Kerala Gold Smuggling: Opposition Demands Resignation Of Pinarayi Vijayan After Swapna Suresh Reveals In Court That CM And His Family Were Involved

The opposition parties in Kerala have demanded the resignation of state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan after Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the gold smuggling case, made startling disclosure in a court that CM, his family members along with his key bureaucratic aides were involved in the scandal.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday (Jun 7) after recording her statement under Section 164 of the CrPC at the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Swapna Suresh said that large biryani pots containing “heavy metal objects” were despatched from the UAE consul-general’s residence at Jawahar Nagar in Thiruvananthapuram to Cliff House, the CM’s official residence, on multiple occasions in the consulate’s vehicles. Swapna Suresh alleged that it was done under the instructions of M Sivasankar, who was then serving as the principal secretary in the CMO.

Swapna also said she had given a detailed statement regarding the involvement of Sivasankar, the CM, his wife Kamala and daughter Reena, his office secretary C M Raveendran, IAS officer Nalini Netto and Jaleel in the smuggling racket.

"Surprisingly, we have delivered biriyani vessels with huge weight from the Consul General's house to Cliff House (CM's official house) in the vehicle of the consulate. This was according to the instructions of Sivasankar. It was not just biryani, it had metal objects. There have been many incidents like this. When taken to Cliff House I think it's common sense (on asking about whether CM is aware or not)," Swapna further said.

"Everything else has been said in court. There is a case going on and the investigation should be proper. If everyone is involved, according to the decree of involvement, the court and the investigation agencies should listen to an accused and understand what is their involvement," she added.

She also urged the court and the investigation agencies to conduct proper investigation. "Everything else has been said in court. There is a case going on and the investigation should be proper. If everyone is involved, according to the decree of involvement, the court and the investigation agencies should listen to an accused and understand what is their involvement," she added.

Opposition Demands CM's Resignation

Congress state president K.Sudhakaran urged CM Vijayan to resign immediately.

“It is a disgrace to democracy that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is continuing in office. If there is an iota of self-respect, he should resign and show democratic wisdom, guts and righteousness,” he said.

Congress also demanded a judicial or CBI inquiry under the supervision of the court.

Dismissing Congress's demand, CM Vijayan termed allegations as a "part of the political agenda to destabilise his government".

"These comments by the accused are part of the political agenda. The public had already dismissed this agenda. After an interval, they are making the accused repeat the same statement. There is not even an iota of facts in this allegation. If you think that by spreading these lies, you can destroy the determination of the government and political leadership, I am reminding you that this is a futile exercise," he said.

"I strongly believe that society will give an apt reply to those who think that they can benefit from this," the CM Vijayan added. Stating that the public will dismiss the "fake allegations" aimed at tarnishing his government, CM Vijayan said that it works for the "comprehensive development and social welfare of Kerala".

Gold Smuggling Case

The Kerala gold smuggling case pertains to the smuggling of gold in the state through diplomatic channels. It had come to light after 30 kg gold worth Rs 14.82 crore smuggled in a consignment camouflaged as diplomatic baggage was busted by the customs department in Thiruvananthapuram on July 5, 2019. After spending 16 months behind bars, Swapna was released from jail in November last year.

The case is being probed by the Enforcement Directorate, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the customs department. Earlier this year, Swapna Suresh had alleged that she was exploited and manipulated by M Sivasankar, principal secretary of CM Vijayan.

The statements came after Sivasankar in his upcoming autobiography "Aswathamavu: Verum Oru Aana" alleged that Swapna had trapped him by gifting him an iPhone. Sivasankar was arrested on October 28, 2020, after the Kerala High Court rejected his anticipatory bail petition.

In his upcoming book, he alleged that Swapna had deceived him and that she was the mastermind of the gold smuggling racket, according to vernacular media reports. Sivasankar was released on bail on February 4, last year.

(With inputs from PTI)