The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to investigate the Thiruvananthapuram airport gold smuggling case, which implicates customs officials. The CBI will file a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and is seeking the permission of the state government for the investigation.
This decision comes in light of repeated instances of customs officials allegedly colluding in gold smuggling cases within the state.
Customs inspectors Anish Mohammad and Nithin involved in gold smuggling case. The CBI has requested detailed information and is intensifying its investigation to gather more evidence.
Since the state government had previously waived general permission for the CBI to conduct independent investigations, approval from the government is now required. However, in past corruption cases involving government officials, the government has either denied or delayed granting permission for CBI investigations.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended the customs officials, while seizing 4.8 kg of gold that had been brought from Abu Dhabi after customs clearance.
According to reports, members of the gold smuggling racket provided DRI with their phone conversations with customs officers Anish Mohammed and Nithin, revealing their alleged involvement in previous smuggling activities. Initially, the officers were protected, but subsequent action was taken after the CBI sought information on the incident.