer, however the officials have not officially confirmed that the reason for the transfer is linked to gold smuggling. It is speculated that the action follows the report submitted by Secret Intelligence agencies. 

In recent times , COFEPOSA or the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (1974) was invoked against four persons including Emigration department SIs. The arrest took place after four-kg gold concealed in a laptop was recovered from one Ijaz on January 14. On questioning, Ijaz revealed the  names of certain Immigration SIs who helped him stealthily take the gold out of the airport.    

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