M Sivasankar had been interrogated several times by the three central investigative agencies (Archive)
Thiruvananthapuram:
M Sivasankar, former senior secretary to Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has been arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement in an alleged money laundering case related to the gold smuggling case. The suspended agent was detained for questioning by the investigating agency on Wednesday morning, shortly after the Kerala High Court rejected his request for early bail.
The Kerala gold smuggling case, which has been at the center of state politics, is being investigated by the Directorate of Enforcement, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Customs Department. It involves the smuggling of at least 30 kg of gold allegedly through diplomatic channels in July. The 14.82 million rupee worth of gold was seized at Thiruvananthapuram airport from diplomatic baggage that was due to be delivered to the UAE consulate on July 5.
M Sivasankar had been questioned several times by the three central investigative agencies about allegations of his close ties with the defendants in the gold smuggling case.
On Wednesday morning, officials detained him at the Triveni Nursing Home in Thiruvananthapuram, where he had been admitted.
The suspended IAS official had submitted a petition to the court saying that he was questioned by various investigative agencies for more than 90 hours, but that “they have not presented any report or incriminating material against him”, in court.
The petitioner stated that he feared that “under the media propaganda and the constant demand for his arrest,” the investigating agencies would act under pressure.
However, the Directorate of Enforcement and the Customs Department had strongly opposed the request for advance bond.
The Directorate of Enforcement told the court that this is a case in which a “custody questioning” may be required, as appropriate, and that M Sivasankar had been “evasive” on certain facts when questioned. The agency also told the court that the officer was in regular contact with the defendant.
The opposition has been demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the alleged involvement of the official. However, the ruling CPM and his government allies say the suspended officer will face consequences in accordance with the law if convicted.
.
