The Customs Department, which is probing the Kerala gold smuggling case, on Friday told the state’s High Court that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, three ministers in his Cabinet and Speaker of the Assembly knew about the illegal activities through the United Arab Emirates consulate in Thiruvananthapuram, the Hindustan Times reported.
Customs and Preventive Commissioner Sumit Kumar informed the court about the involvement of Vijayan and others, citing statements given by prime accused in the case, Swapna Suresh.
“The respondent [Suresh] had clearly stated about the improper and illegal activities of the CM [chief minister], three minister[s] and the Speaker,” an affidavit submitted by Kumar said. “She has also further stated about the involvement and kickbacks received by high-profile persons from various deals.”
The affidavit also mentioned Suresh’s allegation that Vijayan had close connection with the previous Consul General of the United Arab Emirates and…