First time in the history, The National Investigation Agency (NIA) completed 9 hours of questioning a seniormost IAS officer in connection with Kerala Gold smuggling case. As per indications, however, the interrogation is not limited to the controversial gold smuggling case. The interrogation will continue on Tuesday, said sources.
The suspended IT Secretary and a close aid to CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Sivasankar IAS was appearing the third interrogation in the case relating to smuggling of gold under diplomatic cover. Sivasankar reached the NIA office in Kochi around 9.30 am. A special team of NIA including officials from Kochi, Delhi and Hyderabad units are interrogating the IAS official. According to reports, the NIA team has prepared 56 questions.
Sivasankar’s involvement in the case will be probed based on whether he had helped Swapna Suresh and Sarith, the two accused in the gold smuggling case. The officials are also investigating if money gained from the smuggled gold was used for terrorist activities. The NIA needs strong evidence to arrest Sivasankar, however the country’s topmost investigathion needs to have clear evidence especially because of the repercussions it would create in the state politics and may also decide the future of CPM led Kerala government.
Earlier, Sarith had told the investigation team that Sivasankar was aware of the gold smuggling. Sarith also stated that he had visited Sivasankar at the latter’s office. As per reports, there are hints that there are contradictions in the statements he gave to the NIA and Customs.
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